CalFresh Eligibility 2026: What Changed and Why It Matters

CalFresh eligibility is changing in 2026 due to federal law H.R. 1. These updates bring stricter work requirements, new rules for noncitizens, and adjusted income limits.

Understanding these changes helps you keep your food benefits.

What’s Happening with CalFresh in 2026

CalFresh is California’s version of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). It helps low-income households buy groceries.

In 2026, new federal rules are reshaping who qualifies and how much help families receive.

The California Department of Social Services manages CalFresh locally. However, federal law now controls many eligibility rules.

This shift happened when H.R. 1 (“One Big Beautiful Bill”) became law in July 2025.

Federal vs. State Control

California used to have more flexibility with CalFresh policy. Now, federal guidelines set most eligibility standards.

This means changes approved in Washington, D.C. directly affect California families.

The current benefit period runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.

During this time, several major CalFresh rule changes take effect.

Why You May Gain or Lose Benefits in 2026

Many Californians will see their CalFresh status change this year. Some people may qualify for higher benefits due to inflation adjustments.

Others may lose benefits because of new work requirements or citizenship restrictions.

Who Might Lose Benefits

• Adults without children who don’t work 20 hours weekly
• Certain noncitizens including some refugees and asylees
• Households that can’t prove separate utility costs

Who Might Gain Benefits

• College students in state-approved job training programs
• Families benefiting from cost-of-living income limit increases

New Work Requirements Starting June 2026

Starting June 1, 2026, able-bodied adults without dependents must work. This rule affects people aged 18–64 without children at home.

The ABAWD Rule Explained

ABAWD stands for “Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents.”

If you’re an ABAWD, you must:

• Work at least 20 hours per week (80 hours monthly), OR
• Participate in an approved job training program

If you don’t meet these requirements: You can only receive CalFresh for 3 months in any 36-month period.

Who Is Exempt from Work Requirements

You don’t have to follow ABAWD rules if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have a child under age 14 living with you
• Are medically unfit for work
• Are experiencing homelessness
• Are age 60 or older
• Have a disability

Noncitizen Eligibility Changes in 2026

CalFresh eligibility for noncitizens is tightening. These restrictions begin April 1, 2026.

Who Loses Access

Many lawfully present noncitizens may lose CalFresh benefits. This includes:

• Certain refugees
• Some asylees
• Parolees in specific categories

Undocumented immigrants generally cannot enroll for full-scope benefits starting January 1, 2026. However, current recipients may keep coverage if they renew on time.

Existing Recipients

If you already receive CalFresh as a noncitizen, renew before your deadline. Missing your renewal date could mean losing benefits permanently.

Student Eligibility Gets Easier

Good news for college students. Starting July 1, 2026, more students can qualify for CalFresh.

Any program at a California public college or university now counts as a “state-approved program that increases employability.” This means:

• More students are exempt from work requirements
• Easier qualification for CalFresh while studying

This change helps students focus on education without losing food assistance.

Utility Allowance Rule Changes

The Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) helps reduce your countable income. In 2026, proving utility costs becomes harder for some households.

New Requirements

Households without a senior (60+) or disabled member must now:

• Show proof they pay heating or cooling costs
• Provide bills separate from rent

Previously, the “State Utility Assistance Subsidy” (SUAS) let many households qualify automatically. That option is mostly gone now.

Impact on Benefits

Losing the SUA deduction means:

• Higher countable income
• Lower monthly benefit amounts for many families

2026 Income Limits and Benefit Amounts

CalFresh updated income limits for October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. These changes reflect cost-of-living adjustments.

Income and Benefit Table

Household Size	Gross Monthly Income Limit (200% FPL)	Max Monthly Benefit
1	$2,610	$298
2	$3,526	$546
3	$4,442	$785
4	$5,360	$994
5	$6,276	$1,183
Each Additional	+$918	+$218

Source: California Department of Social Services

What Gross Income Means

Gross income is your total pay before taxes. It includes:

• Wages and salaries
• Self-employment income
• Social Security benefits
• Unemployment payments

Most households must earn less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level to qualify.

Why These CalFresh Policy Updates Matter

These 2026 changes create both challenges and opportunities for California families.

Increased Scrutiny

Many adults must now document work hours monthly. Missing paperwork can end your benefits quickly. Keep careful records of:

• Work schedules
• Pay stubs
• Training program attendance

Benefit Reductions

The utility allowance changes may lower your monthly CalFresh amount. Even if you stay eligible, expect smaller benefit deposits for some households.

End of Educational Programs

The CalFresh Healthy Living program ends by June 30, 2026. This nutrition education service is being cut due to federal funding changes.

Important: This does not affect your actual food benefit dollars. Only the educational component is ending.

CalFresh Income Limits 2026 (Gross & Net Explained)

Understanding CalFresh income limits helps you know if you qualify.

California uses the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to set these limits for October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Gross Income Limits by Household Size (2026)

Most California households qualify under “Modified Categorical Eligibility.” This allows gross income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

2026 Monthly Income Limits Table

Household Size	Gross Monthly Limit (200% FPL)	Net Monthly Limit (100% FPL)	Max Monthly Benefit
1	$2,610	$1,305	$298
2	$3,526	$1,763	$546
3	$4,442	$2,221	$785
4	$5,360	$2,680	$994
5	$6,276	$3,138	$1,183
6	$7,192	$3,596	$1,421
7	$8,110	$4,055	$1,571
8	$9,026	$4,513	$1,789
Each Additional	+$918	+$459	+$218

Source: California Department of Social Services

Monthly vs. Annual Income Explained

CalFresh uses monthly income, not yearly. Don’t multiply your monthly pay by 12 to check eligibility. Just look at what you earn each month.

For example, a single person earning $2,500 monthly qualifies. That same person earning $2,700 monthly does not qualify.

Gross vs. Net Income Explained

CalFresh checks your income two different ways. Both matter for eligibility.

What Is Gross Income?

Gross income is your total pay before taxes or deductions. It includes:

• Wages and salaries
• Self-employment earnings
• Social Security payments
• Unemployment benefits
• Child support received

Most California households must earn at or below the 200% FPL limit in gross income.

Exception: If someone in your household was disqualified for breaking program rules, a stricter 130% FPL limit may apply.

What Is Net Income?

Net income is your gross income minus allowed deductions. Your net income must generally be at or below the 100% FPL limit.

This is the amount CalFresh uses to calculate your benefit.

Net Income Limits & Allowable Deductions

CalFresh subtracts certain expenses from your gross income. These deductions lower your countable income and may increase your benefit.

Standard Deductions You Can Claim

20% Earned Income Deduction: CalFresh automatically removes 20% of your earned income (wages, salary, self-employment).

Standard Deduction by Household Size:

• 1-3 people: $198 deduction
• 4 people: $200 deduction
• 5 people: $234 deduction
• 6+ people: $268 deduction

Rent and Mortgage Deductions

CalFresh allows a shelter deduction if your housing costs are high. This includes:

• Monthly rent or mortgage payments
• Property taxes
• Home insurance
• HOA fees

You can only claim the excess shelter deduction if your housing costs are more than half your income after other deductions.

Households with seniors (60+) or disabled members get unlimited shelter deductions. Other households have a cap.

Standard Utility Allowance (SUA)

The Standard Utility Allowance helps reduce your countable income. But the rules changed in 2026.

New SUA Requirements:

• You must pay heating or cooling costs separate from rent
• You need proof of utility bills in your name
• Previously, many qualified automatically through SUAS

Who still qualifies automatically:

• Households with a senior (60+)
• Households with a disabled member

Losing the SUA can lower your monthly benefit significantly.

Medical Deductions (Elderly/Disabled)

If you’re 60+ or have a disability, you can deduct medical costs over $35 monthly. This includes:

• Prescription medications
• Doctor visits and co-pays
• Medical equipment
• Health insurance premiums

Keep all medical receipts to claim this deduction.

Child Support Deductions

Child support you pay to someone outside your household is fully deductible. This lowers your countable income.

Child support you receive counts as gross income.

Special Income Rules

Some households follow different CalFresh income rules. These exceptions help vulnerable populations.

SSI Recipients (165% FPL Rule)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients have different limits. If everyone in your household gets SSI, your gross income limit is 165% of FPL instead of 200%.

For a single SSI recipient in 2026:

• Gross limit: $2,154 monthly
• This is lower than the standard $2,610 limit

However, SSI households still qualify for CalFresh benefits. The calculation just differs slightly.

Seniors and Disabled Households

Households with members aged 60 or older or with disabilities get special treatment:

No gross income test: You only need to pass the net income limit. This makes qualifying easier even with higher earnings.

Unlimited shelter deductions: No cap on how much rent/mortgage you can deduct.

Medical expense deductions: Deduct out-of-pocket medical costs over $35 monthly.

Zero-Income Households

You can get CalFresh with zero income. California doesn’t require minimum earnings to qualify.

If you have no income:

• You automatically meet income limits
• Your benefit equals the maximum for your household size
• You still must meet other eligibility rules (citizenship, residency, etc.)

Many homeless individuals and families fall into this category.

CalFresh Work Requirements & ABAWD Rules in 2026

Starting in 2026, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) face stricter work requirements. These rules come from federal H.R. 1 and could affect over 100,000 Californians.

ABAWD Age Expansion (18–64)

The ABAWD rule now applies to adults aged 18 to 64. This is wider than before.

Who Is an ABAWD?

You’re considered an ABAWD if you:

• Are 18 to 64 years old
• Are physically and mentally fit for work
• Have no dependents under age 14 living with you
• Live alone or with other adults (not dependents)

Work Requirement: 20 Hours Per Week

ABAWDs must work or participate in approved activities. You need 80 hours monthly or 20 hours weekly.

Acceptable activities include:

• Paid work (employment or self-employment)
• Job training programs through CalFresh Employment & Training (CFET)
• Education programs (at least half-time enrollment)
• Volunteering (verified by your county)

Keep proof of your hours. Counties require documentation.

The 3-Month Time Limit Explained

If you don’t meet the 80-hour requirement, you can only receive CalFresh for 3 months in any 36-month period.

The 36-month clock runs statewide from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. After that, it resets.

Example: You receive benefits in January, February, and March 2026 without working. You lose benefits in April 2026 and cannot requalify as an ABAWD until January 2029.

Who Is Exempt from Work Requirements?

Many people don’t have to follow ABAWD rules. Check if you qualify for an exemption.

Adults 65 and Older

If you’re 65 or older, work requirements don’t apply. You keep CalFresh benefits regardless of work status.

Disabled Individuals

You’re exempt if you:

• Receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
• Receive SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
• Get veterans’ disability benefits
• Have any documented disability

Pregnant Individuals

Pregnancy is an automatic exemption. You don’t need to work during pregnancy, regardless of trimester.

Parents and Caregivers

You’re exempt if you:

• Have a child under age 14 living with you
• Care for an incapacitated person in your household
• Are the primary caregiver for a dependent family member

Homeless Individuals

If you’re experiencing homelessness, you’re exempt from ABAWD work requirements. This exemption recognizes housing instability.

Students and Treatment Participants

Additional exemptions cover:

• Students enrolled at least half-time
• People in drug or alcohol treatment programs

County-Level Work Requirement Waivers

Some California counties have temporary waivers through October 31, 2026. If you live in these counties, ABAWD rules don’t apply yet.

Counties with Waivers (Through Oct 2026)

• Imperial County
• Tulare County
• Colusa County

These waivers exist because of local economic conditions. After October 31, 2026, these counties will enforce standard ABAWD rules.

Check your county status at BenefitsCal.com or contact your local CalFresh office.

Why Work Requirements Matter in 2026

Non-compliance risks benefit loss for approximately 100,000+ ABAWDs statewide. California’s statewide waiver expired January 31, 2026, triggering enforcement.

What Counties Are Doing

Starting June 2026, many counties will:

• Send notification letters at recertification
• Offer job connections and employment services
• Require monthly hour verification

How to Stay Compliant

To keep your benefits:

1. Track your work hours carefully every month
2. Submit verification to your county on time
3. Report any exemptions immediately (pregnancy, disability, etc.)
4. Check your status regularly on BenefitsCal.com

Get help: Contact your county CalFresh office if you’re unsure about your ABAWD status or need job training resources.

Student Eligibility for CalFresh in 2026

College students can get CalFresh, but must meet specific rules. New 2026 policies make qualifying easier for public college students.

Federal Student Restriction Basics

If you’re a student, CalFresh has special requirements. These apply if you:

• Are 18 to 49 years old
• Attend school at least half-time (usually 6+ units)
• Go to a college or university

If you’re 50 or older, student rules don’t apply to you. You follow standard CalFresh eligibility only.

Meal plan restriction: You cannot have a dining hall meal plan providing more than 10.5 meals weekly.

Major 2026 Policy Change for Public College Students

Starting July 1, 2026, almost all public college students gain automatic eligibility.

Automatic LPIE Status: Any program at a California public college now counts as “increasing employability.” This includes:

• UC (University of California) campuses
• CSU (California State University) campuses
• CCC (California Community Colleges)

This means most public college students automatically meet a student exemption. No individual program approval needed.

Required Exemptions (Only One Needed)

To get CalFresh as a student, you need just one exemption. Here are your options:

Program of Study (LPIE)

As of July 2026, attending any public California college program qualifies. This is the easiest exemption for most students.

You’re automatically exempt if enrolled at UC, CSU, or community college.

Work Study Eligibility

You qualify if you’re approved for work-study, even if you haven’t started working yet.

This includes:

• Federal work-study
• State work-study

You don’t need to be currently working. Approval is enough.

Cal Grant Recipients

Receiving Cal Grant A or B funded by TANF makes you eligible.

Check your Cal Grant award letter to confirm TANF funding.

Employment (20 Hours Weekly)

Working 20 hours per week (or 80 hours monthly) qualifies you.

This can be:

• On-campus jobs
• Off-campus employment
• Self-employment

Keep pay stubs as proof.

Parenting Students

You’re exempt if you’re responsible for:

• A child under age 6
• A child age 6-11 without adequate childcare

Single parents and primary caregivers qualify automatically.

Public Assistance Recipients

Already receiving CalWORKs or Tribal TANF benefits? You automatically qualify for CalFresh too.

Disabled Students

Students with disabilities are exempt from student restrictions. This includes those receiving:

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
• Veterans’ disability benefits

Disability documentation exempts you from student work requirements.

Expanded ABAWD Age Affects Students

Federal rules now classify adults up to age 64 as ABAWDs. This affects students who don’t meet exemptions.

If you don’t qualify for a student exemption:

• You face ABAWD work requirements
• You must work 80 hours monthly
• Non-compliance means a 3-month benefit limit

Solution: Most public college students now automatically qualify under the LPIE exemption (starting July 2026), avoiding ABAWD rules entirely.

How Students Can Apply

Step 1: Check if you’re 18-49 and enrolled at least half-time.

Step 2: Verify you don’t have a large meal plan (10.5+ meals weekly).

Step 3: Confirm you have at least one exemption (likely LPIE if at public college).

Step 4: Apply online at BenefitsCal.com or visit your county CalFresh office.

Documents needed:

• Proof of enrollment (class schedule)
• Student ID
• Income documentation
• Proof of exemption (work-study letter, pay stubs, etc.)

Most public college students in California now qualify easily under 2026 rules.

Immigrant Eligibility & Noncitizen Rule Changes (2026)

California protects food security for immigrants. The state-funded California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) helps those excluded from federal benefits.

Immigrants Who Qualify for CalFresh

Most “qualified” noncitizens remain eligible for federal CalFresh in 2026.

Lawful Permanent Residents

Green Card holders are eligible. California waives the previous five-year waiting period for most LPRs.

Apply immediately after receiving your green card.

Refugees and Asylees

Asylum recipients and refugees have immediate eligibility. No waiting period applies.

U-Visa and T-Visa Holders

Victims of certain crimes or human trafficking qualify. Benefits continue while your status is:

• Active
• Pending approval

Veterans and Active Duty

Noncitizens serving in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible. This includes:

• Veterans
• Active duty service members
• Their spouses and children

Who Does NOT Qualify

Some noncitizens cannot receive federal CalFresh under 2026 rules.

DACA Recipients

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients don’t qualify for federal CalFresh. However, you may qualify for state-funded CFAP.

TPS Holders

Temporary Protected Status holders are excluded from federal food benefits. CFAP may be an option.

Undocumented Immigrants

Individuals without legal status cannot get federal CalFresh. But California offers CFAP as an alternative.

Mixed-Status Households

A “mixed-status” household has some eligible members and some ineligible members.

Example: Undocumented parents with U.S. citizen children.

Eligible Children Get Full Benefits

Citizen or legally present children receive their full CalFresh allotment. Parents’ status doesn’t affect children’s benefits.

How Income Is Counted

If an ineligible parent works, their income is “prorated.” Only a portion counts toward eligible children’s benefits, not the full amount.

This helps families receive more assistance.

Public Charge Safety

Applying for CalFresh does not create public charge issues. It won’t hurt future:

• Green Card applications
• Citizenship applications

This is confirmed by the California Department of Social Services.

CFAP as a Backup Option

The California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provides state-funded benefits for immigrants excluded from federal programs.

2026 CFAP Expansion

Starting January 1, 2026, CFAP expanded. It now includes:

• Individuals age 55 and older
• Regardless of immigration status
• Must meet income requirements

Seamless Transition from CalFresh to CFAP

If federal rules change your eligibility, your county worker automatically evaluates you for CFAP.

No separate application needed. The transition is automatic.

Benefit Parity

CFAP recipients receive the same monthly amount as federal CalFresh recipients. There’s no benefit reduction.

Your Information Is Confidential

California law protects immigrant applicants. County agencies cannot share your immigration status with ICE for enforcement purposes.

Apply safely at BenefitsCal.com or your local county office.

CalFresh Benefit Amounts & Allotment Changes (2026)

CalFresh benefit amounts for 2026 increased due to Federal Fiscal Year 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). These amounts apply from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Maximum Monthly Allotments (Oct 2025 – Sept 2026)

The following are maximum benefits for households with zero net income:

Household Size	Maximum Monthly Benefit
1	$298
2	$546
3	$785
4	$994
5	$1,183
6	$1,421
7	$1,571
8	$1,789
Each Additional	+$218

Source: California Department of Social Services

Family of 4 Benefit Amounts

A household of 4 people can receive up to $994 monthly. Your actual amount depends on your net income after deductions.

Example calculation:

• Gross income: $2,000
• Minus deductions: -$800
• Net income: $1,200
• Benefit: Approximately $600 monthly

Lower net income means higher benefits.

Minimum $60 Senior Benefit (Trial Extension)

Starting December 1, 2025, a one-year trial guarantees seniors better minimum benefits.

Who Qualifies

Households of 2 or more people where at least one member is:

• Age 60 or older, OR
• Has a disability

These households receive a $60 minimum monthly benefit, even if calculations show less.

Previously, the minimum was only $24. This trial significantly helps senior households.

Key Allotment Changes in 2026

Several benefit adjustments took effect in 2026.

Minimum Benefit Increase

The minimum monthly benefit for households of 1 or 2 people increased to $24 (up from $23).

This small increase helps individuals and couples.

Supplemental Pilot Program

Approximately 36,000 households receive extra help through a state pilot.

Who qualifies:

• Households with only older or disabled adults
• No earned income

Benefit: An average of $32 supplemental monthly benefit on top of regular CalFresh.

Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) Cap

Under federal H.R. 1, benefit amounts are now capped for very large households of 18 or more members.

This rarely affects families, but limits exist for exceptionally large households.

Why Benefits May Decrease in 2026

Some households will see lower benefits in 2026 despite COLA increases.

Standard Utility Allowance Loss

Many households lost the Standard Utility Allowance deduction. Without this deduction:

• Your net income appears higher
• Your benefit amount decreases

New Work Requirements

ABAWD work requirements may reduce benefits for adults who:

• Don’t work 80 hours monthly
• Lose eligibility after 3 months

Noncitizen Restrictions

Immigrant families losing federal CalFresh eligibility may transition to CFAP, which provides equal benefits but requires state funding.

How to Check Your Benefit Amount

Step 1: Calculate your gross monthly income.

Step 2: Subtract allowable deductions (20% earned income, standard deduction, rent, utilities, medical).

Step 3: Find your net income.

Step 4: Use the benefit table above. Lower net income = higher benefits.

Or use online calculators at BenefitsCal.com for automatic estimates.

How to Apply for CalFresh in 2026

The CalFresh application process is streamlined in 2026. You can apply online, by phone, in person, or by mail. All online accounts now require two-step verification for security.

Online Application (Fastest Method)

Apply online at BenefitsCal.com or GetCalFresh.org.

These portals let you:

• Save your progress and return later
• Upload documents directly from your phone
• Track your application status

BenefitsCal is California’s official portal. It’s secure and user-friendly.

Phone Applications

Call the CalFresh Info Line at 1-877-847-3663 to:

• Request a paper application
• Apply directly with a representative
• Get help in multiple languages

Phone applications work well if you lack internet access.

In-Person County Office

Visit your local County Social Services office to:

• Submit a paper application
• Get help from an eligibility worker
• Ask questions face-to-face

Find your county office at the CDSS website.

By Mail or Fax

Download a paper application from the CDSS website and send it to your county office via:

• Mail
• Fax

This method takes longer than online applications.

Required Documents

Gather these documents before applying. You can upload them via BenefitsCal or the ebtEDGE mobile app in 2026.

Proof of Identity

Provide one of these:

• Driver’s license
• U.S. passport
• School ID
• State ID card

Proof of Income

Show earnings from the last 30 days:

• Recent pay stubs
• Unemployment benefit letters
• Social Security award letters
• SDI (State Disability Insurance) statements

Proof of Residency

Prove you live in California:

• Utility bill (gas, electric, water)
• Rental agreement or lease
• Mortgage receipt
• Letter from a shelter (if homeless)

Social Security Numbers

Provide Social Security numbers for all household members applying for benefits.

You don’t need SSNs for household members who aren’t applying.

Proof of Expenses (Optional)

These documents can increase your benefit amount:

• Child care costs: Receipts or provider statements
• Medical expenses: Bills for members 60+ or disabled
• Housing costs: Rent or mortgage statements

More deductions mean higher benefits.

The Interview Process

After submitting your application, your county will contact you for a required interview within 1–2 weeks.

Phone Interviews (Most Common)

Most interviews happen by phone in 2026. Make sure your contact information on BenefitsCal is correct.

The interviewer will:

• Verify your documents
• Ask about income and expenses
• Explain next steps

Expedited Service (3-Day Benefits)

You may qualify for Expedited Services if you have:

• Less than $150 in monthly income, AND
• $100 or less in cash/bank accounts

Expedited approval grants benefits within 3 days of applying.

This helps families in crisis get food assistance immediately.

Receive Your Benefits

After your interview, the county processes your application.

Approval or Denial Notice

You’ll receive a decision notice by mail within 30 days. It explains:

• Whether you’re approved
• Your monthly benefit amount
• Your recertification date

EBT Card Arrival

If approved, your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card arrives by mail within 7–10 days.

Your first benefit deposit happens on your “issuance date” each month.

Balance Tracking with ebtEDGE App

In 2026, use the ebtEDGE mobile app to:

• Check your balance anytime
• Change your PIN for security
• Block out-of-state transactions to prevent fraud
• View transaction history

Download ebtEDGE from the App Store or Google Play.

Reapplying or Recertification

CalFresh benefits aren’t permanent. You must recertify periodically.

Your county will notify you when it’s time to recertify, usually:

• Every 12 months for most households
• Every 6 months for some households with earnings

Complete recertification on time to avoid benefit interruption. Use BenefitsCal.com for the fastest renewal.

Last Updated: January 2026

Official Source: California Department of Social Services – CalFresh