San Bernardino County Residents: Will New CalFresh Work Requirements Affect You?

San Bernardino County, CA — CalFresh is a critical lifeline for more than 377,000 residents across San Bernardino County, and upcoming federal rule changes mean some households will need to take action to keep their food benefits. According to estimates from the California Association of Food Banks, approximately 377,207 county residents received CalFresh in 2025, representing nearly 7 percent of all participants statewide.

Children account for a significant share of those served. Data from Kidsdata.org show that about 154,785 children in San Bernardino County participated in CalFresh in 2024, underscoring the program’s role in helping families afford groceries. Local analysis from San Bernardino County Community Indicators further shows that 61 percent of CalFresh recipients are children and youth under age 18, while 27 percent are adults ages 18 to 64—the group most likely to be affected by the reinstated work requirements.

Food security organizations warn that disruptions to CalFresh benefits can have immediate consequences. Advocates with Feeding America Inland Empire note that CalFresh helps families purchase food before they are forced to rely on emergency assistance, making continued access essential to household stability.

Beginning June 1, 2026, federal rules tied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—administered in California as CalFresh—will require certain adults to meet work, education, training, or community engagement standards to continue receiving benefits beyond a limited period. The rules apply to adults ages 18 to 64 who do not have a disability and do not have a dependent child under age 14.

For residents classified as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), CalFresh benefits may be limited to three months within a three-year period unless they work, volunteer, or participate in approved education or job training activities for at least 20 hours per week, or earn $217.50 per week before taxes. Those enrolled in school or training programs must attend at least half-time or meet the hourly requirement through class participation.

San Bernardino County is not among the California counties receiving a temporary waiver from the ABAWD rule. As a result, local residents will be subject to the work requirements starting June 1, while residents in certain other counties remain temporarily exempt due to labor market conditions.

Some groups that were previously exempt may now be required to meet the work standard unless another exemption applies. This includes adults ages 55 to 64, parents whose youngest child is 14 or older, individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans, and former foster youth who were in care on their 18th birthday.

County officials emphasize that many exemptions remain in place, including for pregnancy, caregiving responsibilities, physical or mental health conditions, school or training enrollment, and receipt of unemployment or disability benefits. San Bernardino County also offers employment and training resources to help eligible residents meet federal requirements.

Residents who receive CalFresh are urged to review their eligibility now, gather documentation of work or school hours, open and respond to all county notices, and contact their eligibility worker well before June 1, 2026, to help prevent interruptions that could affect entire households.

Take simple steps now to avoid interruptions in food benefits. Reviewing this checklist and acting early can help ensure benefits continue without disruption:

You may be affected if you are:

• Ages 18–64

• Do not have a disability

• Do not have a child under age 14

Steps to Take Now

1. Check if you qualify for an exemption
   Pregnant, caregiving, health conditions, students, veterans, and others may still be excused.
2. Confirm your work, school, or training hours
   You may need 20 hours per week (or $217.50 per week in earnings).
3. Gather documents
   Pay stubs, class schedules, medical notes, or program enrollment proof.
4. Track and report hours weekly
   Do not wait — late reporting can stop benefits.
5. Open all county mail
   Respond quickly to notices or requests for information.
6. Update your contact info
   Especially important if you’ve moved or are experiencing homelessness.
7. Ask about job or training help
   The county can connect eligible residents to approved programs.

For additional support, contact your San Bernardino County eligibility worker or visit your local CalFresh office before benefits are affected.