What is Changing for Cal-Fresh (SNAP)
What’s in this post:
Immigrant Eligibility Changes April 1: CalFresh rules will remove eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants starting April 1, 2026.
Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Reinstated & Expanded Requirements: ABAWD work rules return June 1, 2026, limiting benefits to three months unless work or exemptions are met.
How to Prepare for CalFresh Changes: Households should renew on time, update contact info, and plan for new work or benefit changes.
CalFresh (SNAP)
Known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), CalFresh provides monthly food benefits via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to help households purchase groceries and fresh food. Eligibility rules and requirements are changing for some individuals. Changes are categorized below based on who is impacted.
Immigrant Eligibility Changes April 1
Starting April 1, 2026, federal law is changing who qualifies for CalFresh. Many lawfully present immigrants who are currently eligible will lose access to benefits.
Who Stays Eligible?
U.S. Citizens & Non-citizen Nationals
Green Card Holders (LPRs)
Cuban or Haitian Entrants
COFA Residents (Palau, Micronesia, Marshall Islands)
Who is Ineligible?
Refugees and Asylees
Humanitarian Parolees (Afghan/Ukrainian)
Survivors (T-Visa/Domestic Violence)
Withholding of Removal status
Conditional Entrants
When do these changes happen?
New Applicants: If you apply on or after April 1, 2026, the new rules apply immediately.
Current Recipients: You will keep your benefits until your next scheduled Recertification (Renewal) on or after April 1, 2026.
Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Reinstated & Expanded Requirements
Effective June 1, 2026, federal work rules will return to California. These rules apply to individuals categorized as ABAWDs (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents). If you are an ABAWD, you are limited to only 3 months of benefits in a 3-year period unless you meet the work requirement or qualify for an exemption.
Who is considered an ABAWD?
You are generally considered an ABAWD if you meet ALL of the following:
You are between the ages of 18 and 64.
You do not have a disability that prevents you from working.
You do not have a dependent child under age 14 living in your home.
How to Keep Your Benefits Past 3 Months
If the 3-month time limit applies to you, you must do one of the following to stay eligible:
Work 20+ hours a week (paid or self-employment).
Participate in Job Training for 20 hours a week.
Volunteer 20+ hours a week
Report an Exemption if your situation has changed (e.g., health issue, pregnancy, etc.).
You may be excused from the ABAWD work requirement if you are:
Under age 18 or over age 64
A parent or responsible for a dependent child under the age of 14
You are aged 18-59 and have been excused from the general CalFresh work requirements
Unable to work at least 20 hours per week or a total of 80 hours or more per month because of a physical or mental health issue.
Pregnant (any stage of pregnancy).
Identify as an Indian, Urban Indian or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA).
Participating in an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) training program for at least half-time.
Living in an area where the ABAWD work requirement is waived. Please note that the County of San Diego does NOT have a waiver for the ABAWD requirement.
New Groups Now Subject to Work Rules
Starting June 1, 2026, the following people must now meet work requirements unless they have a health issue:
Adults aged 55 to 64.
Veterans and Former Foster Youth.
Individuals experiencing homelessness.
Parents whose youngest child in the home is 14 or older.
How to Prepare for CalFresh Changes
Complete your renewals on time:
If you miss a deadline, you will have to re-apply under the new, stricter April 1 rules.
Keep your contact info current:
Ensure San Diego County HHSA has your correct address and phone number so you don’t miss “Notice of Action” letters.
Make a Plan for New Requirements:
Start looking for volunteer, training sites, or education opportunities now if you are not currently working 20 hours a week.
Prepare for “Pro-rated” Benefits:
If an adult in the home becomes ineligible, the household’s total monthly amount will likely drop, but the eligible members (like children) can still receive their portion.
Find Other Food Assistance:
If you are part of an affected immigrant group, you may still be eligible for state-funded programs like the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP).
Report Changes Quickly:
If you become pregnant, get a new job, or experience a health change, tell the County immediately.
Renew:
Submit your reports as soon as they arrive to avoid a gap in food assistance.
Get Proof for a Health Exemption
If you have a physical or mental health condition that prevents you from working, your doctor or a licensed social worker can sign Form CF 887.
