HR1 caused substantial changes to the CalFresh time limit and work requirements. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will implement these changes effective June 1, 2026. Counties cannot implement these changes prior to automation in the CalSAWS computer system. Counties cannot implement these changes by manual processes or system workarounds.
CalFresh recipients subject to the time limit are limited to three full months of countable benefits in a fixed 36-month period unless they are exempt from the time limit, satisfy the work requirement, live in a county with a waiver of the time limit, qualify for an additional three consecutive months of eligibility, or receive a discretionary exemption.
Under HR1, CalFresh recipients age 18 to 64 are subject to the time limit unless they are exempt.
CalFresh recipients age 60 or older remain exempt from work registration. Recipients who are age 60 through 64 are exempt from work registration, but are still subject to the time limit unless they qualify for another work registration exemption or a time limit exemption. ESAP households with individuals age 60 through 64 cannot be subject to time limits until they have been screened for exemptions.
HR1 created a new time limit exemption for individuals who meet the definition of Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. Self-attestation is sufficient to grant the exemption.
HR1 eliminated the time limit exemptions for veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and youth under age 25 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday.
HR1 limited the dependent child exemption to recipients who are either the parent of, or otherwise responsible for the care of, a dependent child under age 14. A single dependent child under age 14 may exempt more than one adult if each adult independently meets the definition of being responsible for the child’s care.
Counties can only request verification to establish an exemption if verification is required by ACL 19-93 at pp. 11-21, or if the information provided is questionable.
Counties cannot take any negative action related to the time limit or work requirements on a case, until an individual who is subject to the time limit has been rescreened for exemptions and has been informed of the time limit and work requirements. Counties must complete or voluntarily offer exemption screening if an individual discloses that they may meet the criteria for an exemption. Counties must screen each household member individually.
Beginning on June 1, 2026, counties must screen all recipient households at their next recertification and every subsequent recertification. Counties cannot assign a countable month until exemption screening is completed.
Beginning June 1, 2026, new applicants must complete exemption screening at initial certification.
If an individual loses an exemption, the county cannot assign countable months until the individual is rescreened for exemptions. Recipients must report mid-period if their income is over the Income Reporting Threshold, or their work hours drop below 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month. If an individual reports a drop in work hours, the county must assess whether there is good cause or another exemption. If an individual’s circumstances change mid-period to make them eligible for an exemption, the county must apply the new exemption within 10 days.
Beginning January 1, 2026, a new statewide time limits begins. This means that individual subject to the time limit have three countable months in the period January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028.
Noticing requirements for time limit rules are unchanged.
Individuals subject to the time limit may meet the work requirement by performing volunteer or community service hours. Volunteer or community service hours can be combined with work or other qualifying activities to meet the work requirement. Volunteer or community service hours must be verified.
California does not currently have any discretionary exemptions. CDSS will release a letter with instructions when California is allocated new discretionary exemptions. Counties must continue to evaluate recipients for exemptions or good cause not meeting the work requirement. (ACL 25-93, December 31, 2025.)
