Californians receiving food assistance through the CalFresh program will soon experience new work and community engagement rules. These changes are tied to modifications in the federal SNAP benefits, taking effect in June. The recent decline in SNAP participation is attributed to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which introduced more stringent eligibility criteria and expanded work rules for recipients.
The Impact of the OBBBA
The OBBBA expanded work requirements to adults up to age 64 and altered rules for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). It removed exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth, adding restrictions for some lawfully present immigrants. Nationwide, SNAP participation decreased by about 4.2 million recipients within a year, and California may see similar declines.
CalFresh Updates in California
Starting June 1, California will enforce updated federal work and community engagement rules for CalFresh recipients. Under the new guidelines, certain adults must fulfill work-related conditions to continue receiving assistance. This applies to:
- Recipients aged 18 to 64
- Those without disabilities
- Those without a dependent child under age 14
These individuals might need to work, volunteer, attend school, or join job training programs to maintain eligibility. The updated policy broadens the categories of recipients required to meet work standards.
Groups previously exempted but now possibly facing compliance include:
- Adults aged 55 to 64
- Parents with children aged 14 or older
- Veterans
- Homeless individuals
- Those in foster care or who left foster care at age 18
Exemptions are available for circumstances such as pregnancy, physical or mental health conditions, caring for a child under 14, receiving disability-related benefits, participating in certain refugee programs, and other qualifying criteria. California’s Department of Social Services indicates that individuals with addiction, domestic violence, or chronic homelessness related to health issues may still qualify for exemptions.
How ABAWD Rules Function
Under federal law, ABAWD recipients can receive benefits for only three months within a three-year period unless they meet work participation standards or qualify for exemptions. To remain eligible beyond this limit, recipients must:
- Work an average of 20 hours weekly
- Earn at least $217.50 weekly before taxes
- Volunteer or partake in qualifying education or job training
Those enrolled in school or training must either attend half time or complete 20 hours of class time weekly. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to loss of benefits after three months within the three-year timeframe.
Counties Exempt from ABAWD Rules
Some California counties are exempt from following the new ABAWD rules until October 31:
- Alpine
- Colusa
- Imperial
- Merced
- Monterey
- Plumas
- Tulare
Residents in these counties may continue receiving benefits beyond the standard three-month ABAWD limit without work requirements.
Nationwide SNAP Decline and Political Response
SNAP enrollment decreased nationwide starting early 2025, remaining over 42 million recipients through July. After the OBBBA came into effect, participation fell by 3.4 million by January 2026. The biggest drop was between October and November 2025 when the number decreased by over 1 million due to new compliance standards.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the federal legislation last year. “The so-called ‘Big, Beautiful bill’ is cruel, costly, and a significant encroachment on states’ rights,” stated Newsom prior to the bill’s signing. He argued that the government’s expansion under Trump and Speaker Johnson is dangerous and opposed the bureaucratic approach.