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• What are the changes to CalFresh noncitizen eligbility?

  Recent federal legislation limits CalFresh to certain groups of noncitizens starting April 1, 2026. If you are currently receiving CalFresh and impacted by these changes, your benefits will be re-evaluated at your next recertification. 

   

• Who is eligible for CalFresh?

  Starting April 1, 2026, you are eligible for CalFresh if you are:

  • A United States (US) citizen;
  • A US national;
  • A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR);
  • A Cuban and Haitian Entrant (CHE); or,
  • An individual who resides in the US in accordance with a Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreement.

   

• Who is no longer eligible for CalFresh?

  Starting April 1, 2026, you are no longer eligible for CalFresh if you are:

  • An asylee;
  • A refugee;
  • A parolee (unless you are a Cuban and Haitian Entrant);
  • An individual with deportation or removal withheld;
  • A conditional entrant;
  • A victim of trafficking;
  • A battered noncitizen;
  • Iraqis and Afghans with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs);
  • Certain Afghan nationals granted parole between July 31, 2021, and September 30, 2023; or,
  • Certain Ukrainian nationals granted parole between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2024.

   

  If your immigration status is adjusted to a qualifying status, such as LPR, you may be eligible for CalFresh.

   

• Can I get California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) benefits?

  Certain lawfully present noncitizens may qualify for California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) benefits under current state law. However, most noncitizens who are no longer eligible for CalFresh due to HR 1 are not eligible for CFAP, with the exception of battered noncitizens.

   

• Additional Resources
  • Visit the CalFresh website for more on the newest information.
  • If you have questions about how these changes may impact your eligibility, call the Access Customer Service Center at 1-866-262-9881.

   

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• Who does this rule apply to?

  Current CalFresh customers and individuals applying for CalFresh who are:

  • Adults (age 18-64)
  • Not meeting a CalFresh work requirement exemption

   

• Who is exempt from CalFresh work requirements?

  The new rules do not apply if you are:

  • Under age 18 or over age 64
  • A parent of, or responsible for the care of, a dependent child under the age of 14
  • Physically or mentally unfit for employment
  • Pregnant
  • Identify as Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA)
  • Participating in an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) training program at least half time
  • Qualify as excused from the CalFresh work registration requirements:
    • Under age 16
    • Caring for a dependent child under 6 years old
    • Caring for a person with a disability
    • Earning at least $217.50 a week (before taxes)
    • Receiving or applying for unemployment benefits
    • Receiving or applying for disability benefits
    • Disabled
    • Attending school, college, or a training program at least half time
    • Meeting the work requirement for another program (CalWORKs)
    • In a drug or alcohol abuse treatment program

   

• How do I meet work requirements?

  Individuals must do one or more of the following:

  • Work at least 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month
  • Participate in qualifying work activities for at least 20 hours per week (80 hours averaged monthly)
    • Community service or volunteer work
    • A Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program
    • Qualifying CalFresh Employment & Training (CFET) components
    • A program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974

   

  Individuals who are required to meet these rules and fail to do so could lose their CalFresh benefits.

   

• Additional Resources

  Visit CalFresh Work Requirements Resources