While California’s new SNAP work requirements took effect June 1, eligible recipients were able to continue receiving benefits for three months.
While California’s new SNAP (CalFresh) work requirements took effect June 1, eligible recipients could continue receiving benefits for three months; that window expired September 1.
Last month, the Jacobs & Cushman Food Bank reported that local food distribution lines have grown significantly, with food banks reporting a 20% jump in demand as emergency food networks operate at full capacity.
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Over 33,000 San Diegans lost their CalFresh benefits leading up to mid-2026, with roughly 90,000 to 93,000 residents at risk or directly affected by the new eligibility barriers.
“The program says that if an individual who is subject to the requirement is only able to receive benefits for three months in a 36-month period, so September 1 would be the first day of the third month,” Alberto Banuelos, the Interim Director of Self Sufficiency Services for San Diego County, said.
Banuelos told CBS 8 that the majority of the county’s CalFresh recipients lost eligibility in June.
“So we will see an impact by means of discontinuances at the end of September,” Banuelos said.
Prior exemptions for vulnerable groups– including veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youth under 24– have been removed.
Meanwhile, people should verify if they are exempt from the work requirements due to a disability, pregnancy, if they are over the age of 65, or have a child under the age of 14.
You can contact local groups such as 211 San Diego or outreach assistants at local food banks to check your status or find alternative food distributions.