Millions of Californians receiving food aid through CalFresh will soon face updated work and engagement rules. These changes are tied to a federal overhaul of SNAP benefits, set to begin in June. The overhaul is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which introduced stricter eligibility requirements and expanded work conditions for recipients.
Legislation Effects and National Trends
The OBBBA legislation expanded work requirements to include adults up to age 64. It imposed tighter rules for able-bodied adults without dependents, known as ABAWDs. It also removed some exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth, while adding restrictions on certain lawfully present immigrants. This led to about 4.2 million people leaving SNAP across the U.S. within a year. California is likely to see a similar decline.
Despite being passed in July 2025, states have implemented these rules at varying paces. USDA data shows a drop in SNAP recipients from 42.8 million in January 2025 to under 38.6 million by January 2026, mainly due to stricter work requirements. SNAP, known as CalFresh in California, supports low-income families in buying groceries, aiding approximately 5.1 million people in the state.
Upcoming Changes in California
Starting June 1, California will adopt the revised federal work and community engagement rules for CalFresh participants. According to new guidelines, some adults must meet work-related conditions to continue receiving benefits. The rules apply generally to:
- Recipients aged 18 to 64
- Those without a disability
- Individuals without a dependent child under age 14
These participants may need to work, volunteer, attend school, or enroll in job training programs to maintain benefits. The policy change broadens the group of recipients required to meet work standards, now including:
- Adults aged 55 to 64
- Parents with a child aged 14 or older
- Veterans
- People experiencing homelessness
- Individuals formerly in foster care
Certain exemptions remain available. Exemptions might apply to those who are pregnant, unable to work due to physical or mental issues, caring for a child under 14, receiving disability-related aid, participating in specific refugee training programs, or meeting other criteria. The California Department of Social Services notes that people facing addiction, domestic violence, or chronic homelessness linked to health issues may still qualify for exemptions.
Understanding ABAWD Rules
Federal law limits ABAWD recipients to three months of benefits in a three-year span without satisfying work requirements or qualifying for an exemption. To continue receiving benefits past this period, recipients must do one of the following:
- Work an average of 20 hours per week
- Earn at least $217.50 weekly before taxes
- Volunteer or join eligible education or job training programs
Individuals in school or training must attend at least half time or complete 20 hours of class time weekly. Failure to meet these standards could cut benefits after three months within the three-year frame.
County Exemptions from ABAWD Rules
Certain California counties will not have to implement new ABAWD work rules through October 31. These counties include:
- Alpine
- Colusa
- Imperial
- Merced
- Monterey
- Plumas
- Tulare
Residents in these areas can continue receiving CalFresh benefits beyond the typical three-month ABAWD limit, regardless of their employment status.
Decline in SNAP Enrollment Nationwide
In early 2025, SNAP participation showed a gradual decline, staying above 42 million until July. After the OBBBA took effect, the number of recipients fell by 3.4 million between August 2025 and January 2026. The biggest monthly decrease occurred between October and November 2025, with a drop of over 1 million recipients due to the new standards.
Governor Newsom’s Critique
Although Governor Gavin Newsom hasn’t specifically addressed the June changes to CalFresh, he criticized the federal legislation last year. “The so-called ‘Big, Beautiful bill’ does not save costs; it is not logical. It is harsh, costly, and significantly interferes with state rights—contrary to what Republican leaders claim,” said Newsom. He added, “Big government expands under Trump and Speaker Johnson as they try to control states and add bureaucracy. It’s dangerous and should be opposed by any sensible person.”