SOLANO COUNTY –– The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Employment & Eligibility division, reminds CalFresh recipients that beginning June 1, 2026, federal rules will require some individuals to meet new work or volunteer participation requirements as a condition of receiving CalFresh food benefits. These changes are tied to H.R. 1, recently enacted federal legislation that updated nationwide SNAP/CalFresh eligibility requirements. Solano County is required to implement these federally mandated changes as part of administering the CalFresh program.
These rules apply to individuals classified as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) who are applying for or renewing CalFresh benefits. ABAWD individuals are defined as people who:
Are between the ages of 18 and 64
Are not living with a child under age 14
Are physically and mentally able to work
Are not pregnant
Do not have a verified disability
Do not meet any other federal exemption criteria
Beginning June 1, ABAWD individuals must complete 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month of qualifying activities to remain eligible for ongoing CalFresh benefits. Qualifying activities include:
A job or self-employment
Community service or volunteer work
Job training, education, or workforce development programs
A combination of the above
The new federal rules do not apply to all CalFresh recipients. Exemptions include:
Individuals under 18 or over 64
Pregnant individuals
Individuals living with a verified physical or mental limitation
Individuals who meet a federal exemption
Individuals who identify as Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act
Solano County encourages residents to ensure their information in the BenefitsCal portal is accurate and up to date. Applicants and current recipients should also respond to messages from County officials to avoid interruptions in benefits.
Residents with questions about the new work requirements, available exemptions, or their CalFresh eligibility may call the Continuing Call Center at 1-800-400-6001. Please note that wait times may be longer than usual due to high call volumes. For additional information, including answers to frequently asked questions related to these changes, please visit: www.solanocounty.gov/government/health-social-services-hss/employment-eligibility
