Starting June 1, 2026, some CalFresh applicants and recipients will need to prove they meet Work and Community Engagement requirements to qualify for benefits.
To receive CalFresh, which provides funds to buy healthy food, able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs, ages 18-64 must prove they are spending at least 20 hours a week, or an average of 80 hours a month, performing one or any combination of the following activities: working, volunteering or completing job training.
ABAWDs may be exempt from the requirements under certain circumstances, including if they are pregnant, have a disability, care for a child younger than 14, or are 65 or older.
If ABAWDs do not have an exemption and do not meet the requirements, they will only be able to receive 3 months of CalFresh benefits within a 36-month period.
While CalFresh applicants must prove they meet the Work and Community Engagement requirements starting June 1, 2026, current recipients will not need to do so until their annual renewal date.
The requirements follow the April 1, 2026, discontinuance of benefits for certain immigration classifications, including refugees, parolees and asylees, as determined at application or renewal time.
Both changes are a result of H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, passed in July 2025.
Residents seeking food assistance can visit 211OC.org or dial 2-1-1 to speak with a live specialist and connect to local food resources, as well as other health and human services including housing, healthcare, employment assistance and more.
For more information on these and upcoming changes, please visit https://ssa.ocgov.com/Changes-Medi-cal-Calfresh.
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