CalFresh Application Support

Federal changes modify work requirement rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD).

Beginning June 1, 2026:

• Work requirements apply to adults ages 18–64 (expanded age range).
• The exemption for adults responsible for a child now applies only if the child is under age 14 (previously under 18).
• Certain previous exemptions (such as veteran status, homelessness, or former foster youth status alone) are eliminated.
• Individuals subject to these rules may be limited to receiving only three full months of benefits within a three-year period unless they meet work participation requirements or qualify for an exemption.

Important Note: Not all recipients are affected. People with disabilities, those caring for young children, and other exempt individuals are not subject to time limits.

Beginning April 1, 2026

CalFresh eligibility will be limited to the following categories:

• A U.S. Citizen
• A U.S. National (such as persons born in American Samoa or Swains Island)
• A Cuban and Haitian Entrant (CHE)
• Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) who has met the 5-year waiting period or is exempt from the waiting period
• A Citizen of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau

Individuals Impacted

The following groups will generally no longer qualify for CalFresh unless they become eligible under another immigration category.

• Asylees
• Refugees
• Parolees, unless they are Cuban or Haitian entrants
• Individuals with withholding of deportation or removal
• Conditional entrants
• Victims of trafficking Battered noncitizens
• Iraqi or Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders who are not Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)
• Certain Afghan nationals granted parole between July 31, 2021, and September 30, 2023
• Certain Ukrainian nationals granted parole between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2024

Important Note: These changes apply when you submit a new application on or after April 1, 2026, or when you complete your next recertification.

CalFresh Student Definition

• Between the ages of 18 and 49.
• Enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education.
• Physically and mentally able to attend school and work.

AND Meet at least one Student Exemption:

• Been awarded work study for the current academic year.
• Work 20 hours/week or 80 hours/month.
• Have a dependent under the age of 12.
• Receive TANF-funded Cal Grant A or B (note, not all Cal Grant A or B are TANF Funded. An email from the California Student Aid Commission can serve as documentation).
• Enrolled in an approved Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIE).
  
  *Students pursuing a certificate or an associate's degree that is LPIE approved are eligible.

List of Approved LPIE Programs at Las Positas CollegeFull List of Approved LPIE Programs

You may be eligible for CalFresh if at least one of the following is true:

• A U.S. Citizen
• A US National (such as persons born in American Samoa or Swains Island)
• A Cuban and Haitian Entrant (CHE)
• Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) who has met the 5-year waiting period or is exempt from the waiting period
• A Citizen of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau

Apply Either

• Online through BenefitsCal.
• By phone via the CalFresh Info Line 1-877-847-3663.
• In person at the county office (counties must provide interpretation services and accommodations).

• Households may need to provide documents to verify information included in the application.
• What's required varies by household

See List of Accepted Documents for Verification

Some Examples of Documentation

1. Proof of Identification

• Passport
• Driver's License or Real ID
• School ID
• Military ID
• Social security card
• Proof of application (if no SSN exists)

2. School Information

Important Note: If you’re uploading these documents online, you may select "School Verification" as your document type.

• Financial Aid Award Letter 
• Class schedule or syllabus 
  • To access your class schedule, log in to your MyPortal >>Open Student Services>>Registration>>Student Detail Schedule>>Printable Class Schedule>>Select Current Term >>Print Page>>Save PDF
• Registration schedule or fees
• Financial aid College or university enrollment 
• Written statement
• Attendance records
• Certificate of completion or diploma

• Pay stubs for the last 30 days OR
• Statement of earnings from your employer

Students with Work Study Jobs: Earnings from work-study jobs do not count as income for CalFresh; it's considered part of your financial aid package and is an exempt resource, meaning you should inform your caseworker that it's work-study income and provide proof, like your award letter, to ensure it's not counted against your benefits.

• The county schedules an interview (often by phone) to confirm the application info and ask follow-up questions.
• Your caseworker will verify application details such as your student status, school enrollment, rent, utilities, bank accounts, and other relevant information.
• Interviews can usually be rescheduled. Procedures vary by county.

Eligibility decision and EBT issuance

• The county makes a decision on eligibility typically within 30 days after a completed application process.
• If your application is approved, you will receive an approval notice, an EBT card, and a new PIN if this is a new case, sent to the address you provided.
• If your application is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision with support from the Basic Needs Department.

• Can buy: most groceries with a nutrition label, plus seeds/seedlings.
• Can’t buy: non-food items, supplements, and hot prepared foods (unless a special program applies).

Older adults (60+), people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness may be eligible to use CalFresh for hot meals at approved restaurants.

Market Match is a widely available nutrition incentive program in California that allows individuals to increase their purchasing power for fresh, healthy food.

How It Works:

• Swipe your EBT card for the amount you want to spend (for example, $10 or $15).
  • You will receive: That same amount in regular market tokens (usable for most SNAP-eligible foods), plus
  • An additional matching amount in Market Match tokens or vouchers.
• Market Match funds can be used specifically to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Many markets offer a daily match of $10 or $15, but the exact matching structure and maximum amount may vary by location.

For the most accurate information, it is recommended to visit the information booth at your local market or check FMFinder.org for participating locations.