CalFresh Work Rules Threaten Benefits June 1

Santa Clara County officials and state agencies are warning CalFresh recipients that new federal work rules will begin in California on June 1, putting some adults at risk of losing food aid if they do not meet the new standards. The changes apply to some recipients ages 18 to 64 who do not have a disability and do not have a dependent child under 14, according to the California Department of Social Services. In Santa Clara County, about 55,000 residents could be affected by the broader federal changes, ABC7 reported, citing local leaders. County guidance says some recipients who fall under the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents, or ABAWD, category can receive only three months of benefits in a 36-month period unless they meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption. ### Which CalFresh recipients are covered by the June 1 rule change? The California Department of Social Services said the new rules apply starting June 1, 2026, to certain people ages 18 to 64 who receive CalFresh benefits. The state says the group covered includes adults who are able to work, do not have a disability and do not have a dependent child under age 14. (abc7.com) Santa Clara County’s Social Services Agency describes that group as ABAWDs — able-bodied adults without dependents. The county says those recipients can keep benefits beyond the time limit only if they meet work requirements or are exempt. ### What exactly do they have to do to keep benefits? (cdss.ca.gov) Santa Clara County says non-exempt recipients can satisfy the rule by working 20 hours a week or 80 hours a month. The county also says community service or volunteer work for 20 hours a week, participation in certain Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs such as work2future or NOVA, workfare, or compliance with a CalFresh Employment and Training program can count. (ssa.santaclaracounty.gov) KQED reported this week that California will begin enforcing federal guidelines requiring some SNAP recipients to work 20 hours a week or risk losing benefits. CDSS says recipients can use a state pre-screening tool to check whether they may be required to meet the work and community engagement rules or may be excused from them. (ssa.santaclaracounty.gov) ### Who is exempt from the new work requirement? Santa Clara County says several groups are exempt, including people unable to work at least 80 hours a month because of a physical or mental health issue, pregnant recipients, and a parent or other adult responsible for a child under 14. The county also lists people who identify as Indian, Urban Indian or California Indian, and some participants in refugee resettlement programs, among those exempt from the ABAWD time limit. (kqed.org) The state says some people may also be excused from CalFresh work registration rules if they are already working at least 30 hours a week, earning at least $217.50 a week before taxes, getting or applying for unemployment or disability benefits, attending school or training at least half-time, meeting work rules for another program such as CalWORKs, or participating in drug or alcohol treatment. (ssa.santaclaracounty.gov) ### Why are Santa Clara County leaders talking about 55,000 people? ABC7 reported on May 21 that about 55,000 Santa Clara County residents could be affected by the federal changes. A Santa Clara County news release published last year used the same figure, saying about 55,000 people in the county were at risk because of changes to SNAP, including stricter work requirements and other eligibility changes. (cdss.ca.gov) County Board President Otto Lee was among the local leaders cited by ABC7. The report said lawmakers had secured additional funding for food banks and service providers, while warning that more support would be needed as the rules take effect. ### Where can recipients check their status before June 1? (abc7.com) The California Department of Social Services says recipients can use its CalFresh Work and Community Engagement Requirements pre-screening tool to see whether the new rules may apply. The same state page also links to outreach materials and additional guidance on exemptions and work registration. (abc7.com) Santa Clara County’s Social Services Agency has also posted county-specific guidance listing who qualifies as an ABAWD, who is exempt and which local programs can satisfy the requirement. Second Harvest of Silicon Valley says it can help residents in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties apply for CalFresh and understand next steps after applying. (cdss.ca.gov) June 1, 2026 is the effective date for the new California enforcement rules, according to CDSS and Santa Clara County. Recipients who think they may be covered can review the state screening tool and county guidance before that date to determine whether they need to document work activity, volunteer hours or an exemption. (cdss.ca.gov) (ssa.santaclaracounty.gov)