CalFresh Time Limits / ABAWD

The passing of H.R. 1, the federal budget reconciliation bill, brings with it some SNAP/CalFresh rule changes.

H.R. 1 expanded the definition of time limits for a population called “ABAWD” (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents). People who fall into this category will be subject to a limit of three months of CalFresh benefits in a three-year period, unless they meet specific conditions such as working a minimum number of hours or qualifying for an exemption. The expanded time limits will now apply to the following people:

  • Adults up to age 65 (previously it was age 54)

  • People with children under the age of 14 (previously it was 18)

  • Veterans

  • Adults experiencing homelessness

  • Former foster youth

  • Some Native American adults (with limited exemptions)

Not everyone will be classified as subject to time limits/ABAWD, and there are layers of eligibility the county will look at to determine if people qualify for an exemption.

What it requires of individuals between the ages of 18 and 64:

If a household member does not meet an exemption from work requirements, then they will be screened for an exception to the time limit, which can include:

  • Earning at least $217.50/week or doing 20 hours/week in any combo of work, education, volunteering, or training activities

  • Responsible for care of a dependent child under 14 years old or the care of an incapacitated person (of any age)

  • Student at least half time or more in any school or training program

  • Pregnant

  • Applying for or receiving Unemployment benefits

  • Participating in drug/alcohol treatment program of any kind

  • Physically/mentally unable to meet minimum work requirements

  • Some tribal members

Some things to note about the changes:

  • In California, the start date for countable months is June 1st, 2026.

  • New applications received prior to June 1st will not have countable months until the household’s next renewal.

  • For recertifications that have a renewal month of May 2026 or earlier, they will NOT be subject to countable months until their next renewal.

  • Starting June 1st, the county will only screen for time limits at application and renewal.

  • If a person is found exempt from time limits, that exemption will remain in place until their next renewal.

Other details about Time Limits / ABAWD:

  • California’s 3-year clock restarts January 2026 and resets again January 2029. Everyone is on the same 3-year clock.

  • County interviews will be more in depth than they may have been in the past. This is to help our community by screening for exemptions.

  • Every situation is unique. Please contact the DHHS Call Center as questions arise with your case 1-877-410-8809.

Use this handy pre-screening tool to see if the rules impact you:

  • This pre-screening tool provided by California Department of Social Services (CDSS) can help you see if you might be required to meet CalFresh work and community engagement rules to keep your benefits, or whether you may be excused from the new rules.

  • The result of this tool is NOT an official eligibility determination, and it cannot be used as documentation for being excused from the work and community engagement rules.

  • You must contact your county to report your work or community engagement hours or reason for being excused.

Need additional help with finding work?

  • The Humboldt County DHHS Employment Training office can help with job search, workshops, and coaching.

  • 537 W. Washington Street, Eureka.

What will reporting look like?

  • People with time limits must tell the county any time their work and community activities fall below 80 hours/month, within 10 days of the change.

  • If an adult with a time limit becomes exempt, or begins to meet the work rules, it is their responsibility to inform the county so that they don’t use countable months.

How long are exemptions valid?

  • The certification period for adults with a time limit is 12 months.

  • Exemptions are valid for the length of the certification period (12 months for many households. 36 months for some individuals age 60+)

  • If the adult has an exemption that is expected to be temporary, they will be exempt until their next recertification, at which they’ll be interviewed and re-screened.

If I am subject to time limits, what kind of notice will I receive?

  • The county will send a discontinuance notice if all of the following applies for an adult with a time limit:

    • Not met an exemption

    • Not met the work rule

    • Used all three countable months.

  • Discontinuance notices will also be sent when all of these conditions are met for CalFresh recipients who recertify and do not report any changes.

  • Notices will be sent no later than 10 days prior to discontinuance.

Additional resources and information:

Time Limits flyer in English and Spanish

Time Limits fact sheet in English and Spanish

More info at CDSS

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