ABAWD Definition

Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) is a CalFresh recipient, age 18 to 49 who is able-bodied without dependent children and does not meet the criteria for an exemption from the ABAWD time limit.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2023 temporarily changed the age criteria for ABAWD until October 1, 2030. It gradually increases the age of those subject to the ABAWD time limit as follows: 

• Effective September 1, 2023, the age of those subject to the ABAWD time limit increases to 50. 
• Effective October 1, 2023, the age of those subject to the ABAWD time limit increases to 52. 
• Effective October 1, 2024, the age of those subject to the ABAWD time limit increases to 54.

 
ABAWDs are a subset of CalFresh work registrants. ABAWDs subject to the time limit are work registrants who do not qualify for an exemption from the ABAWD time limit. Because ABAWDs are a subset of work registrants, EWs must determine work registration status prior to determining whether an individual is an exempt ABAWD or an ABAWD subject to the time limit. An individual determined exempt from work registration at initial application or recertification is not a work registrant. Such individuals are not required to be screened for an exemption from the ABAWD time limit and are not subject to the mandatory ABAWD reporting requirements.

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