CalFresh eligibility rules change April 1 for some noncitizens in California; San Diego County outlines help

Eligibility rules shift for certain lawfully present immigrants

Beginning April 1, 2026, California counties will apply new federal rules that narrow which noncitizens can receive CalFresh, the state’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The change affects some people who are lawfully present in the United States and have been eligible under prior humanitarian categories.

County agencies will evaluate CalFresh applications, renewals, and ongoing cases under the updated standards starting April 1. In San Diego County, officials have projected the change could affect about 13,000 current CalFresh customers over the next year as cases come up for renewal or are otherwise reviewed.

What is changing on April 1

Under the new rules, CalFresh eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens and a smaller set of noncitizen categories. Several groups previously eligible in California through federal SNAP rules will no longer qualify after April 1, even if they remain lawfully present.

Counties have advised current recipients to expect that eligibility may be reviewed at renewal or when a household reports changes that require reassessment. For households with mixed immigration statuses, the change may not end benefits for everyone in the home; eligible household members may continue to receive assistance, while an ineligible member is excluded from the benefit calculation.

Who may still qualify

County and state guidance indicates CalFresh will continue for U.S. citizens and certain noncitizens who meet program rules, including specific categories such as lawful permanent residents who qualify under federal criteria, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and eligible residents from certain Compact of Free Association nations. Other exceptions and eligibility pathways may apply depending on an individual’s federal immigration classification, work history, disability-related assistance, age, or military connection.

• Eligibility determinations are made case-by-case based on immigration status and standard CalFresh rules (income, household composition, and other factors).
• People whose immigration status changes may become eligible later, depending on the new status and other requirements.
• Children and other household members who remain eligible can still receive benefits even if another member becomes ineligible.

Resources available in San Diego County

San Diego County has distributed public information about the April 1 changes and how residents can get help reviewing their case. County materials encourage current recipients and applicants—especially those who may have had an asylum, refugee, or related status change—to contact the county for case-specific guidance and to ensure their records reflect the most current information.

Residents who are unsure whether the changes apply to them are being urged to check their status before renewal deadlines and to seek assistance promptly if they receive notices about their benefits.

What to do next

Residents who receive CalFresh and believe the rule change may affect them can take practical steps ahead of renewals: review official notices, update contact information, report required changes on time, and request help if their immigration status documentation has changed. County eligibility offices and community partners typically provide application and renewal assistance, language support, and referrals to other food resources for those who lose eligibility.

For many households, the most immediate impact will arrive when their case reaches its next renewal or required review after April 1, 2026.