The three-month cut off does not apply to people who work 20 hours a week or more. This can include working “in kind” or in exchange for something tangible, like a place to live, or clothing [MPP § 63-410.211(b)], or participating in CalFresh Employment and Training (E&T) programs, or other acceptable training programs for 20 hours a week, or participating in workfare for the required number of hours. [7 C.F.R. § 273.24(a)(1); MPP § 63-410.212-213.]
The CalFresh E&T program is run by the county but must comply with state requirements. [MPP §§ 63-407.8, 410.213(c).] Workfare or employment training programs linked to county General Assistance (GA) programs also qualify as CalFresh employment. [7 C.F.R. § 273.7(m)(8)-(9); MPP § 63-410.212.] GA programs usually include working in exchange for CalFresh benefits, but can also include training as well as other services (e.g., domestic violence counseling, job search services, and so on.)
Workfare program participants do not necessarily need to do 20 hours a week. They only need to do the number of hours required when their CalFresh amount is divided by the minimum wage. [7 C.F.R. § 273.24 (a)(4).] Job search can be counted as an activity in certain workfare programs. [MPP § 63-410.212, 407.841(b)(I)(A).]
Other acceptable training programs include programs offered through the Workforce Investment Act Centers, including Trade Adjustment Act programs or Employment Development Department (EDD) training programs. [MPP § 63-410.213(a)-(b).] In addition, Refugee Employment Programs count as work activities. [MPP § 63-410.213(c).]
Participating in a job search or a job readiness program can count toward the work requirement if it is at a state approved location. [Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) § 4005; 7 C.F.R. § 273.7(e)(1)(i), (ii).] However, job search and job readiness only count if they are part of another employment and training component and they are done for less than half of that component’s time. [Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 § 4005; 7 C.F.R. § 273.7(e)(1); MPP § 63-410.213(c)(1).] If an ABAWD is enrolled in one of these other employment-and-training program components for 20 hours a week, she may keep her CalFresh benefits as long as she is doing job search or job readiness activities for less than ten hours per week. [7 C.F.R. § 273.7(e)(1).]
Case management services must now be part of employment and training. [Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 § 4005.]