New BenefitsCal YouTube video explains new CalFresh Work Requirements, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) exemptions, Time Limit rules, and how to navigate these features in BenefitsCal.
youtube.com/watch?v=dUmpggHD…
Also available in the BenefitsCal Help Center.
Starting June 1, 2026, some CalFresh recipients may need to work or participate in a community engagement activity to keep benefits if they:
• Are ages 18–64, and
• Do not have a disability.
Learn how these federal changes may impact you:
cdss.ca.gov/ #ABAWD#CalFresh
BenefitsCal will be unavailable for maintenance on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
You will not be able to use BenefitsCal during this time.
Due to federal changes, starting April 1, only certain groups of lawfully present noncitizens will be eligible for CalFresh. Your county will let you know if and when these changes affect you. Learn more: bit.ly/4rFQ52m
ALT White text on blue background. Text: CalFresh Update. The California Department of Social Services logo and the CalFresh logo.
CalFresh Benefits Restored - With the conclusion of the federal government shutdown, all current CalFresh recipients should receive their full benefits through November and the coming months. They will automatically be added to your EBT card and can be used like normal.
The federal government has reopened, restoring federal funding for critical safety net benefits. While CalFresh benefits were delayed, we anticipate that all eligible recipients should be receiving their full benefits. For more information: bit.ly/4p4xOLv
ALT White text on a blue background. CalFresh update. November 13, 2025. The California Department of Social Services logo. The CalFresh logo.
November CalFresh Benefits will be impacted due to Federal Government Shutdown.
Please see the CDSS flyer for important information about November CalFresh benefits.
If you need food now, visit cafoodbanks.org/find-food to find your local food bank.
If the federal government shutdown continues or the government fails to take other action to fund benefits, CalFresh may be delayed in November. You can keep using your CalFresh benefits in October as usual. No action required. Visit cdss.ca.gov for more information.
Verification for Case Linking by Text is Easy!
1) Log into BenefitsCal and Click Link a Case hyperlink.
2) Enter your information and confirm your mobile phone number.
3) Click the verification link on your mobile phone and see your case on your dashboard.
To keep your information safe, BenefitsCal has two new ways to verify case linking requests. To verify that it is YOU requesting to link your case, we have added text messaging and email options. Log into BenefitsCal and click on Link a Case to get started!
At BenefitsCal, we have made it even easier to secure your case information by introducing text messaging or email for case linking verification. Log into BenefitsCal.com and click the Link a Case hyperlink to get started! #TogetherWeBenefit
To keep your information safe, we have added Case Linking Verification – a new way to verify that it is you linking your case online, and not someone pretending to be you. Visit BenefitsCal.com. #TogetherWeBenefit
BenefitsCal.com goes live tomorrow! Our podcast #theServiceStation is a great resource to learn about the new site that will improve the way you apply for & manage your benefits online. Use the link to listen to the latest episode on @BenefitsCal. ow.ly/W9JG50GgiQd