- Last updated: June 1, 2026.
CalFresh work and community engagement requirements
Some adults without dependents, known as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD), may need to work or participate in community activities to get CalFresh.
These requirements may apply to you if you:
- Are between 18 and 64 years old
- Don’t have a disability
- Don’t have a child under 14 in your household
- Are not exempt
If you’re not sure whether this applies to you, you’re in the right place — we’ll help you understand the rules and find out if they apply to your situation.
Exemptions
You are excused from the work and community engagement requirements because you have an exemption if you:
- Are under age 18 or over 64
- Are pregnant
- Have a physical or mental health condition that makes it hard to work
- Have a child under 14 in your CalFresh household
- Are an Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian (a member or descendant of federally recognized tribes)
- Are getting disability benefits
How to meet the work and community engagement requirements
If these rules apply to you and you do not meet them, you may only be able to receive CalFresh for 3 months during a 3-year period.
To continue getting CalFresh, you need to work or participate in any combination of activities that adds up to 80 hours each month from the following:
| Activity | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Work | 20 hours/week |
|
Participate in a work-training program |
20 hours/week |
|
Go to school or career training |
20 hours/week |
|
Volunteer or do community service |
20 hours/week |
Some counties also offer workfare programs. If workfare is available in your county, the required hours may be fewer than 80 hours per month. Contact your county for details.
Ready to apply?
Review the work and community engagement requirements to understand what you need to do to get CalFresh. When you’re ready, visit BenefitsCal to apply.
How to report changes
If your work hours drop, you lose your job, or your health changes, contact your county as soon as possible. You may qualify for:
- An exemption
- Help through work or work-training program
You can report changes through BenefitsCal or by contacting your county office directly.
Most people want to know
What are the work and community engagement requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)?
Some adults without dependents need to work or participate in a community engagement activity to continue receiving CalFresh for more than 3 months within a 3-year period.
These work requirements apply to adults ages 18 to 64 who don’t have a child under 14 in their CalFresh household and don’t qualify for an exemption.
The work and community engagement requirements took effect in California on June 1, 2026.
Do these work and community engagement requirements apply to me?
These requirements apply if you:
- Are between 18 and 64 years old
- Do not have a disability
- Do not have a child under 14 in your CalFresh household
- Are not exempt
Adults who live in a CalFresh household with a child under age 14 do not need to meet these requirements.
How can I be excused from the work requirements?
You don’t have to meet the work and community engagement requirements if you:
- Are under age 18 or over 64
- Have a physical or mental health condition that makes it hard to work
- Have a child under 14 in your CalFresh household
- Are pregnant
- Are getting disability benefits
- Are participating in an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) training program
- Are an Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian (a member or descendant of federally recognized tribes)
You can upload proof, like pay stubs or a doctor’s note, online at BenefitsCal.com. It’s quick, secure, and helps your county confirm your exemption.
What if I can’t meet the work and community engagement requirements?
If you’re having trouble meeting the work and community engagement requirements, contact your county right away.
They may be able to help you find a work or training program, or see if you qualify for an exemption to keep your benefits.
If your work hours decrease, you lose your job, or your health changes, tell your county as soon as possible. You may qualify for an exemption or different reporting requirements.
If you lose CalFresh because of these requirements, you may be able to receive benefits again if you start meeting the requirements or qualify for an exemption.
Do I lose benefits right away if I have an exemption but there is a change in my situation?
If you no longer qualify for an exemption or can’t be excused from the work and community engagement requirements because something changed in your situation, you will receive 3 additional months of benefits, unless you qualify for a different exemption.
If one person in your household does not meet the requirements and does not qualify for an exemption, that person may lose benefits after the time limit is reached. Other eligible household members can usually continue receiving benefits, although the household’s total benefit amount may decrease.
Need help before applying?
If you have questions about documents, the interview, or your specific situation, our CalFresh team can help.
