Major new ‘20 hour’ rule for California food program that could slash benefits — how to see if you’re exempt
California is implementing new work requirements for its CalFresh food assistance program starting June 1. Many able-bodied adults without dependents will need to work at least 20 hours a week to maintain their benefits. Exemptions exist for certain groups, but advocates warn that these changes could jeopardize food assistance for many residents.
- ▪Starting June 1, many CalFresh recipients will be required to work at least 20 hours a week.
- ▪The new rules primarily affect able-bodied adults without dependents, while exemptions apply to various groups.
- ▪Advocates express concern that the changes could leave hundreds of thousands of Californians at risk of losing food assistance.
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Metro Major new ‘20 hour’ rule for California food program that could slash benefits — how to see if you’re exempt By Nikki Dobrin Published May 21, 2026, 4:46 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google California is about to crack down on CalFresh — the state’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits program — with tough new federal work requirements that kick in next month — and it could leave a lot of able-bodied adults scrambling for their next grocery run.
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