First CalFresh, Medi-Cal eligibility changes take effect April 1

Federal and state policy updates over the next several months may affect thousands of San Diego County residents who receive CalFresh or Medi-Cal benefits, officials said. 

Most people will still qualify, but the county urges recipients to keep their contact information current in the BenefitsCal portal to ensure they receive notices by text, call or mail about steps to confirm eligibility.

Starting this week, CalFresh customers will receive text messages with information and resources.

Key dates and changes:

• April 1, 2026: Certain lawfully present noncitizens, including asylees and refugees, will no longer be eligible for CalFresh. A full list is available on the county’s CalFresh Eligibility Changes website.  
• June 1, 2026: Some adult CalFresh recipients must work 80 hours per month or participate in training, volunteering or similar activities to receive benefits. The county will screen for exemptions that will apply to certain people, including parents or caregivers of children under 14 years of age, and other groups. 
  
• Jan. 1, 2027: Some Medi-Cal recipients will also need to meet new work or community engagement rules to get to keep Medi-Cal.

These changes will apply at the next renewal for current recipients. Food, medical and employment resources are available on 211’s website.

San Diego County serves nearly 400,000 CalFresh recipients and more than 800,000 Medi-Cal enrollees, according to county officials.

For more details, residents can visit the county’s website.