COLUSA COUNTY (MPG) – New CalFresh eligibility rules will take effect June 1 and will impact some adults between the ages of 18 and 64, according to information released by program officials.
The updated rules apply to adults who do not have a disability and do not have children living in their household.
Officials said California previously operated under a waiver that allowed benefits regardless of work or disability status. That waiver is ending, bringing new federal work requirements back into effect for some recipients.
Under the changes, people applying for or renewing CalFresh benefits will have up to three months to meet the new requirements or qualify for an exemption. Months in which a person does not meet the rules and does not receive an exemption will count toward a three-month benefit limit.
To continue receiving benefits, affected individuals must participate in approved activities for at least 20 hours each week. Eligible activities may include employment, volunteer work, school attendance or job training programs.
Several exemptions are available. People who are pregnant, caring for a child younger than 14 or living with a health condition may qualify for exemptions from the work requirements.
Additional exemptions may apply to people younger than 16 or age 60 and older, individuals caring for a person with a disability, those meeting income or work-hour thresholds, people receiving unemployment or disability benefits, students enrolled at least half-time, participants in programs such as CalWORKs or individuals in drug or alcohol treatment programs.
Officials encouraged anyone who may qualify for an exemption to act quickly to avoid interruptions in benefits.
More information is available through BenefitsCal, by calling 1-877-652-0739 or by contacting a local CalFresh office.