CalFresh ABAWD Work Requirement

ABAWD time limits are returning for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) starting June 1, 2026.

Beginning June 1, 2026, some CalFresh recipients who do not meet federal work requirements or qualify for an exemption will be limited to receiving three (3) months of CalFresh within a 36-month period. These rules apply to any CalFresh recipient between the ages of 18-64, able to work, and do not meet the criteria for an ABAWD time limit exemption.

New applications received on or after June 1, 2026, will be screened for ABAWD work requirements and exemptions.

Current CalFresh recipients will be screened for ABAWD work requirements and exemptions at their next recertification due in June 2026 or later.

Meeting CalFresh Work Requirements

ABAWDs who do not qualify for an exemption will be required to meet the work requirements to continue receiving CalFresh benefits. ABAWDs can meet the work requirements by doing one or a combination (except for Workfare) of the following:

  • Working at least 20 hours per week or an average of 80 hours per month
  • Participating in a CalFresh Employment and Training or other approved employment training program for at least 20 hours per week/80 hours per month
  • Volunteering or performing community service for at least 20 hours per week/80 hours per month
  • Participating in a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program
  • Participating in the required number of weekly Workfare hours, determined by the Alameda County Social Services Agency based on your benefit amount

ABAWD Time Limit Exemptions

ABAWDs may be exempt from the 3-month time limit if they are:

  • Under 18 or over 64 years of age
  • Part of the same CalFresh household as a child under the age of 14
  • Pregnant
  • Is an Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian as defined by the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA)
  • Exempt from CalFresh Work Registration which includes individuals who are:
    • Physically or mentally unfit for employment
    • Complying with CalWORKs work program or other work requirement under Title IV of the Social Security Act
    • A parent of or responsible for the care of a dependent child under the age of 6
    • Responsible for the care of an incapacitated person
    • Receiving or have applied for unemployment insurance benefits (UIB)
    • A regular participant in a drug addiction or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program
    • Employed or self-employed at least 30 hours per week or receiving weekly earnings of at least $217.50
    • Enrolled in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education on at least a half-time basis
  • Medically certified as physically or mentally unfit to work. This also includes:
    • Individuals who have applied for or are receiving temporary or permanent disability benefits such as, but not limited to Veteran's disability benefits, worker's compensation, or SSI/SSP
    • Individuals who are chronically homeless
    • Individuals who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction
    • Victims of domestic violence
  • Participating in an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) training program at least half-time

CalFresh applicants and recipients are encouraged to complete and submit the Form CF 377.11E - CalFresh Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Time Limit Exemption Screening Form (linked below) for each member of the household that meets any of the ABAWD exemptions or work requirements listed above. An eligibility worker will also conduct a complete screening to determine if an ABAWD is subject to the time limit.

You can access the ABAWD screening sheet (Form CF 377.11E) in the following languages:

Once completed, the ABAWD screening form may be submitted:

  • In-person at an Alameda County Social Services Agency office located here (excluding the Edgewater Dr. and Jackson St. Offices)
  • Online at https://BenefitsCal.com
  • By mail to P.O. Box 12941, Oakland, CA 94604
  • By fax to (510) 670-5095

Interested in jobs or training? Contact your eligibility worker or call (510) 263-2420 or 1 (888) 999-4772 and inquire about our CalFresh Employment & Training program!

Need help or have questions?
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Call: (510) 263-2420 or 1 (888) 999-4772 (8 AM - 5 PM, Monday - Friday)