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February 10, 2026 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 – Modification – Approval Dear Deputy Director Garcia: This is in response to the California Department of Social Services’ (CDSS) November 4, 2025, request to waive the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) time limit for time- limited participants, formerly known as able-bodied adults without dependents. 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 time-limited participants 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. Time-limited participants are required to work or participate in a work program for at least 80 hours a month or to complete workfare. The SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program is one of many ways that time-limited participants can meet this requirement and helps SNAP participants gain skills and find work that moves them toward self-sufficiency. Connecting participants to California’s 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 U.S. Department of Agriculture Enclosure Food and Nutrition Service, Braddock Metro Center, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314 USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.