Millions of Californians receiving food assistance through the state’s CalFresh program could soon face stricter work requirements beginning June 1 as California implements new federal SNAP rules tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, according to guidance published by the California Department of Social Services.
The law, signed in 2025, expanded SNAP work requirements nationwide, raised the eligible work-age threshold to 64 and removed some exemptions previously available to veterans, homeless individuals and former foster youth. California is now rolling out those federal changes beginning June 1.
Who’s Affected
Under the updated rules, some adults between ages 18 and 64 will be required to work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in job training programs to continue receiving benefits. The changes mainly apply to recipients without disabilities and without dependent children under age 14.
The updated policy also expands work requirements to previously exempt groups, including adults ages 55 to 64, veterans, people experiencing homelessness and some former foster youth.
Under federal ABAWD rules, able-bodied adults without dependents can generally receive SNAP benefits for only three months within three years unless they meet work participation standards or qualify for exemptions.
California’s Department of Social Services said exemptions may still apply for pregnant individuals, people with disabilities, caregivers of children under 14 and some recipients dealing with addiction, domestic violence or chronic homelessness tied to physical or mental health conditions.
Broader Shift
The changes come after SNAP participation declined sharply nationwide following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Preliminary U.S. Department of Agriculture data shows participation fell from about 42.8 million recipients in January 2025 to roughly 38.6 million by January 2026 as stricter eligibility and work rules took effect.
Some California counties, including Monterey, Tulare and Merced, will remain temporarily exempt from ABAWD rules through Oct. 31.
The California rollout also comes as several states move to tighten SNAP restrictions more broadly. Last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved additional state waivers restricting soda, candy and some sugary purchases under President Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative led alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Separately, bipartisan lawmakers also introduced legislation that would allow SNAP recipients to purchase hot rotisserie chicken using benefits, arguing the change would improve convenience and affordability for working families and seniors.
Image via Shutterstock
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