CalFresh Work Requirements 2026: Are You Affected?

What is changing with CalFresh in 2026?

Who may be affected?

Some adults receiving CalFresh may need to meet expanded work requirements. These individuals are classified by the federal government as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD).

You may be affected if you:

• Are between 18 and 64 years old
• Do not have a dependent child under 14 in your household
• Are considered able to work at least 20 hours per week
• Do not qualify for an exemption

You may be exempt if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have a physical or mental health condition that limits your ability to work
• Care for a child under 14 in your CalFresh household
• Care for a sick, injured or disabled person
• Are enrolled in school at least half-time
• Receive or are applying for disability or unemployment benefits
• Are a member or descendant of a federally recognized tribe
• Meet other exemptions under CalFresh rules

Exemptions are determined by your county. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact your county caseworker.

What should I do if I think I may be affected?

If you received a notice from your county or are unsure whether these changes apply to you, here are practical next steps:

• Watch for notices from your county about your CalFresh status – information will be sent in a packet alongside your regular recertification notice/reminder
• Keep your contact information up to date with your county so you receive updates
• Talk with your county caseworker if you have questions about eligibility or exemptions
• Keep records of any work, training, school or volunteer activities — you may need them during your recertification appointment
• Contact Second Harvest for CalFresh enrollment support or food assistance

Llamenos al 1-800-984-3663 or use our food locator tool to find free groceries near you.

Do I need to work to keep my CalFresh benefits?

Some CalFresh recipients may need to complete at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activities to maintain their benefits. These can include any combination of:

• Paid work or self-employment
• School or job training
• Participation in an Employment and Training Program
• Volunteering or community service

The exact requirements depend on your individual situation. Confirm with your county caseworker what applies to you.

Can volunteering count toward the requirement?

Volunteering may count as a qualifying activity. Participants should confirm documentation requirements with their county caseworker.

Second Harvest offers volunteer opportunities that may help some people meet their required hours. Shifts are typically 2-4 hours and are open to everyone.

Find a volunteer opportunity.

Second Harvest provides printable time cards that shift leaders can sign at the end of each shift, which can be submitted as documentation during your county recertification review.

When do these changes take effect? 

Not everyone will experience these changes at the same time. Households will learn if they are impacted by these changes at their next regularly scheduled recertification appointment. People who need to meet the new work requirements can still receive benefits for up to three months (can be non-consecutive). After those three months are over, they must either complete the required 80 hours each month or qualify for an exemption to keep receiving benefits.

Are there any changes for college students? 

Students with questions about CalFresh eligibility can contact Second Harvest for enrollment support.

How can Second Harvest help? 

Second Harvest connects neighbors to grocery distributions across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties and provides enrollment support for CalFresh and other food assistance programs.

Regardless of your CalFresh eligibility, Second Harvest can help connect you with food assistance programs and free grocery distributions.