CalFresh Update 2023-13

Changes to the ABAWD Time Limit Policy

Date References Clerical Handbook(s) Revised
10/12/2023 ACL 23-80 None CalFresh ABAWD Chapter

Background

The President signed the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 into law, enacting three new changes to the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) time limit policy. 

Changes

The new ABAWD rules have been modified in the following three areas: 
 

  • Gradually increasing the age of those subject to the ABAWD time limit (9/1/2023 to 10/1/2030),
  • Adding three new exemption criteria (9/1/2023 to 10/1/2030),
  • limiting states' ability to accrue and carry over discretionary exemptions (10/1/2023 to indefinite). 

 

During the waiver period, the following must be continued: 

 

  • Identify ABAWDs, screen for exemptions, and inform households of ABAWD rules. This includes screening for and applying the new ABAWD time limit exemptions at intake, recertification, and during the certification period. 
  • Provide "CalFresh Time Limit For Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents" (CF 377.11C) until  "CalFresh Notice of Work Rules (CF 866)" becomes available in the DEBS Forms Library or CalSAWS. 
  • Track and report work registrant, ABAWD, and Employment and Training (E&T) data on the Non-Assistance CalFresh Work Registrants, ABAWD, and Employment and Training Program Quarterly Statistical (STAT 47) report. 

 

Refer to the CalFresh handbook chapter, ABAWD Work Requirements, for details regarding the new rules.

Implementation

The changes are effective immediately. 

Documentation

When applying the new ABAWD time limit exemptions, counties are required to verify the ABAWD exemptions only when the relevant information is not available in the case record or if the information is questionable.  EW staff must document which verification method was used for the exemption and why the information was questionable.

Data Systems

The CalSAWS system will be updated to implement the changes. Until then, staff can refer to Chewable Byte 2023-78 for the workaround. 

Other Programs

The changes in this Update only apply to the CalFresh Program. 

Supervisors

EW Supervisors must review the changes with their unit EWs upon receipt of this Update.

Angela Shing, Director 
Department of Employment & Benefit Services 
Contact Person(s): Michelle Demetrius, CalFresh 408-755-7540