Two major changes to CalFresh — California’s food stamp program — are in effect in 2026, both stemming from the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) signed into law in July 2025. The first change, affecting many noncitizen residents, took effect April 1, 2026. The second, expanding work requirements for adults without children, took effect June 1, 2026.
Together, these changes represent the largest shift in CalFresh eligibility in years. California’s Department of Social Services estimates that approximately 562,000 CalFresh users could ultimately lose access to their food benefits as a result.
Change 1 — Noncitizen Eligibility Narrowed (Effective April 1, 2026)
Starting April 1, 2026, several categories of lawfully present immigrants who previously qualified for federal CalFresh benefits became ineligible. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) confirmed these changes, which eliminated eligibility for most lawfully present immigrants based on their immigration status.
Who lost CalFresh eligibility as of April 1:
- Refugees, parolees, and asylees who were previously eligible under humanitarian protections now face restrictions depending on when they entered and under what category
- Several immigration classifications that had been protected under prior federal rules were removed from the eligible categories list
What partially cushions the impact: California maintains its own state-funded California Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which provides CalFresh-equivalent benefits to immigrants who are excluded from the federal program. CFAP is funded entirely by the state of California rather than the federal government. Californians who lose federal CalFresh due to immigration status changes should contact their county social services office to ask about CFAP eligibility.
Green card holders (Legal Permanent Residents) generally remain eligible for federal CalFresh. California also waives the previous five-year waiting period that most states impose on newly arrived LPRs, meaning most green card holders can apply immediately without waiting.
Change 2 — Expanded Work Requirements for ABAWDs (Effective June 1, 2026)
Starting June 1, 2026, CalFresh recipients between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not live with a child under 14 are required to meet work or community engagement requirements — or risk losing benefits after three months.
Who these requirements apply to:
These rules target ABAWDs — Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents. Under H.R. 1, the definition expanded significantly:
- The upper age limit rose from 49 to 64 — meaning adults aged 50–64 who had previously been exempt are now covered
- The dependent child exemption threshold dropped from children 17 and under to children under 14 — meaning parents or caregivers of children aged 14–17 are now subject to work requirements
- Several prior exemptions were removed, including exemptions that had previously applied to veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth
What the requirements are:
ABAWDs subject to these rules must complete 20 hours per week (or an average of 80 hours per month) of qualifying activities:
- Paid employment
- Volunteer work or community service
- Job training or workforce programs
- Education
- Workfare
- Any combination of the above
The consequence of not meeting requirements:
ABAWDs who do not meet the work requirement and do not qualify for an exemption can only receive CalFresh for 3 months within any 36-month period.
Who is still exempt:
You do not have to meet the work requirements if you are:
- Under 18 or over 64
- Unable to regularly work 20 hours per week because of a physical or mental health condition
- Pregnant
- Responsible for the care of a child under 14 in your CalFresh household
- Caring for a sick, injured, or disabled person
- Enrolled in school at least half-time
- Meeting or excused from CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work rules
- Receiving or applying for unemployment benefits
- Receiving or applying for disability benefits — including veterans’ disability, workers’ compensation, SSI, or state temporary/permanent disability benefits
- Participating in an Office of Refugee Resettlement training program
- A member or descendant of a federally recognized tribe
How the screening works:
Starting this month, CalFresh recipients must complete a county screening — either when they first apply, or at their next recertification. The screening repeats at every subsequent recertification. A prescreening tool is available online through CDSS with questions about disability, income, and caregiving responsibilities. Call (877) 847-3663 or contact your county social services office for help.
The seven counties with waivers — no work requirement through October 31:
The federal government has granted seven California counties temporary waivers, allowing them not to enforce the new requirement until October 31, 2026:
- Alpine
- Colusa
- Imperial
- Merced
- Monterey
- Plumas
- Tulare
If you live in one of these counties, you can continue receiving CalFresh without meeting the work requirement through October 31.
Current recipients vs. new applicants:
Current CalFresh recipients will not need to meet the work requirements until their annual renewal date. New applicants must demonstrate they meet the requirements starting June 1.
How Many Californians Are Affected
The scale is significant:
- Approximately 2.6 million Californians are subject to the expanded work requirements starting June 1, based on CDSS estimates cited in Governor Newsom’s revised state budget
- Of those, the administration estimates approximately 560,000 individuals will not meet the work requirement or qualify for an exemption — meaning they may lose CalFresh benefits after three months
- Nationwide, SNAP enrollment fell by approximately 3.4 million people between August 2025 and January 2026 following H.R. 1’s passage
What Has NOT Changed
Income limits: CalFresh income limits update every October 1, not June. California’s current income limits — in effect October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 — have not changed mid-year. Most California households continue to qualify with gross income up to 200% FPL through California’s Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE).
Benefit amounts: The monthly benefit amounts you receive have not changed in June. They will update again in October 2026 when the new Thrifty Food Plan figures take effect.
Asset rules: California still has no asset limit for most CalFresh households. Most households do not need to prove they have limited savings or assets.
Green card holders: Legal Permanent Residents remain eligible and California still waives the federal five-year waiting period.
What to Do If You’re Affected
If you lost benefits due to immigration status changes (April 1):
Contact your county social services office to ask about eligibility for California’s state-funded CFAP program, which provides the same food benefits to immigrants who don’t qualify for federal CalFresh. Apply at BenefitsCal.com or call your county office directly.
If you’re subject to the new work requirements (June 1):
- Use CDSS’s online prescreening tool to check whether you are likely exempt — it asks about disability, income, and caregiving
- If not exempt, contact your county social services office about connecting with work, education, or volunteer programs that count toward the requirement
- Current recipients: your work requirement is not triggered until your recertification date — so you have time to prepare
- Call (877) 847-3663 or contact your county office to start the required screening
If you’re unsure of your status:
Contact your county social services office directly, apply or check your case at BenefitsCal.com, or call 211 for referrals to local assistance.
Check Your CalFresh Eligibility
If you’re not currently on CalFresh and aren’t sure whether you qualify under the new rules, use the CalFresh eligibility checker to estimate eligibility. California’s income limits remain generous — 200% FPL — and many working households still qualify.
For a full breakdown of current CalFresh income limits, exemptions, and how to apply, see California SNAP income limits and eligibility rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how does it affect CalFresh?
H.R. 1 — the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — is federal legislation signed in July 2025 that overhauled SNAP eligibility rules nationwide. For CalFresh, it narrowed noncitizen eligibility (effective April 1, 2026) and expanded work requirements for adults without young children (effective June 1, 2026).
Who lost CalFresh benefits on April 1?
Several categories of lawfully present immigrants lost federal CalFresh eligibility on April 1, 2026, including some refugees, parolees, and asylees. California’s state-funded CFAP program may provide an alternative — contact your county office to ask.
Who is affected by the June 1 work requirements?
CalFresh recipients ages 18–64 who don’t live with a child under 14 are now subject to work requirements. This is a broader group than before — the previous upper age limit was 49 and the child exemption covered children up to age 17. You must work, volunteer, or train for 20 hours per week to avoid losing benefits after three months.
Do current CalFresh recipients have to meet work requirements right now?
Current recipients don’t face the work requirements until their annual renewal. New applicants are subject to them starting June 1, 2026. Use the time before your renewal to connect with your county about qualifying activities.
Are there any counties where work requirements don’t apply?
Yes — seven California counties have federal waivers through October 31, 2026: Alpine, Colusa, Imperial, Merced, Monterey, Plumas, and Tulare. Residents of those counties can continue receiving CalFresh without meeting work requirements until the waiver expires.
Where can I get help?
Contact your county social services office, apply or manage your case at BenefitsCal.com, call 211, or reach the California Department of Social Services at 1-877-847-3663.
For current CalFresh income limits and how to apply, see the California CalFresh eligibility guide. This article covers changes as of June 2026 — verify details with CDSS or your county office as rules can change.