Some Californians will now have to clear an additional hurdle to maintain their eligibility for food assistance, courtesy of the Republican’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Starting June 1, most CalFresh recipients between the ages of 18 and 64 who are not disabled will have to meet an additional work or community service requirement to qualify for the program, which provides monthly food benefits to low-income individuals and families.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is the requirement?
In order to receive assistance through the Nutrition Assistance Program – known in California as CalFresh – recipients must now demonstrate that they are working, participating in eligible community service or a combination of the two.
A minimum of 20 hours per week, or 80 hours per month, of eligible work is required. That includes:
- Paid work
- Volunteer work or community service
- Job training or applications
- Education
- Working capital
- Any combination of the above
CalFresh recipients who apply for this requirement are limited to three months of benefits every 36 months.
When do the new requirements go into effect?
In California, many states began implementing a new CalFresh work and community involvement requirement on June 1.
However, if a recipient applies for CalFresh before June 1, they will not have to meet the requirement until they are reauthorized.
How do I know if this requirement applies to me?
Starting this month, senior recipients must complete a CalFresh assessment with their home state — either when they first apply for benefits, or during their next approval, according to the California Department of Human Services. They will be required to complete the assessment for all subsequent accreditations, as well.
An online pre-screening tool includes questions such as whether you have a disability, how much you earn before taxes and whether you care for other family members.
CalFresh recipients, or those interested in applying, can call (877) 847-3663 for more information.
More information can also be provided by the regional social service office.
Can I be exempted from this new requirement?
You can, if:
- Under 18 years or over 64 years
- Unable to work regularly for 20 hours per week due to a physical or mental health problem
- Pregnant
- You are responsible for caring for a child under the age of 14 in your CalFresh household
- Caring for the sick, injured or disabled
- Going to school is at least a break
- Meeting or exempt from CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work rules
- Getting or applying for unemployment benefits
- Obtaining or applying for disability benefits including, but not limited to, veterans’ disability benefits, workers’ compensation, Supplemental Security Income, or government-issued temporary or permanent disability benefits.
- Participating in the training program of the Office of Refugee Resettlement
- A member or descendant of a nation recognized by the government
Are all districts following the new requirement?
The federal government has granted some California states a waiver giving them temporary permission not to enforce the requirement.
These regions include:
- Alpine
- Shepherd
- Imperial
- Merced
- Monterey
- Plumas
- Tulare
If a recipient lives in one of these states, they can continue to receive CalFresh benefits without meeting the new requirement until Oct. 31.
