The Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) for CalFresh recipients has been increased to $1,500 per month, up from the previous $1,200 threshold.
This gives recipients more flexibility before needing to report income changes.
Households with elderly (60+) or disabled members can now recertify for CalFresh every 36 months instead of annually, reducing the reporting burden for these vulnerable populations.
CalFresh recipients can now report changes in their household income online, by phone, or through other methods depending on their county - providing more convenient reporting options.
Earned income from gig work, freelancing, and side hustles is now counted more flexibly when determining CalFresh eligibility and benefit amounts, recognizing the rise of non-traditional employment.
Pandemic-era adjustments allowing CalFresh recipients to receive both benefits and unemployment assistance simultaneously have been made permanent, as long as their total income remains below program limits.
CalFresh now allows deductions for out-of-pocket medical expenses over $35/month for elderly/disabled households, increasing benefit amounts for those with high medical costs.
The asset limit for CalFresh eligibility has been raised to $7,500 for most households, up from the previous $3,500 limit, encouraging recipients to build modest savings.
Transitional CalFresh benefits have been extended from 5 to 12 months for households exiting other assistance programs, providing a longer runway to adjust to reduced food support.
Eligibility for CalFresh has been expanded to include some college students, recognizing food insecurity on campuses and supporting academic success.
Undocumented immigrants with U.S.
citizen children are now eligible for CalFresh benefits, closing a previous policy gap and improving child nutrition.
The CalFresh program has incorporated more multilingual and accessibility features, including American Sign Language interpretation, to better serve diverse communities.
CalFresh has piloted personalized nutrition counseling and meal planning assistance in select counties, empowering recipients to make healthier food choices.