EBT Cuts & New Work Requirements: What It Means for Your Grocery Budget

What’s Actually Changing with EBT / CalFresh in 2026

Expanded Work Requirements

• A federal law passed in 2025 (sometimes referred to in policy updates as part of broader SNAP changes) expanded who has to meet work requirements to keep benefits. Previously, work rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) applied to people ages 18–54. Under the new rules, that range is now 18–64. That means adults aged 55-64 who previously didn’t have to meet work requirements may now have to work, volunteer, or train at least 80 hours per month (about 20 hours/week) to continue receiving benefits. Failure to meet these hours can limit benefits to only three months in 36 months.

Examples of what count toward the 80 hours:

o   Paid work (part-time or full-time)

o   Unpaid volunteer work with a qualifying organization

o   Job training or education programs recognized by your state

o   SNAP Employment and Training programs

Exemptions Have Changed

Some groups that were previously exempt from work requirements are now more likely to be subject to them:

o   Adults 55–64 who were previously fully exempt may now need to meet the 80-hour requirement.

o   Parents whose youngest child is 14 or older may now fall under work rules, where before exemptions were broader.

o   Exemptions still exist for things like disability, pregnancy, caregiving for young or incapacitated dependents, full-time students, and some others, but the net group subject to work requirements has grown.

Noncitizen Eligibility Narrowed

Federal legislation (H.R. 1) introduced new rules for CalFresh that affect noncitizens’ eligibility. Starting April 1, 2026, some groups of lawfully present immigrants, including certain asylees, refugees, parolees, and others, may no longer qualify unless they have specific immigration statuses, such as U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.

Income Limits Still Matter (California Is Different)

CalFresh eligibility is tied to income. California uses a state rule called Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which means the gross income limits are higher than federal SNAP minimums. In 2025–26, typical income thresholds in California were roughly:

Monthly Gross Income Limits (approximate):

1 person: up to  $2,610                  2 people: up to ~$3,526

3 people: up to $4,442 4 people: up to ~$5,360*

*and increase for larger households.

(By contrast, many federal programs use stricter limits — and these limits change yearly.)

These limits are just one part of eligibility; work requirements and immigration status can exclude otherwise income-eligible households.

What This Means for Everyday Households

• More Working People Are Now Affected

• People in their late 50s and early 60s who were previously fully exempt may lose benefits if they don’t meet work or volunteer requirements.

• Some Immigrants Lose Eligibility

• Groups that previously qualified for CalFresh based on lawful presence may now be excluded unless they have specific documentation.

• More Documentation and Reporting. Recipients are being asked to verify work hours or exemption status more often at recertification.

All these changes mean many people who were previously eligible (including working adults who aren’t consistently employed, older adults near retirement age, and some immigrant households) must now meet new requirements or face reduced or lost benefits.

This is exactly the kind of gap FoodSHARE aims to help with: no income verification, no strict eligibility, flexible access to rescued food, and support for households that may be squeezed by shrinking government food assistance.

Still Have Questions?

• If you’re unsure whether FoodSHARE is a good fit, start by exploring what’s currently available or reaching out for more information.

• You don’t need to wait until things feel urgent to find a better way to manage your grocery routine.

Frequently Asked Questions- FoodSHARE Basics

• Who can participate?

  • Anyone can. There are no income limits, zip code restrictions, or document verification requirements. If you’re interested in affordable groceries, you’re welcome here.

• How does the grocery model work?

  • FoodSHARE is a collaborative system: everyone contributes, and everyone benefits. You pick the food that works for your household, and in return, you help make free food available to those who need it most.

• Do I need to contribute to participate?

  • Yes, Contributions help the program grow and allow more food to circulate, but participation is open to all.

• Is it really flexible?

  • Yes. You choose what you want from what’s available each week. It’s designed to work with your household needs, dietary restrictions, and schedule.

• How do I get started?

  • Check out our program page to learn more and sign up.

 

Take the Next Step

→ See how FoodSHARE helps fill the gap: https://www.porchlightcs.org/food-share

→ Don't need help, but know someone who can support community food access: https://www.porchlightcs.org/partners-and-donors/donate