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ABAWD Work Rules Important Notice

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  • Los Angeles County has a waiver for the ABAWD work rules. The waiver ends on January 31, 2026. Starting February 1, 2026, new ABAWD work rules apply.
  • These rules may change because of the House of Representatives 1 (H.R.1) bill. Please check back often to stay informed.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) 

Welcome to the ABAWD information page! Here, you can learn about ABAWD work rules, who they affect, and how to keep your CalFresh benefits.

ABAWD Work Rules

In addition to these basic work registration rules, certain CalFresh participants must also follow ABAWD work rules to keep receiving benefits.

 

Who is an ABAWD?

Currently, an ABAWD is a CalFresh participant who: 

  • Is 18-54 years old,
  • Can work, and
  • Does not have children under the age of 18 living in the CalFresh household.

In the future, an ABAWD will be a CalFresh participant who: 

  • Is 18-64 years old,
  • Can work, and 
  • Does not have a dependent child under the age of 14.

If you are an ABAWD, you may only get CalFresh for three months in a 36-month period unless you: 

  • Work 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month,
  • Participate in approved work or training activities, or
  • Qualify for an exemtion.

 

ABAWD Exemptions

Currently, you do not have to meet ABAWD work rules if you are: 

  • Pregnant,
  • Under 18 or over 54,
  • Medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for work,
  • Have children under the age of 18 in your CalFresh household,
  • Expiriencing homelessness,
  • A Veteran
  • Under age 25 and were in foster care on your 18th birthday, or
  • Participating in an Office of Refugee Resettlement Training Program.

In the future, you do not have to meet ABAWD work rules if you are: 

  • Pregnant,
  • Under 18 or over 64,
  • Medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for work,
  • Caring for a dependent child under age 14,
  • An Indian, an Urban Indian, or California Indian, or 
  • Participating in an Office of Refugee Resettlement Program.

 

How to Meet ABAWD Work Requirements?

If you are an ABAWD and do not qualify for an exemption, you can meet the work requirement by doing one of the following:

  • Work
    • At least 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month.
  • Volunteer or Community Service
    • Do Community service or volunteer work for 20 hours per week or 80hours per month. 
  • Workfare
    • Complete workfare activities that offer job training and expirience for a number of hours based on your monthly CalFresh benefits, divided by the highest applicable minimum wage. 
  • CalFresh Employment & Training (CFET)
    • Participate in a CFET program for 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month. 

 

What to do if You are Having Trouble Meeting the Requirements?

Your CalFresh benefits could stop or be lowered. To get your benefits back, you may reapply once you follow the rules or qualify for an exemption.