SNAP Benefit Rules Changing for California in June—Who Will Be Affected?
Summary
Starting June 1, California will enforce new federal work and community participation rules for people getting food help through CalFresh, the state’s version of the SNAP program. These updated rules require more adults to work, volunteer, go to school, or join job training to keep receiving benefits.Key Facts
- The changes affect California CalFresh recipients aged 18 to 64 who do not have disabilities or young children under 14.
- More groups are now required to meet work or community engagement rules, including adults aged 55 to 64, parents with children 14 or older, veterans, homeless individuals, and people in or formerly in foster care.
- Some exemptions remain for pregnant people, those with health issues, caregivers of young children, disability benefit recipients, and certain refugees.
- The federal SNAP program reduced participation nationwide by about 4.2 million after new laws introduced stricter rules in 2025.
- California has about 5.1 million people receiving CalFresh benefits.
- Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) can only get benefits for three full months in three years unless they work about 20 hours per week or meet other work rules.
- People facing addiction, domestic violence, or chronic homelessness related to health problems can still qualify for exemptions in California.
- The changes follow the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed last summer, which tightened SNAP eligibility and work standards nationwide.
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