CalFresh, California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), supports low-income households with grocery costs and currently serves about 5.1 million people in the state. According to Newsweek’s reporting, the policy update is tied to federal legislation enacted in July 2025 that expanded work requirements and altered exemption rules across participating states.
Nationally, participation in SNAP has already declined following implementation of the federal changes. Preliminary figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as reported by Newsweek, show enrollment fell from 42.8 million recipients in January 2025 to fewer than 38.6 million by January 2026.
California Broadens Work and Community Engagement Requirements
Beginning June 1, California will implement updated federal standards that require some CalFresh recipients to meet work or community participation conditions to remain eligible for benefits.
According to the California Department of Social Services, the rules generally apply to recipients between ages 18 and 64 who do not have a disability and do not have a dependent child under age 14. Individuals covered by the requirements may satisfy them through employment, volunteering, school attendance, or participation in qualifying job training programs.
The updated framework expands the categories of recipients who may now be required to comply. Groups previously exempt but now potentially subject to work standards include adults ages 55 to 64, parents whose youngest child is 14 or older, veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and people currently or formerly in foster care at age 18.
California also maintains exemptions in specific circumstances. According to the state’s Department of Social Services, exemptions may still apply to people who are pregnant, unable to work because of physical or mental health conditions, caring for a child under 14, receiving disability-related benefits, participating in certain refugee training programs, or meeting other qualifying conditions. The department also stated that individuals affected by addiction, domestic violence, or chronic homelessness connected to health conditions may remain exempt.
ABAWD Limits Remain in Place, with County-Level Exceptions
The changes also affect Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents, commonly referred to as ABAWDs, whose eligibility remains subject to federal time limits.
Under federal law, ABAWD recipients may receive only three full months of benefits within a three-year period unless they meet work participation requirements or qualify for an exemption. Recipients generally remain eligible beyond that period if they work an average of 20 hours per week, earn at least $217.50 weekly before taxes, or participate in approved volunteer, education, or training activities.
For recipients enrolled in education or training, attendance must be at least half time or total 20 hours of class participation each week. Failure to meet those standards may result in loss of benefits after the three-month limit.
Some California counties are temporarily exempt from the ABAWD rules through October 31. The waiver applies to Alpine, Colusa, Imperial, Merced, Monterey, Plumas, and Tulare counties, allowing eligible residents to continue receiving CalFresh benefits beyond the standard federal limit even if they are not working.
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