CalFresh Work or Volunteer Requirements Begin June 1

May 28, 2026

San Diego County is alerting residents about new federal regulations beginning June 1, 2026, that will require certain CalFresh food assistance recipients to fulfill work or volunteer obligations to maintain their benefits. The rules specifically target able-bodied adults between 18 and 52 years old without dependents, who must complete at least 20 hours weekly of approved activities or risk losing benefits after three months within a three-year period. The County has established support systems including a customer service hotline, community toolkits, and resource centers to help affected individuals understand the requirements and find qualifying employment or training opportunities.

Who is affected

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) receiving CalFresh benefits who are between 18 and 52 years old and who are not pregnant, not medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment, not experiencing homelessness, not receiving unemployment benefits, not caring for an incapacitated person, and not enrolled as full or half-time students are affected by these new requirements.

What action is being taken

The County is urging affected residents to update their contact information in their BenefitsCal portal, check renewal dates, and respond when contacted. County staff are helping residents understand qualifying activities and connecting them with employment, education, and training opportunities. The County has created a community toolkit and updated guidance materials for residents, service providers, and community organizations.

Why it matters

This matters because affected individuals will lose CalFresh food benefits after three months within a three-year period if they fail to meet work or volunteer requirements or qualify for an exemption. The new federal rules represent a significant change in eligibility requirements that could result in food assistance loss for vulnerable San Diego residents who rely on CalFresh to meet their nutritional needs.

What's next

Residents should update their contact information in their BenefitsCal portal, check their renewal dates, and respond when contacted by the County. Affected individuals must show they meet work or volunteer requirements when they apply or complete their annual recertification for CalFresh. For assistance, residents can call the Access Customer Service Call Center at 1-866-262-9881, call 2-1-1, visit any County Family Resource Center, or visit BenefitsCal.com.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint