Overview
- California’s social services agency says new rules effective April 1 will end CalFresh eligibility for groups such as asylum seekers, refugees, most parolees, people with deportation cases on hold, and some special‑immigrant visa holders.
- Contra Costa County advises that current recipients will not be cut off immediately because cases are reevaluated at annual recertification, so those who enroll before April 1 can keep aid until that review.
- Counties list three ways to apply for CalFresh to preserve access: online through BenefitsCal, by phone via Los Angeles County’s Customer Service Center at 866-613-3777, or in person at DPSS offices.
- A separate change starting June 1 will limit most adults ages 18 to 64 to three months of benefits in any 36 months unless they qualify for an exemption or complete required work or community activities, with the upper age rising from 53 and a parent-caregiver exception applying to those with a child under 14.
- News reports estimate about 72,000 people could lose access under the tighter rules, while state programs such as CAPI, CFAP, CalWORKs, SSI/SSP, and Medi‑Cal may help some households replace lost food or cash aid.