DPSS ePolicy

If a HH is eligible for CalFresh Expedited Services (ES), the applicant and all other non-exempt HH members shall be registered to work prior to CalFresh certification. Work Registration is handled automatically by the county when a responsible adult signs the application. If any Work Registration exemptions require verification they are postponed so benefits are not delayed.

Note: Participants who are disqualified for failure to meet the Work Registration requirements are not eligible for CalFresh ES until the disqualification period has been completed or the participant becomes exempt.

HHs subject to CalFresh Work Rules must receive:

• A written notice of work rules (CF 886); and
• A comprehensive oral explanation of applicable work requirements.

The CF 886 must be provided at:

• Intake;
• RE; and
• Any time a HH member becomes newly subject to CalFresh work rules.

The oral explanation must include information regarding:

• Work Registration Requirements;
• ABAWD Time Limit Requirements, when applicable; and
• Who is exempt and why, as well as who must meet the requirements.

Note: A good faith effort must be made when providing the HH with an oral explanation.

To comply with the CalFresh Work Registration requirements, a Work Registrant must:

• Provide sufficient information on employment status or availability for work;
  
  
• Report to an employer when referred by the county or employment & training provider;
  
  
• Accept a bona fide offer of suitable employment; and
  
  
• Not voluntarily quit a job of 30 or more hours a week or reduce work hours to less than 30 hours a week, which includes reducing earnings to less than $217.50 weekly.

There are no mandatory mid-period reporting requirements associated with Work Registration. However, individuals who voluntarily quit employment or reduce hours/earnings without good cause may be subject to CalFresh disqualification once the change is known to the county. These policies also apply to an applicant's voluntary quit or reduction of hours that occurred within 60 days before applying.

An individual exempt from Work Registration at certification remains exempt until RE unless: 

• A reported change impacts the individual’s exemption status in a beneficial way; and
  
• The change is subject to Semi-Annual Reporting (SAR) requirements.

The SAR reporting requirements include the periodic report (SAR 7), RE, and mandatory mid-period reports.

If a CalFresh participant experiences a change in circumstances that impacts their Work Registration status and is subject to SAR reporting requirements, the Work Registrant must be registered for work within 10 days of the date the change is reported.

If a reported change is not subject to mandatory reporting requirements, the individual's Work Registration status remains unchanged until their next RE.

Changes not subject to reporting requirements are:

• Loss of student status;
  
  
• Child becomes 18 years of age;
  
  
• Youngest child turns six years old; and
  
  
• No longer caring for an incapacitated person.

The CF 377.11E is a form used to screen CalFresh HHs for exemptions to both Work Registration and ABAWD. This form was recently updated in August 2025 to remove temporary ABAWD exemptions and include new and revised exemptions. This form is not a required form but may be used as a tool to support exemption determinations.

An individual may be exempt from CalFresh Work Registration requirements for the following reasons:

• A person under 16 years of age; 60 years of age or older; or 16 to 17 years of age who is not the head of HH, is attending school, or enrolled in an employment training program at least half-time.
  
  
  • Acceptable Verification (Including, but not limited to):
    
    
    • Birth Certificate; 
      
      
    • Government-issued Driver's License or photo Identification Card; or
      
      
    • Participant's statement.  
       

• A person physically or mentally unfit for employment. The conditions include:
  
  
  • The disability is expected to last at least 30 calendar days;
    
    
  • The disability significantly impairs the individual's ability to be regularly employed or participate in employment activities;
    
    
  • The individual is actively seeking appropriate treatment;
    
    
  • An individual is exempt if they provide verifiable evidence of a physical unfitness, such as a current hospitalization, the use of a wheelchair, a reliance on medical assistive equipment, or a broken bone; or
    
    
  • If a cash aid participant [e.g., California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)] is exempt from Work Registration requirements under the cash aid program due to physical or mental unfitness, the determination used by the cash aid program will be acceptable for CalFresh purposes.
    
    
  • Acceptable Verification (Including, but not limited to):
    
    
    • Award letter (Social Security Administration, Employment Development Department, Veterans Affairs)
      
      
    • Written statement from a physician or licensed or certified staff identifying the existence of a disability, including the expected duration of the disability, and the extent to which the disability impairs the individual’s ability to be employed or participate in program requirements; or
      
      
    • Collateral Contact.
       
• A person registered for an employment services program.
  
  
  • Acceptable Verification (Including, but not limited to):
    
    
    • Statement from the employment services program;
       

• A person who is complying with any work requirement under Title IV of the Social Security Act including CalWORKs/Greater Avenue for Independence (GAIN) Program.
  
  
  • Acceptable Verification (Including, but not limited to):
    
    
    • Information known to the county of active compliance in GAIN.
       

• A parent or a person responsible for the care of a dependent child under age six or an incapacitated person.
  
  
  • The child or incapacitated person does not have to be a member of the CalFresh HH or living in the same home.
    
    
  • For incapacity exemption purposes, a person is considered responsible for the care of an incapacitated person.
    
    
  • Working as an In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provider qualifies for this exemption due to caring for an incapacitated person.
    
    
  • Acceptable Verification (Including, but not limited to):
    
    
    • IHSS income verification; or
      
      
    • Participant and/or incapacitated person statement.
       
• A person who is receiving Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) or who has applied for but has not yet begun to receive unemployment compensation.
  
  
  • Acceptable Verification (Including, but not limited to):
    
    
    • Award letter from Employment Development Department (EDD); or
      
      
    • Evidence of receipt or pending application for unemployment benefits, if information is not known to the county.
      
      
    • Participant's statement or GEN 853, Sworn Statement.
      
      Note: Reporting a UIB denial is not a mandatory CalFresh reporting requirement. The applicant/participant would continue to be exempt from the CalFresh Work Registration requirements until the next RE unless the participant voluntarily reports the UIB denial.
       
• A person participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program.
  
  
  • Must be operated by a public or nonprofit provider.
    
    
  • Participation must prevent them from working at least 30 hours weekly or earning at least $217.50 weekly.
    
    
  • Acceptable Verification (Including, but not limited to):
    
    
    • Written statement from the program.
       
• A person employed or self-employed, performing in-kind work, and working at least 30 hours per week or has earnings equal to the federal minimum wage for 30 hours a week.
  
  
  • In-kind work calculations will use the number of hours worked.
    
    
  • Self-employment individuals can document their work hours as being at least 30 hours per week or verified earnings at least $217.50 per week.
    
    
  • Migrant and seasonal farm workers who are under contract or have a similar agreement with an employer for being employed within 30 days are exempt.
    
    
  • Acceptable Verification (Including, but not limited to):
    
    
    • Pay stubs;
      
      
    • Income tax return;
      
      
    • Gross pay verification from the employer; or
      
      
    • GEN 853, Sworn Statement (as a last resort).
      
      
• A student enrolled at least half-time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education and meets CalFresh student eligibility requirements. See 63-406 Student Eligibility for policy regarding student eligibility. The exemption remains throughout the certification period and must be re-evaluated at the next RE.
  
  
  • Half-time participation includes enrollment in English as a Second Language or General Equivalency Diploma classes.
    
    
  • Higher education includes junior, community, two-year, or four-year college, university, or graduate school, regardless if a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
    
    
  • Students enrolled at least half-time in any of the following types of schools or training programs are exempt from the CalFresh Work Registration requirement.
    
    
    • High School - All students are considered exempt, even if the student is 18 years of age or older.
      
      
    • Institution of Higher Education - If the student meets the eligibility criteria for CalFresh. Refer to 63-406 Student Eligibility Page.
      
      
    • Job training.
      
      
    • Refugee Training Program.
      
      
  • Acceptable Verification (Including, but not limited to):
    
    
    • Participant's statement;
       
      • If questionable, a letter from the school, training program, or institution of higher education verifying enrollment.

A Work Registrant may be determined to have Good Cause for failing to comply with Work Registration requirements when circumstances beyond their control prevent compliance. A participant can report Good Cause at any time. Good Cause is determined on a month-to-month basis, unless medical note states a specific end date for illness or medical condition that is preventing the individual from working.

Examples of Good Cause may include, but not limited to:

• Illness;
  
  
• Illness of another HH member that requires the presence of the Work Registrant member;
  
  
• A HH emergency;
  
  
• Lack of adequate childcare for children ages six through 11;
  
  
• Unavailability of transportation; or
  
  
• Problems caused by the Work Registrant’s inability to speak, read, or write English.
   

Good Cause may also be provided if they:

• Provide documentation showing unpredictable employment hours, such that they cannot anticipate whether they will regularly satisfy the work registration requirement; or 
  
  
• State that their rights have been violated under color of any state, local, or federal labor law. This applies even if the applicant or participant does not specifically reference the workplace right that was violated and simply describes the action or situation that occurred. 

Failure to comply with the CalFresh Work Registration requirements without Good Cause may result in disqualification from CalFresh.

Disqualification applies only to the non-compliant individual and does not impact the eligibility of other HH members who remain otherwise eligible.

Examples of a disqualification for failure to comply without Good Cause are, but not limited to:

• Resigning from a job that is 30 hours or more per week;
• Resigning from a job that pays at least the federal minimum wage times 30 hours per week; or
• Voluntarily decreasing the number of hours worked in paid employment to less than 30 hours per week.

As of May 15, 2025, comparable disqualifications for CalFresh are no longer applicable when an individual fails to comply with the work requirements for the GAIN Program, substitute programs such as START, and unemployment compensation.

If a HH member is disqualified from one of the mentioned programs, the monthly CalFresh allotment will not increase due to a decrease in the cash grant. This policy also applies to the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) benefits. 

Individuals who are currently disqualified from participating in CalFresh due to noncompliance with one of the previous comparable disqualification reasons may participate in CalFresh before the completion of their existing disqualification period.

The disqualification period begins effectively the first of the month after the CF 377.10 CalFresh Notice of Denial/Disqualification for Failure to Meet General CalFresh Work Rules is issued. 

Disqualification Periods are as follows:

• First violation is one calendar month;
• Second violation is three calendar months; and
• Third or subsequent violation are six calendar months.

Disqualification only applies to the non-compliant HH member(s), not to the entire HH. Other members in the HH who are eligible may continue to receive CalFresh benefits.

An individual may regain eligibility by:

• Completing the applicable disqualification period; or
• Becoming exempt from the Work Registration requirements.

HHs of one must reapply by submitting a new application. However, disqualified individuals who are part of the existing CalFresh HH do not need to submit a new application. The disqualified individual, existing responsible adult HH members, or the HH’s AR may request to add the disqualified individual back to the existing HH at any time.

Any individual affected by a denial, discontinuance, reduction in benefits, or disqualification related to CalFresh Work Registration has the right to a state hearing.

The county must screen Work Registrants to determine whether participation in CFET services is appropriate.

In Los Angeles (LA) County, participation in CFET is voluntary. Failure to participate in CFET activities does not result in CalFresh disqualification.

However, all CalFresh Work Registrants must be screened for CFET good fit. The screening process determines whether the Work Registrant is a good fit for participation in an employment and training program. 

For more information on the CFET screening and referral process please see the 63-407.8 CalFresh Employment and Training Screening and Referral Page.

ABAWD

CalFresh participants between the ages of 18 and 64, who can work, do not have dependent children under age 14 in their CalFresh case, and do not meet the criteria for an exemption from the ABAWD time limits are considered ABAWD.

CFET

A program that assists approved CalFresh participants by offering activities and supportive services related to increasing employability with the goal being that the participant obtains a living wage. In LA County, the CFET Program is administered by START staff.

CFET Screening

An evaluation process by Eligibility staff to determine whether a person should or should not be referred for participation in a CFET Program. 

Good Cause

Circumstances beyond the Work Registrant's control. Good Cause is determined on a month-to-month basis, unless a medical note states a specific end date for illness or medical condition that prevents the individual from working. Verification of Good Cause is not required. 

"Good Faith" Effort

A process of making at least three separate documented contact attempts to the HH on the same and different days and at different times of the day (e.g., morning, afternoon, and evening).

"Good Fit" for CFET

CalFresh work registrants who are not applying for or receiving CalWORKs or GR benefits, can work and are or actively seeking employment and/or training opportunities, are considered eligible and can be referred to the CFET Program.

Questionable

Information is questionable if the information on the application is inconsistent with the statements made by the applicant, with other information on the application or previous applications, or with information received by the county welfare department.

 Reduction in Hours

Voluntarily decreasing the number of hours of employment to less than 30 hours per week. Individuals who reduce hours worked are subject to CalFresh disqualification. Reduction in work effort policies apply if the reduction in hours worked occurs within 60 days before application or while an individual is receiving CalFresh.

Unsuitable Employment

Unsuitable employment consists of, but not limited to, employment if it pays less than the legal federal or state minimum wage, or less than 80 percent of the federal wage if those do not apply. This also applies to piecework jobs where the hourly earnings are too low. A job is also unsuitable if it forces a worker to join, quit, or avoid a labor union, or if the workplace is currently on strike. Unsuitable jobs also include those that are dangerous to health and safety, if they are outside a person's main work experience during their first 30 days of registration, if it interferes with someone's religious beliefs or if the commute is unreasonable. An unreasonable commute means traveling more than two hours a day, or living too far to walk with no public or private transportation available.

 Voluntary Quit

Resigning from employment of at least 30 hours per week or employment that provides weekly earnings at least equal to the federal minimum wage, multiplied by 30 hours. 

Please see 63-408 Voluntary Quit for more information.

Work Registrant

An individual subject to the CalFresh Work Requirements and does not qualify for one of the Work Registration exemptions.

Individuals subject to the CalFresh Work Registration requirements must:

• Provide sufficient information regarding employment status or availability for work;
  
  
• Report to an employer when referred by the county or employment & training provider;
  
  
• Accept a bona fide offer of suitable employment; and
  
  
• Not voluntarily quit a job of 30 or more hours a week or reduce work hours to less than 30 hours a week, which includes reducing earnings to less than $217.50 weekly.  
   

 Eligibility staff must:

• Determine Work Registration status at Intake, RE, and when adding a new HH member;
  
  
• Evaluate eligibility for Work Registration exemptions;
  
  
• Provide the oral explanation and CF 886;
  
  
• Screen Work Registrants for CFET good fit; and
  
  
• Provide timely and adequate notice before imposing a disqualification.

Acceptable verification types may include, but are not limited to:

• Documentary evidence;
  
  
• Collateral contact;
  
  
• Information known to the county;
  
  
• Written or verbal statements from third parties;
  
  
• System interface information available to the county; or
  
  
• Participant's statement, when necessary.

Note: When certain verification types are unavailable to the HH, Eligibility staff must use the best available information. Per existing policy, Eligibility staff must assist HHs in securing mandatory verifications.

Refer to the Work Registration Exemption section within this policy for examples of specific verification requirements and acceptable verification standards.