GENERAL INFORMATION
What is the difference between SNAP and CFAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded food assistance program, in which benefits are issued on an EBT card and can be used to buy most groceries. SNAP has federal eligibility rules, including immigration requirements. The California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is a State-funded program created by California that is designed for people who are not eligible for SNAP due to federal immigration restrictions. Similar to SNAP, it provides food benefits issued on an EBT card.
Can parents with unsatisfactory or undocumented immigration status still apply for CalFresh benefits on behalf of their children?
Yes. Parents who are undocumented or who are in newly, ineligible non-citizen groups can still apply for programs like CalFresh on behalf of their U.S. citizen children.
Is enrollment in the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program affected by recent changes to CalFresh?
Immigration status does not affect eligibility for WIC, which provides Women, Infants, and Children (ages 0-5) with cash benefits for healthy foods, nutrition information, and breastfeeding support. Learn more about WIC.
Are the rules for emergency food assistance also changing?
Yes, H.R. 1 includes changes affecting emergency food assistance. H.R. 1 does not change the rules for emergency SNAP allotments also known as CalFresh Expedited Services in San Diego.
What resources are available for homeless individuals now that the homeless status exemption has been removed?
Homeless individuals can still access shelter services, case management, document‑help programs, and benefits like Medi‑Cal and CalFresh through local providers even without the HR1 exemption. They can also use service‑provider addresses and verification letters to meet new documentation requirements.
CALFRESH WORK REQUIREMENTS
Are full-time students who haven't graduated from high school exempt from work requirements? What if someone is 18 years old and still in high school, are they exempt from work requirements?
Yes, being a full-time student who has not graduated high school is an automatic exemption from work registration regardless of age. If someone is 18 years old and still in high school, they are exempt from work registration as long as they are attending high school full-time.
How will volunteer hours be verified? Is there an official form for tracking hours?
Volunteer hours are not limited to a specific document customers are encouraged to confirm what can be accepted with their eligibility worker.
How often are people required to report their work hours or volunteer hours?
People only need to verify their work or volunteer hours at application and renewal, unless the individual experiences a change in employment that is mandatory to report. More details on mandatory reporting requirements will be explained during the application and recertification interview.
Is there flexibility in meeting required work hours for CalFresh (such as mixing volunteer and work hours, remote or virtual volunteer hours, etc.)?
Yes, there is flexibility in how required hours can be met. Participants may combine different approved activities—such as work, job training, school, and volunteer or community service hours—to reach the total monthly requirement. As long as the activities are verified and meet program guidelines, a mix of hours is acceptable.
How do CalFresh work requirements apply to parents of children over 14 who have disabilities?
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents who care for a person with a disability are exempt from the CalFresh Work Requirements. This includes parents of children over age 14 who have disabilities.
If I live with a child under age 14, do I have to be related to them in order to be exempted from the CalFresh work requirements?
No, any adult household member who provides care for the child, regardless of their relationship, would be exempt from the CalFresh work requirements.
How do CalFresh work requirements impact those who are self-employed?
This does not impact self-employed individuals differently than other wage earners. For those people who must meet the CalFresh work requirement, hours spent running your business can be used to meet the requirement.
What happens if I do not meet the CalFresh work requirements?
If you do not meet the work requirements and do not qualify for an exemption, your CalFresh benefits will be limited to 3 months during a 36-month period. If you are currently receiving CalFresh benefits, your case will be reviewed during your next renewal/recertification period to determine if you will need to meet the work requirements. You can find your renewal/recertification date by logging into your BenefitsCal account [add link to website and/or eventual video with instructions].
Why do my friends/family in other counties not have to meet the CalFresh work requirements?
Some California counties have a federal waiver that lets them delay the work requirements. San Diego County does not have a waiver, so work requirements begin here on June 1, 2026. Counties like Tulare, Imperial, Colusa, Alpine, Merced, Monterey, and Plumas do have waivers, so they don’t need to implement the requirements right now.
Will the County close my case if I do not meet the CalFresh work requirements?
All individuals who apply for CalFresh are screened for exemptions. If someone is not exempt, then an eligibility worker will explain the work requirements during the renewal/recertification interview. Individuals who are not exempt and do not meet the work requirements may receive up to 3 months of CalFresh benefits in a 36-month period.
If it is after June 1, 2026 and I have not been contacted by the County of San Diego, does that mean I will not need to meet the CalFresh work requirements?
It depends. Whether you need to meet CalFresh work requirement will be reviewed during your next renewal/recertification period. Each person’s renewal/recertification period is unique to them. This means that CalFresh benefits will not automatically stop on June 1, 2026 if you do not meet the CalFresh work requirements.
For example: If your renewal/recertification period is in August, your eligibility under the new rules will not be reviewed until August. You will be contacted by the County when it is time for your renewal. In this example, you would not be contacted in June because your renewal/recertification is not until August. In August, an eligibility worker will help you understand if you are eligible and if you qualify for an exemption from the CalFresh work requirements.
Are Welfare-to-Work or Public Charge affected by H.R. 1?
No, these programs are not affected by H.R. 1.
Does family size matter for exemption?
Family size does not affect exemptions for either CalFresh or Medi-Cal.
What are "victims of trafficking" and "battered non-citizens?"
Victims of trafficking are individuals who have been subjected to a severe form of human trafficking. They are eligible for T nonimmigrant status (T visa). Battered non-citizens are non-citizens who have experienced abuse, parents of abused children, or the children whose parents have been abused.
SUPPORT
If I have a specific question about my eligibility, who can I contact?
For any questions or assistance, you can contact the Access Customer Service Center at 1-866-262-9881, visit a local Family Resource Center, or check online through your BenefitsCal portal.
How will the County of San Diego contact me about changes to my CalFresh and Medi-Cal eligibility and benefits?
The County of San Diego will use your updated contact information in your BenefitsCal account to contact you. This may include reaching out through texts, phone calls, email and postal mail.
Who can I contact if I have questions about my CalFresh or Medi-Cal case or want to apply for assistance?
For any questions or assistance, you can contact the Access Customer Service Center at 1-866-262-9881, visit a local Family Resource Center, or check online through your BenefitsCal portal.
What if I need food help now?
Visit 211sandiego.org/food to view food resources.
Visit SanDiegoFoodBank.org to find a food distribution site near you.
Visit FeedingSanDiego.org to find a food distribution site near you.
Visit jfssd.org and find upcoming food distributions.
