In general, students who are enrolled in an institution of higher learning at least half time are ineligible for CalFresh. There are several exceptions to that rule. One of those exceptions is when the student is in a program designated as a Local Program that Increases Employability. Effective June 1, 2026, all associates and bachelor’s degree programs at a California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus will be considered LPIEs.
This means that anyone attending a California Community College, California State University or University of California campus at least half time, and who is enrolled in an associates or bachelor’s degree program in any major, is exempt from the CalFresh student exclusion. This includes associates degrees for transfer. Students who have not declared a major but are in enrolled in general education courses requires to obtain a associates or bachelor’s degree will also be exempt from the CalFresh student exclusion. A client’s verbal or written statement that they are enrolled in an associates or bachelor’s program at a public institution of higher learning is acceptable verification unless it is questionable.
The student exclusion still applies to students enrolled in private institutions, and to students who are not enrolled in associates or bachelor’s degree programs. This includes graduate/advanced degree programs, certificate programs, Career and Technical Education programs, and adult basic education programs. However, such programs can still be submitted to the California Department of Social Services for evaluation whether they qualify for the Local Program that Increases Employability exception to the CalFresh student rule.
The expansion of programs that qualify as LPIEs must be applied to all new CalFresh applications starting June 1, 2026. The new definition will apply to ongoing households when they recertify. However, voluntary reports will be acted upon if they increase benefits. (ACL 26-25, April 13, 2026.)