New CalFresh Work Requirements

Effective June 1, 2026, CalFresh participants who are known as able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) may be required to meet a monthly work requirement to receive CalFresh for more than 3 months in a 36-month period unless they have an exemption.  

If you are already receiving CalFresh, you do not need to meet the work requirement until your next recertification. Your worker will discuss the work requirement during your application or recertification interview.

Who is an ABAWD?

• These rules apply to individuals who:
  • Are 18-64 years old.
  • Are able to work.
  • Do not have a dependent child under the age of 14 in their CalFresh household.

ABAWD Time Limit

• If you are required to meet the work requirement, you may only receive CalFresh benefits for three months within a 36-month period from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028, unless you:
  
  • Meet the monthly work requirements, or
  • Qualify for an exemption.

If you or another adult household member don’t meet the work requirement for three months and do not qualify for an exemption your CalFresh benefits may be stopped or reduced.

What if I can’t work?

• You can qualify for an exemption if you are:

• • Pregnant. 
  • Under 18 or over 64. 
  • Medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for work. 
  • Have a dependent child under the age of 14 in your CalFresh household.
  • Are Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. 
  • Participate in an Office of Refugee Resettlement Training Program. 
  • Excused from CalFresh Work Registration rules other than age:

• • • Caring for a dependent child under age 6 or someone with a disability (they do not have to live with you).
    • Working at least 30 hours a week or earning $217.50 (current federal minimum wage of $7.25 multiplied by 30 hours) each week before taxes. Since many jobs in Sonoma County pay more than the federal minimum wage, you may reach $217.50 in fewer than 30 hours of work per week. 
    • Getting or applying for unemployment benefits. 
    • Getting or applying for disability benefits from any source.
    • Disabled.
    • Going to school, college, or a training program at least half-time. 
    • In a drug or alcohol treatment program. 
    • Meeting work rules through another program, like CalWORKs.

How can I meet the work requirement?

• You can meet the work requirements by:
  • Working at least 20 hours per week or 80 hours monthly.
  • Participating in a job training or employment program for 20 hours per week or 80 hours monthly.
  • Completing volunteer or community service hours for 20 hours per week or 80 hours monthly.

Resources for Job Seeking and Community Service

Useful Forms

• Report Your Exemptions CF 377.11E - CalFresh Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) Exemption Screening Form
• Let us know If you have permanent or temporary disability CF 887 (5/25) CalFresh Medical Certification Form
• Report Volunteer or Community Service Hours CF 888 (5/25)CalFresh Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents Volunteer Work Hours Verification Form

Need Help?

To ask a question, report a change or reduction in work hours, or claim an exemption, please visit Benefitscal.com, contact the Economic Assistance Service Center at (877) 699-6868, or visit a local office.