CalFresh and Medi-Cal benefits are changing beginning April 1

If you receive CalFresh benefits, those eligibility requirements may have changed as of April 1st, as the state program says that “lawfully present non-citizens” will no longer qualify for CalFresh benefits. 

There are expanded work rules for able-bodied adults without dependents, effective June 1st: Adults ages 18–64 who do not have a child under the age of 14 in their household may receive only three months of benefits in a 36-month period, unless they complete at least 20 hours a week of qualifying work, education, job training or community service. 

Children under 18, seniors age 65 and older, people with documented disabilities, and any adult living in a household with a child under 14 are exempt from these CalFresh work requirements.

Medi-Cal has reinstated asset limits for seniors (65+) and people with disabilities. Countable assets (savings, second homes, etc.) are limited to $130,000 for one person and $195,000 for a couple. Assets will be reviewed under the first scheduled annual renewal in 2026.

And effective October of 2025,  Some noncitizens will no longer qualify for federal coverage.

In January of 2027, there will be work requirements for able-bodied childless adults from ages 19-64, and certain adults must renew every 6 months rather than annually.

Most children, seniors, people with disabilities and parents of young children are exempt from the Medi-Cal eligibility updates.

The state of California urges those who receive these benefits to review the new criteria and update documentation online at www.benefitscal.com