New Federal Work Requirements Take Effect for CalFresh Recipients in San Diego County

New federal rules went into effect on Monday, requiring some San Diego County residents who receive CalFresh food benefits to meet work or volunteer requirements to maintain their eligibility. The updated regulations apply to certain Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who are applying for or renewing their CalFresh benefits.

Individuals affected are those between 18 and 64 years old who do not live with a child under 14, do not meet a federal exemption, are physically and mentally able to work, and are not pregnant or disabled. According to a statement from the county, these individuals must demonstrate compliance with work or volunteer requirements at the time of application or during their annual recertification, unless they qualify for an exemption.

"Those subject to the new able-bodied rules may receive only three months of benefits in a three-year period unless they fulfill work or volunteer requirements or qualify for an exemption," the statement said. "Importantly, these rules apply only to the individuals affected, not to the entire household."

To meet the new requirements, affected individuals must complete at least 20 hours per week, or 80 hours per month, of work activities such as a job or self-employment, community service or volunteer work, job training including the CalFresh Employment & Training program, or a combination of these activities.

Exemptions apply to children, seniors over 64, pregnant individuals, those with disabilities, and individuals who identify as an Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. More than 100,000 Californians statewide will now need to meet these requirements to keep their benefits.

County officials urged San Diegans to update their contact information in the BenefitsCal portal, check renewal dates, and respond when contacted by the county. Residents can call the Access Customer Service Call Center at 1-866-262-9881 with eligibility questions.

On Monday, San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe and Elizabeth Hernández, the county's interim deputy chief of the Health and Human Services Agency, announced a new website focused on work, job training, educational, and volunteer resources related to the federal changes affecting CalFresh and Medi-Cal eligibility.