New work requirements for CalFresh, California's SNAP program, took effect Monday, potentially causing hundreds of thousands of recipients to lose benefits. The rules mandate 80 hours of work per month for able-bodied adults under 65, with exemptions requiring complex recertification.
County staff face overwhelming workloads, prompting calls for $221 million in state funding. Immigrants on humanitarian grounds may also lose eligibility.
Advocates warn of a crisis similar to Massachusetts, where 75% of callers were disconnected due to high volume.