Starting in 2026, millions of Californians could lose access to CalFresh benefits, California’s version of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Stricter eligibility requirements, work mandates, and cost-shifting to the state will disrupt food assistance for vulnerable populations, raising concerns about food insecurity.
Table of Contents
Californians Could Lose CalFresh Benefits
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Work Requirements | Stricter rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) will expand work requirements. |
| Financial Burden on California | California could need to cover up to $1.23 billion annually for CalFresh costs. |
| Affected Populations | Seniors, children, veterans, and rural residents are most at risk of losing benefits. |
| Cost-Shifting to State | Federal policy changes could require California to cover more of the CalFresh expenses. |
| Impacts on Health | Reductions in benefits may lead to increased food insecurity and worse health outcomes. |
CalFresh Faces Major Changes: What You Need to Know
The CalFresh program, California’s version of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), has provided essential food assistance to millions of residents for decades. However, beginning in 2026, new federal rules will significantly alter the program, affecting the eligibility of millions of people.
These changes include stricter work requirements, time limits, and the shift of financial responsibility to California, potentially jeopardizing food assistance for vulnerable populations.
What’s Changing with CalFresh?
In July 2025, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” was passed, introducing major changes to food assistance programs across the U.S. These changes will impact the CalFresh program in California starting in 2026, including:
- Stricter Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs):
- Under the new rules, adults aged 18 to 64 (previously 18 to 49) without dependents must meet work requirements to qualify for food assistance. This includes working, volunteering, or participating in job training programs for at least 20 hours per week.
- Those who fail to meet these requirements will be limited to only three months of benefits within a 36-month period unless they qualify for an exemption or meet the new work criteria.
- Cost-Shifting to California:
- California could be required to cover a significant portion of the $12.3 billion annual cost of the program. If California cannot meet its financial obligations, over 1 million recipients may lose benefits.
- Experts estimate that California may need to contribute up to $1.23 billion annually to maintain the program at its current level.
- Elimination of Exemptions:Previously, certain populations, such as veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, were exempt from these stricter work requirements. The new legislation removes these exemptions, meaning that these vulnerable groups may also lose eligibility for CalFresh if they don’t meet the work requirements.
Who Will Be Affected by the Changes?
Approximately 5.5 million Californians rely on CalFresh for their food needs. The changes will have the most significant impact on the following groups:
- Seniors and Children: Over 63% of SNAP recipients in California are under the age of 18 or over the age of 60. These groups are at the highest risk of losing benefits due to the expanded work requirements. Experts are concerned that many seniors, in particular, may not be able to meet the new work criteria due to health issues or limited job opportunities.
- Veterans and Rural Residents: Veterans and people living in rural areas, where job opportunities and training programs are limited, may also struggle to meet the new work requirements. Rural Californians who already face challenges in accessing nutritious food will face additional hurdles.
- Students: The changes may also affect college students who rely on CalFresh to meet their nutritional needs. With a reduction in outreach programs, such as those at UC Santa Barbara, the university’s Basic Needs Program is expected to face cuts, leaving students at greater risk of food insecurity.
- Low-Income Families: Families with children may be hit hardest. The new work requirements will require parents to meet work criteria even if they have caregiving responsibilities for young children, leaving them without adequate food support.
What’s at Stake?
The reduction or loss of CalFresh benefits poses a serious risk to food security in California. For many low-income residents, CalFresh is not just a convenience but a vital lifeline. The California Food Banks Association (CAFB) has already warned that the upcoming rule changes will lead to increased hunger in the state.
The elimination of nutrition education programs, like CalFresh Healthy Living, will also remove key resources for recipients. These programs provide crucial information about healthy eating and food preparation, particularly for families who have limited access to fresh produce or healthy food options.
The Financial Burden on California
One of the most significant impacts of these changes is the cost-shifting to California. If the state is unable to cover its share of the costs, benefits could be reduced, affecting millions of Californians. California would be responsible for covering approximately $1.23 billion annually if it cannot receive additional federal support.
This financial burden comes at a time when California is already grappling with rising housing costs, increasing healthcare expenditures, and an overall budget shortfall. Lawmakers are scrambling to find solutions to prevent the reduction of benefits, with some suggesting state-funded programs to offset the cuts.
What’s Being Done to Address the Changes?
California lawmakers are exploring ways to mitigate the effects of these changes. Governor Gavin Newsom has called for greater state funding to cover the costs associated with CalFresh and has urged state legislators to advocate for exemptions to the new federal rules.
In addition, state officials are working with advocacy groups like the California Food Policy Advocates to propose alternative solutions, such as:
- State-Sponsored Nutritional Assistance: Programs to help offset the loss of benefits.
- Job Training and Placement Support: Increased investment in job training programs that align with the new work requirements.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Ensuring that recipients understand the changes to avoid losing benefits unexpectedly.
What Can CalFresh Recipients Do Now?
For those who may be affected by these changes, it is critical to stay informed and act proactively. CalFresh recipients should:
- Update Their Information: Ensure that all household information, such as income or family size, is up-to-date with their local county office.
- Seek Support: Reach out to local food banks or community organizations for assistance and resources regarding the upcoming changes.
- Engage with Advocacy Groups: Support or join advocacy efforts to ensure that vulnerable populations are protected under the new rules.
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Looking Ahead: Long-Term Impact of the Changes
While the goal of the federal changes is to promote self-sufficiency, the impact on California’s most vulnerable populations could be severe. The changes represent a shift in how food assistance is allocated, and policymakers must ensure that efforts to reduce government spending do not come at the cost of increasing hunger and food insecurity.
The state’s response will be crucial in determining whether these changes will exacerbate the food insecurity crisis or whether California can adapt and provide continued support for its most vulnerable residents.
FAQ About Californians Could Lose CalFresh Benefits
Q: What are the new work requirements for CalFresh?
A: Starting in 2026, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) will need to meet stricter work requirements, such as working or participating in job training for at least 20 hours per week to maintain benefits.
Q: How will these changes affect the state of California?
A: California may be required to cover a significant portion of the program’s costs—estimated at $1.23 billion annually—if the federal government reduces its funding, potentially leading to benefit cuts.
Q: Who will be most impacted by the changes?
A: Vulnerable groups, including seniors, children, veterans, and rural residents, are most at risk of losing their benefits due to the new work requirements and exemptions.
Q: What can Californians do to prepare for these changes?
A: Residents are encouraged to update their information with local county offices, seek assistance from food banks, and stay informed about ongoing advocacy efforts.
