CalFresh

Flyer announcing new CalFresh work requirements starting June 1, 2026. Long description below.


CalFresh is a federal nutrition program for low-income individuals and families that can help households buy foods to meet their nutritional needs. This program provides a monthly benefit allotment, which can be used via an Electronic Benefit Transaction (EBT) card similar to a debit card. The benefit is used to purchase foods at grocery stores, small retailers and even farmers’ markets.

 

Work and Community Engagement Requirement (June 1, 2026)

Starting June 1, 2026 if you are not excused from this rule, you can keep getting CalFresh benefits for more than 3 months by doing one or more of the following for a combined total of 20 hours per week (80 hours averaged monthly): 

  • Working (including self-employment or exchanging work for goods or services)
  • Participating in a Workforce Development Program - Connect today at SLO Cal Careers
  • Participating in a CalFresh Employment and Training basic education program
  • Volunteering 

 

If you began receiving CalFresh before June 1, 2026, and are not excused from this rule, this requirement will not apply to you until your next CalFresh recertification. If you are excused, you will continue to receive CalFresh benefits as long as you are eligible.

 

You are excused from the work and community engagement requirement if you meet any of the following:

  • Under age 18 or over age 64
  • Live in a household with a child under 14
  • Unable to regularly work 20 hours per week because of a physical or mental health issue
  • Meet Welfare-to-Work rules
  • Care for a sick, injured or disabled person
  • Pregnant
  • Go to school at least half-time (Cuesta College) (Cal Poly) (Alan Hancock)
  • Receive or applied for unemployment insurance benefits
  • Receive or applied for disability benefits including but not limited to Veteran’s disability benefits, workers’ compensation, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or State-issued temporary or permanent disability benefits
  • Participate in an Office of Refugee Resettlement Training Program
  • Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian (a member or descendant of federally recognized tribes)

 

Find out if you may be excused from the CalFresh Work and Community Engagement Requirement by using the:

CalFresh Work and Community Engagement Rules: Pre-Screening Tool.


Already receiving CalFresh? Create a BenefitsCal account to link your CalFresh case and manage your benefits. Once your case is linked, watch this Help Center video to learn how to view your ABAWD time limit details and report ABAWD changes to your worker.

 

Additional details on Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) changes can be found on the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) 

CalFresh Work and Community Engagement Requirements page. 

 

For information on upcoming CalFresh program changes, review our Summary of State and Federal Changes.

This image is an informational flyer announcing upcoming CalFresh work requirements. At the top of the flyer, large bold text reads: 'New CalFresh Work Requirements Begin June 1, 2026!' Below that, a teal banner contains emphasized text explaining that individuals ages 18 to 64 who do not have a disability may be required to work or participate in community engagement activities in order to receive or continue receiving CalFresh food benefits. Under the banner, the flyer includes a paragraph describing the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) rule. It states that people who fall under this rule can only receive CalFresh benefits for three months within a three year period unless they are working, participating in community engagement activities, or excused from the requirement. On the right side of the flyer, there is an image of a brown paper grocery bag filled with a variety of fresh foods. Visible items include a loaf of bread, eggs, asparagus, lettuce, tomatoes, citrus fruit, bananas, apples, strawberries, carrots, a pineapple, an eggplant, a melon, bottled juices, and several other fruits and vegetables. More produce and drink bottles are arranged above and around the bag. At the bottom left of the flyer is the outline of San Luis Obispo County with the text 'County of San Luis Obispo' inside it. Next to it is the CalFresh logo, which includes multicolored leaves integrated into the lettering.

Services

Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) - Business Owner Information

Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) for CalFresh Participants

CalFresh Food Assistance