Starting July 2025, sweeping reforms to California’s CalFresh food assistance program are officially in effect. These changes—mandated by federal legislation under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA) and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBB)—represent one of the largest overhauls of food assistance eligibility in U.S. history.
While state officials emphasize that a temporary waiver will shield Californians from the strictest work rules until January 2026, experts warn that once the waiver expires, up to 97% of CalFresh households could face benefit reductions or termination.
“This is not a minor adjustment—it’s a complete restructuring of how food aid reaches vulnerable residents,” says Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a food policy analyst with the California Budget & Policy Center. “We’re talking about a seismic shift in eligibility that could affect millions.”
Table of Contents
Key Features and Overview of the CalFresh Overhaul
Under the combined influence of the FRA and OBBB, CalFresh is being aligned more closely with national SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) reforms. These new regulations expand work obligations, restrict exemptions, and alter benefit calculations.
| Key Policy Area | Previous Rules (Before 2025) | New Rules (Effective July 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| ABAWD Definition | Ages 18–49 | Expanded to ages 18–64 |
| Work Requirement | 20 hours/week | 80 hours/month mandatory |
| Exempt Groups | Homeless, veterans, foster youth under 25 | Eliminated (except limited tribal exemptions) |
| Childcare Exemption | Parents with kids under 18 | Reduced to the parents of kids under 14 |
| Non-Citizen Eligibility | Moderate documentation | Stricter verification and residency proof |
| Benefit Calculation | Based on Thrifty Food Plan | Review scheduled—potential reduction in benefit levels |
Eligibility Rules: Who Still Qualifies?
As of July 2025, all Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18 to 64 fall under new federal oversight. Unless exempt, these individuals are now limited to receiving benefits for only three months within 36 months, unless they meet work or training requirements.
To remain eligible, recipients must:
- Work at least 80 hours per month, or
- Participate in an approved employment or training program, or
- Qualify for a valid exemption under federal or state law.
Exemptions under the new rules include:
- Adults 65 years or older (previously the cutoff was 59)
- Parents or guardians with children under 14 years old
- Pregnant individuals or those medically certified as unable to work
- Members of federally recognized Native American tribes or Native Californians with valid tribal documentation
All other recipients—including veterans, homeless individuals, and foster youth—must now comply with standard work rules.
“This is one of the broadest age expansions in food assistance history,” notes Lena Whitaker, Senior Research Fellow at the Urban Institute. “Many people in their early sixties who relied on CalFresh to survive will suddenly have to prove monthly work hours.”
Benefits and Program Impact
The CalFresh program, part of the broader federal SNAP framework, provides electronic monthly benefits through EBT cards for purchasing food. The 2025–2026 changes not only tighten access but could also lower average monthly benefits due to an upcoming review of the Thrifty Food Plan, which determines how benefit amounts are calculated.
| Household Size | FY2025 Max Benefit | FY2026 Expected Range (Post Review) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $291 | $278–$286 | ↓ $5–$13 |
| 2 People | $535 | $520–$526 | ↓ $9–$15 |
| 3 People | $766 | $742–$750 | ↓ $16–$24 |
| 4 People | $973 | $948–$955 | ↓ $18–$25 |
| 5+ People | Variable | Reduced incrementally | ↓ $20+ |
These cuts, paired with stricter eligibility, could amplify food insecurity across California—especially for those living paycheck to paycheck.
Payment and Processing Details
All CalFresh benefits continue to be distributed electronically via EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer), usually reloaded between the 1st and 10th of each month, depending on the recipient’s case number.
The new eligibility criteria, however, introduce additional verification steps for income and work documentation:
| Process Area | Old Procedure | New Requirements (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Work Verification | Quarterly review | Monthly proof of 80 hours |
| Income Review | Annual reassessment | Biannual verification cycle |
| Non-Citizen Status | Proof of residency | Mandatory USCIS cross-check |
| Household Size | Self-declared | Documentation for 18+ members |
Recipients who fail to update or verify their records may experience temporary benefit suspension until compliance is confirmed.
Recent Updates: California’s Temporary Waiver
Recognizing the potential hardship these federal mandates could cause, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) obtained a USDA waiver allowing the state to suspend enforcement of the new ABAWD work requirements temporarily.
- Waiver Effective: February 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Scope: Applies to all counties statewide
- Purpose: Provides time for the state to adjust eligibility systems and expand training programs before full implementation
“This waiver gives us a year to prepare, but it’s not a permanent solution,” warns CDSS Deputy Director Aria Tran. “Once it expires, the new federal mandates will fully apply, and that could lead to mass disenrollment.”
Comparison and Broader Context
The 2025 reforms under OBBB represent a far deeper tightening of the food assistance system compared to past adjustments.
| Year | Reform | Primary Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Farm Bill revisions | Introduced initial work limits for ABAWDs |
| 2023 | Fiscal Responsibility Act | Expanded age range to 54; created temporary exemptions |
| 2025 (OBBB) | Nationwide rule overhaul | Raised the ABAWD age to 64, eliminated exemptions, and shifted the cost burden to states |
In California, where food costs are among the nation’s highest, these shifts are expected to affect rural counties and urban low-income households alike disproportionately.
Why It Matters?
For California—a state with 5.5 million active CalFresh beneficiaries—the new eligibility rules could redefine how millions access food. Advocacy groups warn that the combined impact of reduced benefits, stricter verification, and federal cost-sharing mandates will deepen economic inequality.
“This is effectively a structural rollback of the food safety net,” says Professor Daniel Myers, an economist at UCLA. “California’s temporary waiver is a bandage, not a cure—when it expires, we may see record levels of food insecurity.”
FAQs
Q1. When did the new CalFresh eligibility changes take effect?
Ans. The new rules officially took effect in July 2025, following the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Q2. What is the current work requirement for CalFresh recipients?
Ans. Eligible adults aged 18–64 must work 80 hours per month or participate in approved training programs to maintain benefits.
Q3. Who qualifies for exemptions under the new law?
Ans. Exemptions apply to adults 65 and older, parents with children under 14, pregnant individuals, and tribal community members with proper documentation.
Q4. Are veterans and homeless individuals still exempt?
Ans. No. The previous exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals, and foster youth have been eliminated under the new law.
Q5. Does California still have to enforce the new rules right now?
Ans. Not yet. California has a USDA waiver delaying enforcement of the new ABAWD rules until January 31, 2026.
Q6. Will CalFresh benefit amounts change?
Ans. Yes, future benefit calculations may decrease following the Thrifty Food Plan review, expected in early 2026.