Work Requirements

Effective June 1, 2026, changes will impact CalFresh work requirements. This includes a component that is called Able-bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). Evaluations will be completed at initial application and recertification.

  • Current CalFresh customers and individuals applying for CalFresh who are:

    • Adults (aged 18-64)

    • Not meeting a CalFresh work requirement exemption

  • The new rules do not apply if you are:

    • Under aged 18 or over age 64

    • A parent of, or responsible for the care of, a dependent child under the age of 14

    • Physically or mentally unfit for employment

    • Pregnant

    • Identify as Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA)

    • Participating in an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) training program at least half time

    • Qualify as excused from the CalFresh work registration requirements:

      • Under age 16

      • Caring for a dependent child under 6 years old

      • Caring for a person with a disability

      • Earning at least $217.50 a week (before taxes)

      • Receiving or applying for unemployment benefits

      • Receiving or applying for disability benefits

      • Disabled

      • Attending school, college, or a training program at least half time

      • Meeting the work requirement for another program (CalWORKs)

      • In a drug or alcohol abuse treatment program

  • Individuals must do one or more of the following:

    • Work at least 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month

    • Participate in qualifying work activities for at least 20 hours per week (80 hours averaged monthly)

      • Community service or volunteer work

      • A Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program

      • Qualifying CalFresh Employment & Training (CFET) components

      • A program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974

     

    Individuals who are required to meet these rules and fail to do so could lose their CalFresh benefits.

  • Keep your benefits by responding to all CalFresh requests timely. If you need assistance, contact the Access Customer Service Call Center at  1-866-262-9881.

  • Recent federal legislation limits CalFresh to certain groups of noncitizens starting April 1, 2026. If you are currently receiving CalFresh and impacted by these changes, your benefits will be re-evaluated at your next recertification. 

  • Starting April 1, 2026, you are eligible for CalFresh if you are:

    • A United States (US) citizen;

    • A US national;

    • A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR);

    • A Cuban and Haitian Entrant (CHE); or,

    • An individual who resides in the US in accordance with a Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreement.

  • Starting April 1, 2026, you are no longer eligible for CalFresh if you are:

    • An asylee;

    • A refugee;

    • A parolee (unless you are a Cuban and Haitian Entrant);

    • An individual with deportation or removal withheld;

    • A conditional entrant;

    • A victim of trafficking;

    • A battered noncitizen;

    • Iraqis and Afghans with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs);

    • Certain Afghan nationals granted parole between July 31, 2021, and September 30, 2023; or,

    • Certain Ukrainian nationals granted parole between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2024.

    If your immigration status is adjusted to a qualifying status, such as Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), you may be eligible for CalFresh.

    • Visit the CalFresh website for more on the newest information.

    • If you have questions about how these changes may impact your eligibility, call the Access Customer Service Call Center at 1-866-262-9881.

     

Noncitizen Eligibility

Recent changes to federal law will limit CalFresh to certain groups of noncitizens starting April 1, 2026/ If you are currently receiving CalFresh and will be impacted by these changes, your benefits will be re-evaluated at your next recertification.

CalFresh Eligibility Changes (HR 1)