California work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid

What the 80-hour rule means in California, who runs it, and where to send your proof.

🛒 SNAP in California

Called CalFresh, run by California Department of Social Services (CDSS); administered by county social services agencies.

Adults 18–64 without a child under 14 at home need 80 hours a month of work, volunteering or training, or an exemption, to keep SNAP past 3 months in 3 years.

🩺 Medicaid in California

Expansion coverage is called Medi-Cal (ACA Adult Expansion group). California expanded Medicaid, so the work rule applies to adults 19–64 in the expansion group, starting January 1, 2027.

Run by California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

📌 Medi-Cal work requirements start 2027-01-01 for the MAGI adult expansion group. Governor co-signed the 2026-10-01 five-governor letter (OR, CA, ME, NM, VA) asking HHS to delay the 2027-01-01 compliance date; no delay granted as of 2026-10-10. SNAP: partial ABAWD time-limit waiver (some areas only) in effect as of 2026-10-01 per USDA FNS. New CalFresh ABAWD rules (18-64) started 2026-06-01.

Some areas of California have a federal waiver of the SNAP time limit. Ask your caseworker whether your county or city is included before counting hours.

Where to report and upload proof

BenefitsCal: report changes and upload documents
CalFresh work rules (official)
Medi-Cal (ACA Adult Expansion group) (official)

Always follow the deadlines in the letters California sends you. If you get a notice about work requirements, answer it before the due date, even if you think you’re exempt.

What counts toward 80 hours

Paid work, including gig work like delivery or rideshare
Volunteering or community service (usually with a nonprofit or public agency)
Job training or a work program, including SNAP Employment & Training
For Medicaid: school at least half-time, or monthly income of at least $580

Check if you’re exempt · How to prove volunteer hours

Keep proof of every hour

my80hours is a free app that logs your hours, saves photos of pay stubs and sign-in sheets, gets volunteer letters signed, and makes a PDF for your caseworker. No sign-up. Your info stays on your phone.

Start my free log

State details last checked October 10, 2026.

This page explains federal rules as of October 10, 2026. It is not legal advice and my80hours is not a government site. Your state sets many details, so always follow the notices your state sends you, and ask your caseworker or a legal aid office if you’re unsure.

Sources