CDSS has released a handbook about the CalFresh Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) time limit. The handbook provides policy guidance regarding implementation and administration of the ABAWD time limit.
California has had a statewide wavier of the ABARD time limit since 2008 because of a high statewide unemployment rate. The waiver will expire on August 31, 2018. Some geographic areas of the state will be ineligible for continuation of the waiver. Counties that lose waiver eligibility will be required to implement the ABAWD time limit beginning September 1, 2018. The ABAWD rule limits receipt of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (CalFresh in California) to three full months in a 36-month period for people between ages 18 and 50 who are not disabled and who do not have children.
The handbook includes a general overview of the ABAWD time limit, guidance on exemptions and how to satisfy the ABAWD work requirement. The handbook also addresses counting months of ABAWD participation, losing and regaining CalFresh eligibility and tracking ABAWD eligibility and participation. (ACL 18-08, January 26, 2018.)