Millions of Californians who rely on food assistance through the state's CalFresh program could face stricter work requirements starting June 1. That's when California rolls out new federal SNAP rules tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, according to guidance from the California Department of Social Services.
The law, signed in 2025, expanded work requirements for SNAP recipients nationwide. It raised the age limit for work-eligible adults to 64 and removed some exemptions that previously applied to veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth. California is now putting those federal changes into effect.
Who's Affected
Under the updated rules, adults between 18 and 64 who don't have disabilities and don't have dependent children under 14 will generally need to work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in job training to keep receiving benefits. The policy also extends work requirements to groups that were previously exempt: adults ages 55 to 64, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and some former foster youth.
Under federal ABAWD rules—that's "able-bodied adults without dependents"—recipients can typically get SNAP benefits for only three months within a three-year period unless they meet work participation standards or qualify for an exemption.
California's Department of Social Services says 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
These changes come as SNAP participation has dropped sharply nationwide after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed. 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 October 31.
The California rollout also happens as several states move to tighten SNAP restrictions more broadly. Last year, the USDA 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 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.
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