Who is exempt from CalFresh (SNAP) work requirements in California?
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New national legislation passed in 2025 expanded work requirement rules for CalFresh recipients across the country—that means more people have to show proof they’re meeting the requirements or risk losing their benefits.
As of June 1, 2026, if you get CalFresh (SNAP benefits) in California and you're considered an “able-bodied adult without dependents” (ABAWD), you may need to show you’re working, volunteering, or in a training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours a month), or earning at least $217.50 a week before taxes to keep getting benefits for more than 3 months in a 3-year period. None of your months count until your county has screened you for exemptions, which will happen at your next renewal.
But many people in California may be exempt from these work requirements (meaning you don’t have to meet them) and not even know it.
You may be exempt from the ABAWD work requirements in California if you are:
- 65 or older
- Under 18
- Living with a child under 14
- Physically or mentally unable to work more than 20 hours per week
- Currently pregnant
- An American Indian, Alaska Native, Urban Indian, or California Indian who qualifies under federal rules
- Enrolled at least half-time in a recognized school, training, or college program
- Providing care for someone who cannot care for themselves, or for a child under 6, even if they don’t live with you
- Meeting work requirements for another program, like CalWORKs, or receiving or applying for unemployment benefits
- A regular participant in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment and rehabilitation program
- Unable to work because of drug or alcohol addiction, domestic violence, or chronic homelessness related to a physical or mental health issue
Veterans and youth aging out of foster care used to be part of this list, but are no longer automatically exempt and will now need to meet these work requirements. People experiencing homelessness are also no longer automatically exempt, although chronic homelessness tied to a physical or mental health issue may still qualify for an exemption.
Where was the ABAWD work requirement waived in California?#where-was-the-abawd-work-requirement-waived-in-california
California waived the ABAWD work requirement in seven counties from November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026:
- Alpine
- Colusa
- Imperial
- Merced
- Monterey
- Plumas
- Tulare
If you live in one of these counties, you don't have to meet the ABAWD work requirement during this period. This means you may be able to keep receiving CalFresh for more than three months even if you aren't working or completing another qualifying activity.
For the general work requirement exemptions that apply to all CalFresh recipients aged 16–59 (not just ABAWDs) — read our full guide to SNAP work exemptions.
How do I report a CalFresh work exemption in California?#how-do-i-report-a-calfresh-work-exemption-in-california
Once you know you qualify for an exemption, you should tell your county CalFresh office. You can report an exemption when you apply for CalFresh, during your CalFresh renewal (recertification), or anytime your circumstances change.
For many exemptions, telling your caseworker is enough. California generally accepts your word for it unless something about your situation needs a closer look.
Here’s how to report that you’re exempt in California:
- Online: BenefitsCal.com
- By phone: CalFresh Benefits Helpline, 1-877-847-3663
- In person: Find your county office
What documents do I need to prove an exemption?#what-documents-do-i-need-to-prove-an-exemption
Some exemptions are confirmed automatically from what's already in your case file; others need documentation. Here’s what you might need for each exemption:
If you’re 65 or older, or under 18#if-youre-65-or-older-or-under-18
No extra proof needed—your age is already on file with your case.
If you’re living with a child under 14#if-youre-living-with-a-child-under-14
No extra proof needed. This is usually confirmed from the household information already in your case file.
You don't need to be the child's parent or have legal custody, and more than one adult in your household can qualify for the exemption based on the same child.
If you’re physically or mentally unable to work#if-youre-physically-or-mentally-unable-to-work
If you can't work because of a physical or mental condition—including addiction or chronic homelessness tied to a health issue—your CalFresh office may ask for proof, like a note from a doctor or other healthcare provider, such as a social worker or nurse, or proof that you receive disability benefits like SSDI, SSI, workers' compensation, VA disability, or state disability benefits.
If your condition is obvious—for example, you're in a cast, or your caseworker can clearly see that you can't work—you typically won't need additional documentation.
Your county may ask your healthcare provider to complete the CalFresh Medical Certification Form ( CF 887) to confirm that your condition prevents you from working. If you're given this form, have your provider fill it out and return it to your county CalFresh office or upload it to your BenefitsCal account.
If you’re pregnant#if-youre-pregnant
Just telling your caseworker is usually enough. California will only ask for medical documentation of your due date under certain circumstances.
If you’re a member of a certain Native American or Alaska Native tribe or group#if-youre-a-member-of-a-certain-native-american-or-alaska-native-tribe-or-group
Self-reporting is enough to qualify for this exemption—you don't need to provide documentation unless your caseworker has a specific reason to ask for it.
If you’re enrolled at least half-time in school, training, or college#if-youre-enrolled-at-least-half-time-in-school-training-or-college
Telling your caseworker is generally enough. California may ask for something like a school verification letter only if it needs to double-check
If you’re responsible for the care of someone who cannot care for themselves#if-youre-responsible-for-the-care-of-someone-who-cannot-care-for-themselves
The person you care for doesn’t need to live with you. Telling your caseworker is usually enough—no extra proof needed unless your situation needs more clarity. If it does, California will ask for a doctor's statement confirming the person's condition and how many hours of care they need.
If more than one person in your household is claiming this exemption for the same individual, you'll also need a doctor's note confirming that the person requires more than one caregiver.
If you’re unable to work due to being a victim or survivor of domestic violence#if-youre-unable-to-work-due-to-being-a-victim-or-survivor-of-domestic-violence
Telling your caseworker is usually enough to qualify for this exemption, and you generally do not need to provide detailed evidence of the abuse. If your caseworker needs more information, a police report, or a written statement from a domestic violence counselor, medical or mental health professional, or social worker should work.
If you’re receiving or applying for unemployment benefits#if-youre-receiving-or-applying-for-unemployment-benefits
You typically don't need to submit anything. If you've applied for unemployment benefits but haven't started receiving them yet, your own statement is enough. If you're already receiving unemployment, telling your caseworker is generally enough, too; California will only check further with the Employment Development Department (EDD) if something about your situation seems questionable.
If you’re a regular participant in a drug or alcohol treatment program#if-youre-a-regular-participant-in-a-drug-or-alcohol-treatment-program
You may need to provide proof that you’re actively participating in the program, such as a letter or other document from your treatment facility. If you have documentation showing your participation, provide it to your county CalFresh office.
How to appeal a CalFresh work requirement determination in California#how-to-appeal-a-calfresh-work-requirement-determination-in-california
If California denies your exemption, decides you're not meeting the work requirement, or cuts off your benefits because of the ABAWD time limit, you have the right to appeal. This is called a fair hearing.
How to request a hearing: Contact the CDSS State Hearings Division by phone at 1-800-743-8525 or online. You can also send this form by email to SHDCSU@dss.ca.gov, or by mail to CDSS State Hearings Division, PO Box 944243, MS 21-37, Sacramento, CA 94244-2430. You don't need a lawyer to request one, though free legal help is available (see below).
Deadline to request a hearing: You have 90 days from the date on your notice to request a fair hearing.
Keeping your benefits during the appeal: To keep your current benefits while your appeal is pending, request the hearing within 10 days of your notice date or before your benefits are set to stop. Your benefits won't continue past your certification period, so you'll still need to recertify on time even if your appeal is ongoing.
If you win: Your CalFresh benefits will be restored, including any missed while your appeal was pending.
If you lose: If you kept getting CalFresh deposits while your appeal was pending, you may have to pay back any benefits you weren't eligible for.
Free legal help: Legal Services of Northern California, California Rural Legal Assistance, Bay Area Legal Aid, or search LawHelpCA for a legal aid office near you.
