A new federal law, H.R. 1, reduces who is eligible for CalFresh and cut the amount of benefits some people receive. Some people who receive CalFresh may need to follow new work rules to keep their benefits.
This page shares information about how this change may affect your household, as well as what options and resources are available in your area.
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What’s changing, and what can you do?
Some people receiving CalFresh may need to follow work rules to keep their benefits.
You can find out if you may be required to meet these new requirements to keep your CalFresh benefits, or whether you may be excused from them, by completing the form below.
People who have to meet the work or community engagement requirements must participate in qualifying activity for up to 20 hours per week, or 80 hours averaged monthly.
Qualifying activities include:
- Paid employment
- Volunteer work or community service
- Job training or work programs
- Education
- Workfare
- Combination of any of the above
Local Resources by Location
Click below for free and low-cost food and work resources available in each county.
FAQ
What are “work rules?”
There are two types of work rules:
- Work Registration | The basic work rule for many CalFresh participants.
- CalFresh Work Requirements (ABAWD) | Additional rules for certain adults.
Many people do not have to follow these rules because they qualify for an exemption.
What is Work Registration?
Work Registration is the general work rule for CalFresh.
Most people ages 16 to 59 must register for work unless they qualify for an exemption. If you are required to register, you are called a work registrant. You will be registered for work when you apply for CalFresh and again every 12 months during your recertification to keep your benefits. This happens automatically for all work registrants when a responsible adult signs the CalFresh application.
If Work Registration applies to you, you may need to:
- Share information about your job or work status.
- Accept a suitable job if one is offered.
- Keep your job once you have one.
- Not quit a job or reduce your work hours below 30 hours per week without a good reason.
If you quit, refuse work, or work fewer than 30 hours per week without a good reason, your CalFresh benefits could stop or be lowered.
What are CalFresh Work Requirements (ABAWD)?
Some adults who receive CalFresh must follow additional work rules called CalFresh Work Requirements, also known as ABAWD. ABAWD stands for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents.
These rules may apply to adults who:
- Do not have a dependent child under the age of 14 in their CalFresh household.
- Are 18 to 64 years old.
- Are able to work.
Why is this change happening?
H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is a new federal law. President Trump signed H.R. 1 on July 4, 2025.
The new law cuts federal money that helps pay for CalFresh. This means:
- Some CalFresh recipients may get less money for food
- More CalFresh recipients will need to participate in work or community engagement activities to keep their benefits (began June 1)
- Many lawfully present immigrants will no longer qualify for CalFresh (began April 1)
- There are changes to how utility costs are counted for some CalFresh recipients (began November 1, 2025)
- California will have to pay more money to help run the CalFresh program, even for some of the food benefits themselves
Who is excused from these new rules?
People who are excused from these federal rules include those:
- Living in an area where the ABAWD work requirement is waived
- Under age 18 or over age 64
- A parent or responsible for a dependent child under the age of 14
- Unable to work at least 20 hours per week or a total of 80 hours or more per month because of a physical or mental health issue
- Caring for a sick, injured, or disabled person who will need your help for more than 30 days
- Getting or applying for disability benefits, including but not limited to:
- Veteran’s disability benefits
- Worker’s compensation
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- State issued temporary or permanent disability benefits
- Unable to work because you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction or a victim of domestic violence or experiencing chronic homelessness. The condition must be tied to a physical or mental health issue
- Pregnant (any stage of pregnancy)
- Identify as an Indian, Urban Indian or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA)
- Participating in an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) training program for at least half-time
- Going to school at least half-time (student eligibility rules may apply)
Dial 2-1-1 or Find Resources to explore additional options.