Workforce Services to Keep Your Benefits
Work, Volunteer or Training What are Benefit Requirements?
Starting June 1, 2026, there are new federal rules for some people who receive CalFresh. To keep getting your benefits, you may need to participate in work-related activities when you apply or renew your CalFresh. Review the information below to learn about job programs, training, education, and other opportunities that may help you meet these new federal rules.
Reach out to your benefit program to get a referral for workforce services that’s right for you.
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New federal work rules
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Frequently Asked Questions
Starting June 1, 2026, there are new federal rules for some people who receive CalFresh. To keep getting your benefits, you may need to participate in work-related activities when you apply or renew your CalFresh.
If these rules apply to you and you do not meet the work requirements, you can only receive CalFresh benefits for three months total within a three-year period.
These rules apply to adults between the ages of 18 and 64 who are able to work and do not live with a child under the age of 14.
You can be excused from the work requirement if you are:
- Age: Under age 18 and age 65 or older
- Health: You are pregnant, have a physical or mental health condition that prevents you from working, or are in a substance use treatment program
- Caregiving: You care for a person with a disability or a dependent child under the age of 14
- Other Benefits: You receive disability benefits (like SSI or SDI) or unemployment benefits
- Specific Groups: You are a member of a federally recognized tribe
- Meeting or excused from the CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work rules
- Going to school at least half-time (student eligibility rules may apply)
Please get in touch with your benefit program to learn more about exemptions from the work requirement.
If you are not exempt, you must complete 20 hours of work activities per week (or an average of 80 hours per month). These work activities also need to be documented and can be combined for a total of 80 hours per month. Qualifying activities include:
- Working at a job
- Volunteering or doing community service
- Participating in a job training or employment program through SFHSA
- Enrolled in school or a training program
Yes, there are certain kind of work-related activities at nonprofits and City agencies that require fewer hours. Please ask your Benefits Program for details.