New federal work requirements for CalFresh, effective June 1, threaten to cut food assistance for hundreds of thousands of eligible Californians due to complex recertification processes and insufficient county staffing. - The rules target able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), limiting benefits to three months over three years for those not meeting work requirements.
- County officials warn that without $221 million in state funding, about 260,000 eligible recipients could lose benefits, echoing capacity problems in Massachusetts. - In San Francisco, 19,000 recipients are affected; San Mateo County estimates over 5,000 will lose benefits, including 600 immigrants.
- Santa Clara County's executive called the law "intentionally cruel," citing bureaucratic barriers that hinder compliance even for those meeting work requirements. The impact is expected to strain county resources and workforce programs, with advocates urging Governor Newsom to approve additional funding before the June 15 budget deadline.