1.29.2018 The California Department of Social Services CalFresh Branch recently a released, via All County Letter (ACL), the California Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Handbook Version 1.0. The handbook provides County Welfare Departments
(CWDs) and key stakeholders with consolidated policy guidance regarding the implementation and ongoing administration of the ABAWD time limit.
The handbook includes a general overview of the ABAWD time limit, guidance on ABAWD exemptions, and how ABAWDs subject to the time limit may maintain CalFresh eligibility by satisfying the ABAWD work requirement. Additionally, the handbook addresses counting months of ABAWD participation, losing and regaining CalFresh eligibility, and the system California will use to track an ABAWD’s eligibility and participation throughout the 36-month period. The handbook will be revised over time to include additional policy guidance and ABAWD resources.
Access the ACL and ABAWD Time Limit Handbook. PDF
The handbook was drafted and finalized with input from county CalFresh administrators, advocates, outreach partners, and other stakeholders. The state and County Welfare Departments are to be commended for promoting policies and procedures that will assist in preparing and training program administrators in the implementation of the complex ABAWD time-limit rules in order to mitigate loss of benefits for CalFresh recipients who could be subject to the time limit.
Background
The three-month CalFresh time limit for unemployed, childless adults, also known as “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWDs), will go back into effect August 31, 2018 in certain California counties, and will likely continue to affect new areas beyond 2018.
This is a federal law that was waived in the state for many years due to high unemployment. Individuals considered “ABAWDs” may only receive CalFresh benefits for a total of three full months within a 36-month period, unless the person meets an exemption or complies with certain “work requirements.”
Stay up to date on the return of the time limit on CFPA’s ABAWD Time Limit page. link
Learn more about the return of the three-month time limit from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. PDF
Questions? Contact Jared Call at 213.482.8200 ext. 201
