Starting June 1, 2026, new federal rules will change CalFresh work requirements in California and may affect how long some people can receive benefits, according to the California Department of Social Services.
The changes apply to certain adults who receive CalFresh food assistance and may require them to meet work, training, or community engagement rules to keep benefits.
The updated federal requirements may apply to CalFresh recipients who are:
Do not have a dependent child under age 14
Not otherwise exempt under program rules
People who fall into this group may need to work, volunteer, or participate in school or job training to remain eligible for benefits.
CalFresh already has general work rules, known in California as “work registration,” for people ages 16 to 59 who are able to work.
These rules require participants to accept suitable job offers when given one and not to voluntarily reduce work hours below 30 hours per week without a valid reason.
Some people are exempt, including those who are under 16 or 60 and older, caring for a young child or a person with a disability, working or earning above certain weekly income levels, receiving unemployment or disability-related benefits, enrolled in school at least half-time, or participating in approved programs such as CalWORKs or substance abuse treatment.
A separate federal rule applies to Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). People who fall into this category can receive CalFresh benefits for only 3 months within a 3-year period unless they meet work or exemption requirements.
To receive benefits beyond three months, ABAWDs must generally:
Work at least 20 hours per week or earn at least $217.50 per week before taxes, or participate in qualifying education or training for at least 20 hours per week
Those who do not meet these requirements may lose eligibility after the three-month limit.
Under the updated federal rules, some people who were previously exempt from ABAWD requirements may now be subject to them unless they qualify for an exemption. This includes:
Parents whose youngest child is 14 or older
People experiencing homelessness
People who were in foster care when they turned 18
Some individuals may still be exempt from ABAWD requirements, including those who:
Care for a child under age 14
Are already exempt from the general CalFresh work rules
Cannot work at least 20 hours per week due to a physical or mental health condition
Are participating in certain approved training programs
Live in areas where ABAWD rules are waived
Meet other specific exemption categories under federal guidelines
From November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026, ABAWD requirements are waived in the following California counties: Alpine, Colusa, Imperial, Merced, Monterey, Plumas, and Tulare.
Residents in these counties are not subject to the ABAWD three-month limit during the waiver period.
The federal changes expand the group who may need to meet work or training requirements to continue receiving CalFresh benefits, starting in June 2026.
County agencies will help connect eligible recipients to work, education, or training programs where needed.