Public Benefits Changes Coming Soon
New state and federal rules will impact recipients of public benefits
These changes will take effect over the next two years. If you already receive CalFresh or Medi-Cal, be sure to follow the recertification instructions for your benefits.
Below is the most recent information on some of the key changes and exemptions to eligibility and coverage from January 1, 2026 through late 2027.
For updates: Please check this webpage often for more details from the state on how and when these changes will take place.
We encourage everyone to apply now for the benefits they need by visiting our Medi-Cal and CalFresh (food stamps) webpages or calling (415) 557-5000.
You can also visit Our Services page to apply for other benefits.
Starting July 1, 2026
- Dental benefits end for undocumented adults: Full Medi-Cal coverage recipients age 19 and older who are undocumented or have temporary immigration status will lose dental benefits.
Starting January 1, 2027
- Renewal required every six months for most adults: Most adults ages 19-64 without disabilities or children 18 or younger will need to renew their Medi-Cal every six months instead of yearly.
- New work/school/community service rules: Most adults ages 19-64 who are able to work and without children age 18 or younger must work, attend school, or do community service for at least 80 hours each month to qualify. Many people, including those unable to work due to mental or physical challenges or a substance use disorder, will be exempt from the rules
- Less time for applicants to get help paying old medical bills: Medi-Cal will only pay for one month of past bills for adults ages 19-64 who don’t have children 18 or younger. Medi-Cal will pay up to two months of past bills for all others.
Starting July 1, 2027
- Monthly premium required for some non-citizens: Medi-Cal recipients ages 19–59 who are undocumented or have a temporary immigration status will begin paying a $30 monthly premium per person on the Medi-Cal case.
Apply for full Medi-Cal to get the healthcare you need in one of these ways:
- Online: BenefitsCal.com
- By phone: (415) 557-5000
- In person at an SFHSA Service Center: 1235 Mission Street | 1440 Harrison Street | 3120 Mission Street. | 2 Gough Street for older adults and people with disabilities
For more information
See the state's updates on all upcoming changes to Medi-Cal.
Starting June 1, 2026, pending final State guidance
Work/school/community service rules: Most adults ages 18-64 who do not care for children age 13 or younger, are able to work, and don’t meet any of the exemption criteria will be required to work, volunteer or do community service, employment training, or participate in Workfare arranged by SFHSA.
People who are not exempt and do not meet the requirements will lose benefits after three months during a three-year period.
Starting April 1, 2026
- Immigration status eligibility changes: People with certain immigration statuses will no longer qualify for CalFresh benefits. Affected groups include refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, human trafficking survivors, and survivors of domestic violence.
Eligibility will be limited to:
- U.S. Citizens
- Noncitizen U.S. Nationals
- Lawful Permanent Residents
- Cuban or Haitian entrants
- Individuals who reside in the U.S. in accordance with the Compact of Free Association agreement.
SFHSA takes your privacy very seriously. We use client personal information only to determine their eligibility for benefits.
By law, our agency is required to share information with the State of California, which, in turn, is required to share demographic information with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Currently, lawsuits—including in California—are blocking the use of SNAP and Medicaid information for immigration enforcement. Clients should also be aware that disenrolling from benefits will not retroactively remove their personal information from the state-run database.