CDSS has issued guidance regarding AB 563 which defers individuals who are considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) from mandatory placement in the CalFresh Employment and Training (E & T) Program.
AB 563 expands the deferral criteria from CalFresh E & T to include individuals subject to the ABAWD time limit which limits eligibility to three full months in a 36-month period for people between ages 18 and 50 who are not disabled and who do not have children. Counties that choose to operate CalFresh E & T programs must continue to screen work registrants to determine whether they will participate in or be deferred from mandatory CalFresh E & T placement. Deferred individuals may voluntarily participate. Note that as of the publication of this letter, all CalFresh E & T programs in California are voluntary.
AB 563 also adds job search training, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act activities, self-employment training and job retention and allowable components of CalFresh E & T programs. The statute also adds subsidized employment as an allowable CalFresh E & T program component, but implementing that is contingent on approval of a federal waiver to allow federal E & T funds to be used for subsidized employment. (ACL 18-11, January 25, 2018.)