2026 SNAP Benefit Changes: Breaking Down Upcoming Changes to CalFresh
On July 4, 2025, the federal government made sweeping changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known locally as CalFresh. These SNAP benefit changes will start to take effect in April 2026. There are three major phases this year that directly impact eligibility and how the program is funded.
April 2026: Eligibility Changes for Noncitizens
The first SNAP benefit change affects eligibility, particularly for people who are not citizens of the United States. As of April 1, 2026, groups that are eligible to receive CalFresh benefits will be limited to:
- U.S. citizens
- U.S. nationals
- Lawful permanent residents (LPR)
- Cuban and Haitian entrants (CHE)
- Individuals who reside in the U.S. in accordance with a Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreement
Federal legislation now prohibits certain groups of noncitizens who previously qualified for benefits from receiving SNAP. Starting April 1, you are no longer eligible for CalFresh if you are:
- An asylee
- A refugee
- A parolee (unless you are a CHE)
- An individual with a deportation or removal withheld
- A conditional entrant
- A victim of trafficking
- A battered noncitizen
A full list of lawfully present noncitizens who no longer qualify for CalFresh is available on the county’s website.
CalFresh does not count on a public charge test. Applying for or receiving benefits will not affect the immigrant status of an applicant or their family. If you are a parent whose child has a different status than you do, you can apply on your child’s behalf.
What to Do
If you are currently receiving CalFresh and will be impacted by eligibility changes, your benefits will be reevaluated at your next recertification. You will continue to receive benefits until you recertify. The county recommends keeping your contact information up to date in the BenefitsCal portal to ensure you receive notices about steps to confirm your eligibility.
June 2026: Eligibility Changes for Adults
The second SNAP benefit change is for work requirements. As of June 1, 2026, adults between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not meet the work requirement exception will have to work or participate in qualifying work activities for at least 20 hours per week or an average of 80 hours per month.
Qualifying work activities include:
- Community service or volunteer work
- A Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program
- Qualifying CalFresh Employment & Training (CFET) components
- A program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974
The new work requirements do not apply to you if you qualify as excused from CalFresh work registration requirements or if you are:
- Under age 18 or over age 64
- A parent of, or responsible for the care of, a dependent child under the age of 14
- Physically or mentally unfit for employment
- Pregnant
- Identified as Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA)
- Participating in an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) training program at least half-time
On June 1, the work requirement exemption is immediately eliminated for:
- People experiencing homelessness
- Individuals under age 24 who aged out of foster care at 18
- Veterans
What to Do
During your initial application or recertification for CalFresh, you will be evaluated to determine whether you qualify as an Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD). If you do, you will need to meet work requirements to receive CalFresh benefits. If you need support with CalFresh work requirements, there are various resources available on the county’s website.
October 2026: Changes to How SNAP is Funded
The third change to SNAP is administrative. Currently, the administrative funding for SNAP is divided equally between the federal and state governments. Administrative funding helps pay for staff, call centers, EBT cards, and the benefits portal.
Starting in October, the federal government will fund only 25% of administrative costs. States will be required to fund the other 75%.
We don’t yet know how this administrative cost shift will affect SNAP benefits. However, it marks a historic change that will likely impact state government budgets in various ways.
Help Is Available
We know these SNAP benefit changes are confusing. Feeding San Diego is here to help. Our CalFresh team can help you understand your situation and your options. We also have food resources throughout the county to provide no-cost groceries if you are experiencing food insecurity. Anyone who needs food is welcome. Use our Find Food Map to find a food distribution near you.
