New CalFresh Regulations: Stricter Rules for ABAWDs Recipients
Carlo Rodriguez
Published Oct 20, 2025
California’s CalFresh program, the state version of federal SNAP food benefits, is getting stricter.
Two federal laws—the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA) and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025—were signed in July 2025 and bring major changes that affect who can get and keep benefits.
Many households could lose access under the new rules.
Who is most affected?
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) are the main group impacted. These are adults considered able to work who do not have dependents.
The new law expands who falls into this group and limits how long they can receive benefits without meeting work rules.
What are the new CalFresh rules?
- Expanded age range: The ABAWD age range is increasing from 18–54 to 18–64. More adults will now be subject to work-related rules.
- Three-month limit: ABAWDs can receive benefits for up to three full months in any 36-month period unless they meet work requirements.
- Work requirement: To avoid the three-month limit, ABAWDs must work or be in approved employment/training activities for at least 80 hours per month.
- End of temporary protections: Temporary exemptions for certain vulnerable groups created under the FRA are ending.
When do these changes apply?
While the federal changes take effect in July 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a statewide waiver for California.
This waiver delays ABAWD time limits from February 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026.
In practice, this means that until the end of January 2026, CalFresh recipients in California do not have to meet the ABAWD work requirement to keep their benefits.
Current CalFresh eligibility basics
- Income: Your household’s gross and net monthly income must be under federal limits (in California, generally up to 200% of the federal poverty level).
- Citizenship/immigration: At least one person in the household must be a U.S. citizen or have an eligible immigration status.
- ABAWDs ages 18–64: Subject to the three-month limit in a 36-month period unless working or in approved activities at least 80 hours per month. Note: In California, these time limits are paused until January 31, 2026, due to the statewide waiver.
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