CalFresh ABAWD Work Requirement

Implementation of the ABAWD program has been placed on hold due to a court injunction to temporarily stop implementation. 

At this time, the new implementation date is unknown and will be updated once the injunction is no longer in place 

CalFresh recipients between the ages of 18 and 49 without children in the home are required to meet certain work requirements. You can find more information regarding this new policy, known as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD).

Work Requirement Exemptions

You may be exempt from the work requirement if you are one of the following:

  • Under 18 or over 49
  • Earning at least $218 a week or working at least 20 hours per week on average.
  • Living in a CalFresh household with a person under age 18
  • Pregnant
  • Going to a school, college/university or training program at least half-time, including any Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) training program
  • Have a physical, mental or emotional disability that stops you from working
  • Complying with CalWORKs Welfare to Work requirements
  • Caring for a child under age 6 or someone who is ill or disabled
  • Applying for or getting unemployment insurance
  • Applying for or getting disability benefits or veterans’ disability benefits
  • Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program or struggling with addiction
  • Unable to work due to conditions related to domestic violence
  • Unable to work due to conditions related to chronic homelessness

Complete this screening form to help us find out whether you may qualify for an exemption. Bring it with you when you see an Eligibility Specialist.

Meeting CalFresh Work Requirements

If you are not exempt from working, you will be required to participate in approved activities to continue receiving CalFresh benefits. You can meet work requirements by doing one or a combination of the following:

  • Working at least 20 hours per week, on average 80 hours per month
  • Participating in a CalFresh Employment & Training or other approved employment training program for at least 20 hours per week.
  • Volunteering or performing community service for at least 20 hours per week

Interested in jobs or training? Call CareerPoint Napa at 707-253-4134 and inquire about our WIOA and CalFresh Employment & Training programs.

Need help or have questions?

Call Us:  Main Line 707-253-4511 or Toll Free 800-464-4214 (8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday) 

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