Changes to CalFresh for Some Immigrants (Starting April 1, 2026)

New federal rules will change who can get CalFresh (food assistance). Some immigrants who were previously eligible will no longer qualify starting April 1, 2026.

Many people can still get CalFresh, including:

  • U.S. citizens

  • Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who meet certain requirements

  • Some other eligible groups

If you are affected by these changes, you will not lose your benefits right away. Your eligibility will be reviewed at your next renewal (recertification). You can continue using your CalFresh benefits until then.

Some people who lose CalFresh may qualify for the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP), but not everyone will be eligible.

What should you do?

  • You do not need to take action right now

  • Watch for updates from your county worker at your next renewal

  • If your immigration status changes, you may become eligible again

Need help?

READ THE FLYER

Upcoming Medi-Cal Cuts Don’t Apply to Immigrant Foster Youth, Nonminor Dependents, and Former Foster Youth

Over the next two years, Medi-Cal eligibility and services will be substantially cut back for immigrant communities. Foster youth, nonminor dependents, and former foster youth up to age 26 are exempt from these changes. These populations should continue to receive full-scope Medi-Cal without premiums or additional requirements.

READ THE FACTSHEET

Know Your Rights.Fight Fear With Facts.We’re Here To Help.

An Informed Community Is A Strong Community

Health 4 All: Medi-Cal Expansion

Starting January 1, 2024 all income-eligible Californians qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal benefits REGARDLESS OF AGE OR IMMIGRATION STATUS. If you are already enrolled in emergency or restricted scope Medi-Cal, you will be automatically enrolled into full-scope Medi-Cal. To learn more about the expansion you can download the Immigrant Health Coverage Fact Sheet that The Children’s Partnership and community partners from the CA-PIF coalition created. Share this resource with your communities!

Download in English

Available in other languages here: Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Tagalog, Punjabi, Korean, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole

Queer and Transgender Immigrant Health Brochure

This brochure is designed to help queer and transgender immigrants enroll in Medi-Cal, explore affirming services and file a complaint when necessary. The brochure is available in eight languages:

Chinese, Haitian Creole, English, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese

Keep Your Benefits

Rules about public benefits and immigrants are confusing. But benefits can help your family stay healthy and thrive. Learn more about how public benefits could affect different types of immigration statuses at:

 

Free Assistance with Public Charge

For a list of legal organizations that can provide free assistance with public charge and immigration visit:

Additional Resources

Over the last year and a half, we have worked with national, state and local partners to advocate against changes to the public charge rule, stay updated, create supportive messaging and tools, and educate and empower families. Our materials are based on verified information developed by our partners. You can learn more from visiting the sites below.