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Docusign Envelope ID: FBF216A0-629D-477B-9404-4CDB7225D850
October 23, 2025 Alexis Fernández Garcia Deputy Director Family Engagement and Empowerment Division Department of Social Services 744 P Street Sacramento, California 95814 RE: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – California Request to Waive Able- Bodied Adults Without Dependents Time Limit – Initial – Approval Dear Deputy Director Garcia: This is in response to the California Department of Social Services’ (CDSS) September 12, 2025, request to waive the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) time limit for able- bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). The attached waiver response includes the approved areas, the supporting evidence used, and the conditions of approval. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) reminds the State agency that it must measure the 3- year period and track ABAWDs on a continuous basis, even in areas under a waiver. The State agency must continue tracking so that the State agency will be ready to transition off the waiver when it expires and reintroduce the time limit. FNS also reminds CDSS of the clear expectation that SNAP participants who can work, do work. ABAWDs may fulfill the ABAWD work requirement in several ways including by engaging for at least 80 hours a month in a work program. The SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program is one of many ways that ABAWDs can meet this requirement and helps SNAP participants gain skills and find work that moves them toward self-sufficiency. Connecting participants to CDSS' CalFresh Employment and Training program supports our shared goal to lift millions of Americans out of dependency and into hopeful futures. Please contact your Regional Office representative with any questions. Sincerely, Ronald Ward Acting Associate Administrator Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Food and Nutrition Service Enclosure Food and Nutrition Service, Braddock Metro Center, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314 USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.