CALIFORNIA — Beginning November 1, 2025, California food assistance recipients will see new eligibility rules take effect under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBB).
The law expands work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), raising the upper age limit from 54 to 64.
Californians ages 18–64 must work or participate in approved training programs for at least 80 hours per month to continue receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The new rules also narrow parental exemptions, now limiting them to those caring for children under 14 instead of under 18.
Temporary pandemic-era exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth will also expire when the change takes effect.
New exemptions
One notable addition is a new exemption for Native American and Alaska Native individuals, including California Indians, who will be excluded from the ABAWD time-limit requirement.
The ABAWD time limit is a three-month cap on SNAP benefits for adults who are not working or enrolled in training.
Native American and Alaska Native individuals can continue receiving SNAP benefits beyond the three-month limit, even if they’re not working or enrolled in a work program.
303,000 Californians at risk of losing monthly benefits
According to the California Budget & Policy Center, about 303,000 Californians could lose SNAP benefits as the three-month time limit expands to more participants.
The group includes veterans, former foster youth, people experiencing homelessness, adults ages 55–64, and caregivers of children over 13.
RELATED: California veterans at risk of losing SNAP benefits starting in 2026
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