New CalFresh Requirements Have Begun
The California statewide waiver that allowed certain CalFresh recipients to receive benefits without meeting requirements expired on Nov. 2, 2025. Most counties in California, including San Bernardino County, have implemented the Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) work and community engagement requirements.
Under ABAWD rules, some adult CalFresh recipients must meet work and community engagement requirements to continue receiving benefits. This generally includes participating in employment, training or approved activities for at least 20 hours per week (80 hours per month). Individuals who do not meet the requirements and do not qualify for an exemption may be limited to three months of CalFresh benefits within a three-year period.
You may be subject to ABAWD work and community engagement requirements if you:
- Are 18 to 64 years old
- Are not residing with a child under the age of 14 in your CalFresh household
- Are physically and mentally able to participate for at least 20 hours per week
- Do not meet an exemption
ABAWD exemptions
You may be exempt from ABAWD work and community engagement requirements if you meet any of the following:
- Residing with a child under age 14 in the CalFresh household
- Pregnant
- Physically or mentally unfit for employment
- Receiving disability-based benefits or otherwise unable to work
- Participating in a qualifying substance use disorder treatment program
- A student enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education (if otherwise eligible)
- Complying with CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work or another comparable program
- Working an average of 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month
- Participating in a qualifying employment and training program
Note: Individuals complying with CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work or another comparable program may also qualify for an exemption.
Additional exemptions
- Individuals who meet the definition of Indian, Urban Indian or California Indian
- Other exemptions may apply based on individual circumstances
Recent federal changes have also removed certain exemptions. Individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans or former foster youth may now be subject to the ABAWD requirements unless they qualify for another exemption listed above.
Take action now
If you think these changes may apply to you, begin preparing now by exploring work, training or volunteer opportunities. San Bernardino County will provide resources and support to help you meet these requirements and maintain your benefits.
Not all CalFresh recipients will be affected by this change. Additional guidance and resources will be shared as the implementation of new eligibility and verification requirements approaches.
For the latest updates, please visit the following websites:
