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CalFresh Noncitizen Eligibility
What is Changing? Recent federal law passed by Congress and signed by President Trump newly limits CalFresh to certain groups of lawfully present noncitizens. However, many individuals remain eligible for CalFresh, including household members with U.S. citizenship and some qualifying immigration statuses.
You may still be eligible for CalFresh if you are a person who is:
• A Citizen of the United States (U.S.);
• A U.S. National (such as persons born in American Samoa or Swains Island);
• A Cuban and Haitian Entrant (CHE);
• A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) who has met the 5-year waiting period or is exempt from the waiting period;
• A Citizen of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau Starting April 1, 2026, you will no longer be eligible for CalFresh and will be denied benefits at application or at recertification if you are a person who is:
• An Asylee;
• A Refugee;
• A Parolee (unless you are a CHE);
• An individual with deportation or removal withheld;
• A Conditional Entrant;
• A Survivor of Trafficking;
• A Battered Noncitizen;
• An Iraqi or Afghan with a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV);
• A certain Afghan National granted parole between July 31, 2021 and September 30, 2023; or,
• A certain Ukrainian National granted parole between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2024
When Will These Changes Apply to Me? A county worker will check to see if you can keep getting CalFresh at your next recertification. You can keep getting and using your CalFresh until then. You may become eligible for CalFresh if your immigration status changes. There is nothing you need to do at this time.
Some lawfully present noncitizens may qualify for the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP). But most noncitizens who lose CalFresh eligibility due to this recent change in law will not qualify for CFAP. From among the persons who are losing CalFresh eligibility, you may qualify for CFAP if you are a battered noncitizen and/or a parolee. A county worker will let you know if you qualify for either CalFresh or CFAP when you apply for CalFresh or at your recertification. Visit the CFAP website for more information: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/calfresh/california-food-assistance-program
Where to Get More Information:
If you need help getting food now, contact your local food bank: https://cdss.ca.gov/food-banks
For legal assistance, visit Immigration Services Legal Bureau’s Legal Services Assistance webpage:
Call 1-877-847-3663 (FOOD) to speak with your local county social services worker. For speech 711 Relay.
To find a local county social services office near you, visit: CalFreshFood.org