New federal rules under HR1 take effect in June 2026, changing work and community engagement requirements for CalFresh participants. This shift impacts a large number of working-age adults who rely on the program for food assistance. Data shows that 64 percent of those potentially affected are working when they enroll, yet six out of ten participants experience cycles of unemployment that may put their benefits at risk under the new time limits.
The challenge is that these time limits often do not align with the reality of the labor market for low-income workers. Most working CalFresh participants who experience job gaps face unemployment periods longer than three months, which is the federal limit. Certain groups, particularly older adults aged 55 to 64, face additional hurdles in maintaining consistent employment. These individuals represent a significant portion of the population affected by the new regulations.
Evidence suggests that current CalFresh Employment and Training programs improve quarterly employment and earnings for those involved. However, the current capacity of these programs is limited. Scaling these services to support a broader group of people would require state or local investment, as federal funding for these specific compliance efforts remains stagnant.
State policymakers have several options to navigate these changes. Prioritizing support for older adults and creating better systems to identify exempt participants are primary steps. Additionally, integrating existing workforce development resources with CalFresh requirements may help prevent benefit loss. As the state moves toward implementation, the focus will remain on how to connect participants with reliable work while ensuring access to food security.