CalFresh, also known as SNAP or EBT, has long included work requirements for some adults receiving benefits. Beginning June 1, 2026, stricter requirements and expanded rules took effect in California, affecting more people and adding new reporting and eligibility complexities.<\/p>\n
Below you\u2019ll find answers to common questions about who may be affected, what activities count toward the expanded requirements, and where to find support and resources in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Need help? We’re here.<\/h3>\n
<\/i> Call Second Harvest’s Food Connection Hotline: 1-800-984-3663<\/p>\n
Monday \u2013 Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin and Tagalog. Three-way interpretation available for other languages.<\/p>\n
If you received a notice from your county and aren’t sure what it means, we can help connect you with information, food resources and CalFresh enrollment support \u2014 regardless of your eligibility status.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
What is changing with CalFresh in 2026?<\/h2>\n\nStarting June 1, 2026, federal changes to SNAP (known as CalFresh in California) will expand existing work requirements for some adults receiving food assistance. Some people who were previously exempt may now need to meet work, training, education or volunteer requirements to continue receiving benefits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
\nWho\u00a0may be affected?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\nSome 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).<\/p>\n
You may be affected if you:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- Are between 18 and 64 years old<\/li>\n
- Do not have a dependent child under 14 in your household<\/li>\n
- Are considered able to work at least 20 hours per week<\/li>\n
- Do not qualify for an exemption<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You may be exempt if you:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- Are pregnant<\/li>\n
- Have a physical or mental health condition that limits your ability to work<\/li>\n
- Care for a child under 14 in your CalFresh household<\/li>\n
- Care for a sick, injured or disabled person<\/li>\n
- Are enrolled in school at least half-time<\/li>\n
- Receive or are applying for disability or unemployment benefits<\/li>\n
- Are a member or descendant of a federally recognized tribe<\/li>\n
- Meet other exemptions<\/a> under CalFresh rules<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Exemptions are\u00a0determined\u00a0by your county.\u00a0If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact your county caseworker.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat\u00a0should I do if I think I may be affected?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you received a notice from your county or are unsure whether these changes apply to you, here are practical next steps:<\/p>\n
\n- Watch for notices from your county about your CalFresh status \u2013 information will be sent in a packet alongside your regular recertification notice\/reminder<\/li>\n
- Keep your contact information up to date with your county so you receive updates<\/li>\n
- Talk with your county caseworker if you have questions about eligibility or exemptions<\/li>\n
- Keep records of any work, training, school or volunteer activities \u2014 you may need them during your recertification appointment<\/li>\n
- Contact Second Harvest for CalFresh enrollment support or food\u00a0assistance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Chiamaci a\u00a01-800-984-3663<\/strong>\u00a0or use\u00a0our\u00a0food locator tool to find free groceries near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>![](\"https:\/\/www.shfb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Produce-from-our-lady-star-of-the-sea-distribution-site-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"Produce")
<\/span><\/div>\nDo\u00a0I need to work to keep my CalFresh benefits?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\nSome CalFresh recipients may need to complete at least\u00a080 hours\u00a0per month of qualifying activities to\u00a0maintain\u00a0their benefits. These can include any combination of:<\/p>\n
\n- Paid work or self-employment<\/li>\n
- School or job training<\/li>\n
- Participation in an Employment and Training Program<\/li>\n
- Volunteering or community service<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The exact requirements depend on your individual situation. Confirm with your county caseworker what applies to you.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nCan\u00a0volunteering count toward the requirement?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\nVolunteering may count as a qualifying activity. Participants should confirm documentation requirements with their county caseworker.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Find a volunteer opportunity<\/a>.<\/p>\nSecond 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
\nWhen\u00a0do these changes take effect?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\nNot 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\nData<\/th>\n What happens<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\nJune 1, 2026<\/td>\n Expanded rules take effect. New applications and recertifications include work requirement screening.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nSummer 2026<\/td>\n Recertification reviews begin incorporating new requirements. If you are required to meet CalFresh work requirements and do not meet them, your benefits may be limited to three months.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/p>\n
Are\u00a0there any changes for college students?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\nStudents with questions about CalFresh eligibility can\u00a0contact Second Harvest for enrollment support.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nGood news for college students<\/strong>
\nStarting June 1, 2026, full-time undergraduate students at California Community Colleges, CSU and UC campuses will be exempt from CalFresh work requirements under a provision called the Local Program to Increase Employment (LPIE). You do not need to have a declared major to qualify.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n
Students with questions about CalFresh eligibility can contact Second Harvest for enrollment support.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow\u00a0can Second Harvest help?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\nSecond Harvest connects neighbors to grocery distributions across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties and provides\u00a0enrollment support for CalFresh<\/a>\u00a0and other food\u00a0assistance\u00a0programs.<\/p>\nRegardless of your CalFresh eligibility, Second Harvest can help connect you with food assistance programs and free grocery distributions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
Starting June 1, 2026, federal changes to SNAP (known as CalFresh in California) will expand existing work requirements for some adults receiving food assistance. Some people who were previously exempt may now need to meet work, training, education or volunteer requirements to continue receiving benefits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
Who\u00a0may be affected?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\nSome 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).<\/p>\n
You may be affected if you:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- Are between 18 and 64 years old<\/li>\n
- Do not have a dependent child under 14 in your household<\/li>\n
- Are considered able to work at least 20 hours per week<\/li>\n
- Do not qualify for an exemption<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You may be exempt if you:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- Are pregnant<\/li>\n
- Have a physical or mental health condition that limits your ability to work<\/li>\n
- Care for a child under 14 in your CalFresh household<\/li>\n
- Care for a sick, injured or disabled person<\/li>\n
- Are enrolled in school at least half-time<\/li>\n
- Receive or are applying for disability or unemployment benefits<\/li>\n
- Are a member or descendant of a federally recognized tribe<\/li>\n
- Meet other exemptions<\/a> under CalFresh rules<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Exemptions are\u00a0determined\u00a0by your county.\u00a0If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact your county caseworker.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat\u00a0should I do if I think I may be affected?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you received a notice from your county or are unsure whether these changes apply to you, here are practical next steps:<\/p>\n
\n- Watch for notices from your county about your CalFresh status \u2013 information will be sent in a packet alongside your regular recertification notice\/reminder<\/li>\n
- Keep your contact information up to date with your county so you receive updates<\/li>\n
- Talk with your county caseworker if you have questions about eligibility or exemptions<\/li>\n
- Keep records of any work, training, school or volunteer activities \u2014 you may need them during your recertification appointment<\/li>\n
- Contact Second Harvest for CalFresh enrollment support or food\u00a0assistance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Chiamaci a\u00a01-800-984-3663<\/strong>\u00a0or use\u00a0our\u00a0food locator tool to find free groceries near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/span><\/div>\nDo\u00a0I need to work to keep my CalFresh benefits?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\nSome CalFresh recipients may need to complete at least\u00a080 hours\u00a0per month of qualifying activities to\u00a0maintain\u00a0their benefits. These can include any combination of:<\/p>\n
\n- Paid work or self-employment<\/li>\n
- School or job training<\/li>\n
- Participation in an Employment and Training Program<\/li>\n
- Volunteering or community service<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The exact requirements depend on your individual situation. Confirm with your county caseworker what applies to you.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nCan\u00a0volunteering count toward the requirement?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\nVolunteering may count as a qualifying activity. Participants should confirm documentation requirements with their county caseworker.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Find a volunteer opportunity<\/a>.<\/p>\nSecond 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
\nWhen\u00a0do these changes take effect?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\nNot 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\nData<\/th>\n What happens<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\nJune 1, 2026<\/td>\n Expanded rules take effect. New applications and recertifications include work requirement screening.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nSummer 2026<\/td>\n Recertification reviews begin incorporating new requirements. If you are required to meet CalFresh work requirements and do not meet them, your benefits may be limited to three months.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/p>\n
Are\u00a0there any changes for college students?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\nStudents with questions about CalFresh eligibility can\u00a0contact Second Harvest for enrollment support.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nGood news for college students<\/strong>
\nStarting June 1, 2026, full-time undergraduate students at California Community Colleges, CSU and UC campuses will be exempt from CalFresh work requirements under a provision called the Local Program to Increase Employment (LPIE). You do not need to have a declared major to qualify.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n
Students with questions about CalFresh eligibility can contact Second Harvest for enrollment support.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow\u00a0can Second Harvest help?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\nSecond Harvest connects neighbors to grocery distributions across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties and provides\u00a0enrollment support for CalFresh<\/a>\u00a0and other food\u00a0assistance\u00a0programs.<\/p>\nRegardless of your CalFresh eligibility, Second Harvest can help connect you with food assistance programs and free grocery distributions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
- \n
- Are between 18 and 64 years old<\/li>\n
- Do not have a dependent child under 14 in your household<\/li>\n
- Are considered able to work at least 20 hours per week<\/li>\n
- Do not qualify for an exemption<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You may be exempt if you:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
- \n
- Are pregnant<\/li>\n
- Have a physical or mental health condition that limits your ability to work<\/li>\n
- Care for a child under 14 in your CalFresh household<\/li>\n
- Care for a sick, injured or disabled person<\/li>\n
- Are enrolled in school at least half-time<\/li>\n
- Receive or are applying for disability or unemployment benefits<\/li>\n
- Are a member or descendant of a federally recognized tribe<\/li>\n
- Meet other exemptions<\/a> under CalFresh rules<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Exemptions are\u00a0determined\u00a0by your county.\u00a0If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact your county caseworker.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
\nWhat\u00a0should I do if I think I may be affected?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n
If you received a notice from your county or are unsure whether these changes apply to you, here are practical next steps:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Watch for notices from your county about your CalFresh status \u2013 information will be sent in a packet alongside your regular recertification notice\/reminder<\/li>\n
- Keep your contact information up to date with your county so you receive updates<\/li>\n
- Talk with your county caseworker if you have questions about eligibility or exemptions<\/li>\n
- Keep records of any work, training, school or volunteer activities \u2014 you may need them during your recertification appointment<\/li>\n
- Contact Second Harvest for CalFresh enrollment support or food\u00a0assistance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Chiamaci a\u00a01-800-984-3663<\/strong>\u00a0or use\u00a0our\u00a0food locator tool to find free groceries near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
<\/span><\/div>\nDo\u00a0I need to work to keep my CalFresh benefits?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Some CalFresh recipients may need to complete at least\u00a080 hours\u00a0per month of qualifying activities to\u00a0maintain\u00a0their benefits. These can include any combination of:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Paid work or self-employment<\/li>\n
- School or job training<\/li>\n
- Participation in an Employment and Training Program<\/li>\n
- Volunteering or community service<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The exact requirements depend on your individual situation. Confirm with your county caseworker what applies to you.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
\nCan\u00a0volunteering count toward the requirement?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Volunteering may count as a qualifying activity. Participants should confirm documentation requirements with their county caseworker.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Find a volunteer opportunity<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
\nWhen\u00a0do these changes take effect?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n
\n \nData<\/th>\n What happens<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n June 1, 2026<\/td>\n Expanded rules take effect. New applications and recertifications include work requirement screening.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Summer 2026<\/td>\n Recertification reviews begin incorporating new requirements. If you are required to meet CalFresh work requirements and do not meet them, your benefits may be limited to three months.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n \n<\/p>\n
Are\u00a0there any changes for college students?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Students with questions about CalFresh eligibility can\u00a0contact Second Harvest for enrollment support.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nGood news for college students<\/strong>
\nStarting June 1, 2026, full-time undergraduate students at California Community Colleges, CSU and UC campuses will be exempt from CalFresh work requirements under a provision called the Local Program to Increase Employment (LPIE). You do not need to have a declared major to qualify.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n
Students with questions about CalFresh eligibility can contact Second Harvest for enrollment support.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow\u00a0can Second Harvest help?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Second Harvest connects neighbors to grocery distributions across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties and provides\u00a0enrollment support for CalFresh<\/a>\u00a0and other food\u00a0assistance\u00a0programs.<\/p>\n
Regardless of your CalFresh eligibility, Second Harvest can help connect you with food assistance programs and free grocery distributions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>