Statewide Waiver

While the ABAWD time limit rule was suspended due to COVID-19 as of April 1, 2020, California was approved for a waiver of the ABAWD time limit statewide beginning July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022. CA then received a statewide waiver from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, based on the State’s unemployment rate which was later extended until October 31, 2025.  

A new two-year ABAWD time limit statewide waiver has been approved effective February 1, 2025, through January 31, 2027. 

California Waiver Implementation Policies

Regardless of waiver status, counties must remain ready to transition off of the waiver when it expires and resume the time limit. All counties must continue to:

  • Identify ABAWDs, screen for exemptions using the ABAWD Screening and CFET Referral Form (SCD 2495), and inform clients of ABAWD rules.
  • Provide the CalFresh Notice of Work Rules (CF 886) along with a comprehensive oral explanation of each applicable work rule to all household members subject to the CalFresh work rules.
  • Track the ABAWD calendar continuously during the 3-year period.
  • Apply sanction requirements for CalFresh work registrants who voluntarily quit a job of 30 hours or more per week or which provides weekly earnings equal to, or greater than, the federal minimum wage times 30 or who reduce the weekly number of hours worked to less than 30 without good cause.
  • The Percentage Exemption (known as “15% exemption”) must NOT be used during the waiver period under any circumstances.
  • Track and report work registrant, ABAWD, and Employment and Training (E&T) data on the Non-Assistance CalFresh Work Registrants, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents, and Employment and Training Program Quarterly Statistical (STAT 47) report.