Learn About Your Rights in California and Stay Safe
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Health & Safety at Work
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Workers' Compensation
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Employer Wage Theft
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COVID
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Upcoming Training / Workshops
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.
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Current CalFresh customers and individuals applying for CalFresh who are:
Adults (age 18-64)
Not meeting a CalFresh work requirement exemption
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The new rules do not apply if you are:
Under age 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 LPR, you may be eligible for CalFresh.
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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.