CalFresh and Medi-Cal rules are changing, but a new rule does not automatically mean your family will lose help. A missed letter, deadline, or document can interrupt benefits even when you still qualify. Start with the part you can control: open your notices, check your information, and respond early.
For families in San Bernardino County and across the Inland Empire, that means protecting the grocery budget and keeping health coverage in place. You do not need to understand every rule today. You need to find out which ones apply to your household.
This is not legal advice. Rules vary by household, so confirm your situation with the county or a free legal aid provider.
Who’s most likely affected
CalFresh: Some recipients ages 18–64 face work requirements to keep benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period, unless they are exempt.
Children under 18, adults 65 and older, people with documented disabilities, and adults living in a household with a child under 14 are exempt from these CalFresh work requirements. Ask the county to confirm your exemption and what proof it needs.
Certain non-citizens, including some refugees, asylees, and parolees, are also affected by changes to federal CalFresh eligibility. Current recipients affected by this change will be reviewed at their next renewal.
Medi-Cal: Pay attention if you are applying, renewing, or are an adult ages 19–64 who may face the new work or community engagement requirement. Asset limits have also returned, but only for certain Medi-Cal programs, mainly those for seniors 65 and older, people with disabilities, and people in long-term care. Most children and working-age adults do not face an asset test. Ask whether an asset review applies to your case before assuming that savings make you ineligible.
Some adults can no longer newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal based on immigration status. If you already have coverage, ask how the rules apply to keeping it.
Most children, seniors, pregnant people, people with disabilities, and parents or caregivers of children 13 and under are exempt from the new Medi-Cal work requirement. Still open renewal letters and respond to requests.
For mixed-status households: Before deciding to stop benefits or skip a renewal, get free legal or benefits advice. Ask about each person’s situation separately. You do not have to figure out immigration categories from a headline.
Timeline at a glance
Some changes are already in effect. Others are ahead:
- January 1, 2026: Medi-Cal asset limits returned for seniors, people with disabilities, and long-term care programs, checked at application and at renewal. New full-scope enrollment also became unavailable to some adults based on immigration status.
- April 1, 2026: Certain non-citizens became ineligible for federal CalFresh. Affected current recipients are re-evaluated at renewal.
- June 1, 2026: CalFresh work-rule changes began for some recipients ages 18–64, with exemptions.
- October 2026: Federal Medi-Cal eligibility changes for some refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, and other immigrant groups. California plans to keep full-scope coverage for this group through June 30, 2027 with state funds. Ask the county how this applies to your household.
- October 2026: Current Covered California members can begin renewing or switching plans.
- November 1, 2026–January 31, 2027: Covered California open enrollment.
- January 2027: A new Medi-Cal work or community engagement requirement starts for most adults ages 19–64 who do not have an exemption.
- Early 2027: Many adults ages 19–64 will have to renew Medi-Cal every six months instead of once a year.
- October 2028: New copays begin for some Medi-Cal adults above 100% of the federal poverty level.
These dates describe program changes. For your own next step, read the deadline and instructions on your county notice.
Five things to do this month
1. Open every county letter.
Set aside a few minutes to read each notice when it arrives. Look for the program name, the action requested, and the deadline. Put the deadline in your phone or on a calendar.
If the wording is confusing, ask someone to help you read it. Ask the county, “What exactly do I need to send, and when must you receive it?”
2. Log into or create a BenefitsCal account.
At BenefitsCal.com, you can apply, renew, report changes, and upload documents. Try logging in before a deadline is close, so you have time to deal with password problems.
Gather the documents requested in your notice. Before uploading, check that every page is readable. Keep a copy of what you send and save any confirmation you receive.
3. Update your address and phone number.
Check the contact information the county has for you. Report changes through BenefitsCal, and ask the county to confirm any update you are unsure went through.
If you recently moved, changed phone numbers, or stopped using an old email account, make this your first task. Do not rely on remembering to check an account you rarely use.
4. Keep records of work, school, or volunteer hours.
Start a folder for pay stubs, schedules, attendance records, and notes about volunteer hours. Record dates and hours while they are fresh.
Ask the county which activities count for your program and what documents it accepts. Keeping a record does not mean every activity will qualify. If you think you are exempt, ask how to document that instead.
5. Respond before the deadline.
San Bernardino County uses the date it receives documents to determine eligibility and processing—not the date you send them.
You can upload documents through BenefitsCal, mail them, or drop them off at a Transitional Assistance Department office kiosk. If you mail paperwork, allow time for delivery. Keep copies and ask how to confirm receipt.
If something is missing or you are already late, contact the county now. Explain what happened and ask what step to take next.
If you lose coverage anyway
Read the notice and ask the county why coverage ended. Was a document missing, was there an eligibility change, or does the county need more information? Ask whether you can correct the problem and what deadline applies.
You can re-apply for Medi-Cal, but a new application does not guarantee approval. Timing matters for some adults affected by the immigration-related enrollment freeze: if their Medi-Cal ends, they generally have three months to re-enroll in full-scope coverage. After that, they may only qualify for limited (emergency and pregnancy) coverage. If this could apply to anyone in your household, contact the county or legal aid right away.
Covered California may be a bridge if you lose Medi-Cal. Current members can renew or switch starting October 1. Open enrollment runs November 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027.
California expanded state financial help for 2027 to eligible people with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Ask what help your household qualifies for and what you would pay.
If coverage ends outside open enrollment, contact Covered California promptly and ask what enrollment options and deadlines apply to you.
Where to get help
Inland SoCal 211: Dial 211 from San Bernardino or Riverside County and ask about local benefits assistance or food resources. Explain what you need help with, such as reading a notice or finding groceries while your case is being reviewed.
San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department (TAD): Contact TAD about eligibility, renewals, missing documents, and receipt of paperwork. Call 1-877-410-8829 (Monday–Thursday 7 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) or use the contact information on your county notice.
Inland Counties Legal Services (ICLS): ICLS provides free legal help with public benefits to eligible residents of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, including people with limited income, people with disabilities, and people 60 and older. Call the intake line at 1-888-245-4257 or visit inlandlegal.org.
A local food bank or pantry: Ask about food help while you work on your case. Before making a trip, confirm the distribution schedule and what you need to bring.
Visit the EvolveLyfe resource map to look for help near you. Our Survive resources are here to help you take the next practical step.
