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 returned June 1, 2026, limiting benefits to three months unless work or exemptions are met. Tulare County is currently on a waiver for the ABAWD requirement. This waiver expires on October 31, 2026. If Tulare County’s request to extend the waiver is not approved, Tulare County will implement ABAWD work rules on November 1, 2026.
How to Prepare for CalFresh Changes: Households should renew on time, update their contact information to ensure they receive all notices that may impact their eligibility.
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 changed 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.
Noncitizens Newly Eligible
Effective June 1, 2026, noncitizens granted parole for less than one year may be eligible to CalFresh if all other eligibility requirements met.
Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Reinstated & Expanded Requirements – Tulare County currently on a waiver. If the waiver expires or is not extended the following ABAWD rules will apply.
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 reside with a CalFresh household member under age 14.
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
Exempt from the general CalFresh work requirements for a reason other than age
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 Tulare is currently a waived county.
New Groups Now Subject to ABAWD Work Rules
Starting June 1, 2026, the following people must now meet ABAWD work requirements unless they have a health issue:
Adults aged 55 to 64.
Veterans and Former Foster Youth.
Individuals experiencing homelessness.
CalFresh households whose youngest household member is aged 14 or older.
How to Prepare for CalFresh Changes
Complete your renewals on time:
Complete your renewals on time. If you miss a deadline, you will have to reapply, which may delay receipt of benefits.
Keep your contact info current:
Ensure Tulare 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 Possible Decrease in Benefits:
When certain members become ineligible, the household’s total monthly allotment may likely decrease, if other members remain eligible to CalFresh.
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.