These rules are often called:

• ABAWD rules (“Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents”)
• Work and Community Engagement Requirements

The ABAWD work requirement applies to you if you:

• Are between the ages of 18 and 64 years old
• Do not have a dependent child under 14 years old
• Are considered physically and mentally able to work at least 20 hours per week
• Are not excused from the rule

If the ABAWD work requirement applies to you, you will need to have a job, volunteer, or be enrolled in school or a job training program. If you’re working, you must work an average of 20 hours each week or earn $217.50 per week before taxes.

If you’re in school or a training program, you must have total class time of 20 hours each week or be enrolled at least half-time.

If you do not meet this requirement, you will only be able to get CalFresh benefits for three months over a three-year period. 

Additionally, some CalFresh recipients who were previously excused from these rules will now also have to meet work requirements to continue to get CalFresh benefits unless they can be excused for a different reason.

This new group may include CalFresh recipients who are:

• Aged 55–64 years old
• Parents whose youngest child is 14 or older
• Experiencing homelessness
• Veterans
• Currently or were in foster care on their 18th birthday

You can read more about the CalFresh changes on the California Department of Social Services websitesite here.