Let us help you get and keep your benefits

 

 

We are here to help you GET and KEEP your BENEFITS

There have been recent federal and state changes to CalFresh (food stamps) and Medi-Cal (health coverage). Many families may be unsure about what support is still available. The good news is, organizations across the community are here to help you stay healthy and nourished, and CalFresh and Medi-Cal benefits are still available so that individuals and families can access healthcare and buy healthy food.
 
If medical or grocery costs have become difficult, we encourage you to reach out, ask questions, and see if you qualify. Even if you were denied before, your situation may be different now. We are here to help guide you through the process. Use the drop-down features below to learn more or apply.
 
 

Public Benefits - Will Changes Impact Me?

New state and federal rules enacted in 2025 will impact many recipients of public benefits, and will take effect over the next two years. Use the drop-down features below to learn more.
 
If you already receive CalFresh or Medi-Cal, be sure to follow the renewal/recertification instructions for your benefits.
 
If you do not currently receive public benefits assistance, we encourage you to apply now using the links included in the drop-down buttons below, or by visiting our Medi-Cal and CalFresh webpages or calling 1-888-421-8080.  You can also visit our Employment & Benefits page to apply for other benefits.
 
Here is information on some of the key changes and exemptions to eligibility and coverage from January 1, 2026 through late 2027, who will be impacted, and how. For updates, please continue to check this webpage on how and when these changes will take place.

 

 

CalFresh logoAPPLY FOR CALFRESH

Get the food assistance you need:

► Online: BenefitsCal.com
► By phone: 1-888-421-8080
► In person at a Customer Services Center:
  • 1020 Emeline Avenue in Santa Cruz
  • 500 Westridge Drive in Watsonville
 

CHANGES TO CALFRESH

Starting April 1, 2026 – Changes to Eligibility for Certain Immigrants

Immigration status eligibility changes: People with certain immigration statuses no longer qualify for CalFresh benefits. Affected groups include refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, human trafficking survivors, and survivors of domestic violence. Eligibility is now limited to:
  • Citizens of the United States (U.S.)
  • Noncitizen U.S. Nationals
  • Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)
  • Individuals who reside in the U.S. in accordance with a Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreement.
  • Cuban and Haitian Entrants (CHEs)
 

Starting June 1, 2026 – New Work & Community Engagement Rules

Work/school/community engagement rules: Most adults ages 18-64 who are able to work will be required to work, do community service, or attend school at least 80 hours each month.
 
Many people, including those who have a child under age 14 at home or are unable to work due to mental or physical challenges, will be exempt from the rules. People who are not exempt and do not meet the requirements will lose benefits after three months during a three-year period.
 
Learn more about the new federal CalFresh work rules requirements. Read our informational Frequently Asked Questions—or FAQs—in English or Spanish, below:
 
Click Here to open a CalFresh Work Rules FAQ in English      Click here to open a CalFresh work rules FAQ in Spanish
 

USEFUL FORMS: For Reporting Potential Exemptions and Volunteer Work for the CalFresh Work and Community Engagement Rules

Report your potentially qualifying exemptions using the California Department of Social Services form, “CF 377.11E”:

Exemption Screening Form CF 377.11E

  

 

Let us know if you have a permanent or temporary disability using the California Department of Social Services form, “CF 887”:

Medical Certification Form CF 887

  

 

Report volunteer or community service hours using the California Department of Social Services form, “CF 888”:

Volunteer Hours Verification Form CF 888

  

 

NEW! CalFresh Work and Community Engagement Rules Pre-Screening Tool

 
With new work/school/community engagement rules beginning June 1, 2026, CalFresh applicants and current benefits recipients can now complete a new CalFresh Work and Community Engagement Rules: Pre-Screening Tool when applying or recertifying for your CalFresh benefits. Once your screening is complete, we will contact you to let you know what you need to do to get or keep your CalFresh benefits. Use this tool before applying or recertifying, to see if you may be required to meet new work and community engagement rules to get or keep your benefits.
 
This screening tool does not determine your eligibility CalFresh and is not your official documentation for being excused from the work and community engagement rules. This tool simply helps identify whether you will be subject to the new rules, and if so, how they may impact you. Click this button to access the screening tool:
 
Screening Tool
 
If it is determined that you will be subject to the new work rules, you must contact us to report your work or community engagement hours or reason for being excused or exempted. For more information about these rules, you can visit the state’s CalFresh Work and Community Engagement Resources webpage.
 
 

Medi-Cal logoAPPLY FOR MEDI-CAL

Access health benefits:

► Online: BenefitsCal.com
► By phone: 1-888-421-8080
► In person at a Customer Services Center:
  • 1020 Emeline Avenue in Santa Cruz
  • 500 Westridge Drive in Watsonville
 

CHANGES TO MEDI-CAL

If you became eligible to enroll in Medi-Cal as a result of California's expansion of the Affordable Care Act, also known as "Obamacare", you may be impacted directly by federal and state changes to Medi-Cal. An explanation of the changes, and if they may apply to you, are described below.
 

Starting January 1, 2026 – No New Enrollments for Adults with “Unsatisfactory Immigration Status”

Enrollment freeze for UIS adults: California has changed state-funded Medi-Cal rules for adults age 19 and older with unsatisfactory immigration status, or "UIS." Here is what has changed:
 
► No new enrollment into full-scope Medi-Cal: Adults age 19 or older who are not pregnant or do not have satisfactory immigration status can no longer newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal if they applied on or after January 1, 2026.
► Those enrolled may keep their coverage: Individuals who were already enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal before January 1, 2026, can generally remain enrolled as long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements and complete their annual renewal on time.
► Limited protection if you've lost coverage: Existing members who lose coverage have a limited period (currently three months) to re-enroll without being subject to the enrollment freeze. If you miss that window, you generally will only qualify for restricted-scope Medi-Cal.
► Restricted-scope Medi-Cal remains available: Adults who cannot enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal may still qualify for restricted (emergency) Medi-Cal, which covers services such as emergency medical care, pregnancy-related services and certain nursing facility services for those eligible.
 
The enrollment freeze does not apply to children under age 19, who remain eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status, or to pregnant individuals who continue to have access to full-scope Medi-Cal during pregnancy and the postpartum coverage period if otherwise eligible.
 

Starting October 1, 2026 - Limited Eligibility for Certain Immigrants

Limited immigrant eligibility: Federal funding ends for people without Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR, or green card) status. Affected groups include refugees, asylees, human trafficking victims and other noncitizens that were previously eligible.
 

Starting January 1, 2027 - Three Important Changes

► Renewal required every six months for most adults: Most adults ages 19-64 without disabilities or children 18 or younger will need to renew their Medi-Cal every six months instead of yearly.
► New work/school/community service rules: Most adults ages 19-64 who are able to work and without children age 18 or younger must work, attend school, or do community service for at least 80 hours each month to qualify. Many people, including those unable to work due to mental or physical challenges or a substance use disorder, will be exempt from the rules.
► Less time for applicants to get help paying old medical bills: Medi-Cal will only pay for one month of past bills for adults ages 19-64 who don’t have children 18 or younger. Medi-Cal will pay up to two months of past bills for all others.
 

Starting July 1, 2027 - Two Significant Changes

► Monthly premium required for some non-citizens: Medi-Cal recipients ages 19–59 who are undocumented or have a temporary immigration status will begin paying a $30 monthly premium per person on the Medi-Cal case.
► Dental benefits end for undocumented adults: Full Medi-Cal coverage recipients age 19 and older who are undocumented or have temporary immigration status will lose dental benefits.
 
For more information, see full updates from the California Department of Health Care Services, What Medi-Cal Members Need to Know.
 
 
NEW!
Looking for information on how the federal H.R.1 benefits changes will impact CalFresh and Medi-Cal caseloads and enrollments? Check out our new shared dashboard for Santa Cruz County impacts as they unfold:
 

  

 

PUBLIC CHARGE & FEDERAL RULE CHANGE
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released final regulations on July 16, 2026, that it is ending the 2022 “Public Charge” rule, which applies to many lawfully present immigrants applying for a “green cards,” or lawful permanent residency status.
 
The 2022 Public Charge rule had set specific standards for deciding whether someone seeking lawful immigration status might become dependent on government assistance. Beginning September 18, 2026, immigration officials will return to a previous version of this rule, which broadens the types of public assistance benefits the U.S. Government can review and consider when determining if they should grant an individual’s request for permanent residency.
 
Learn more about the Public Charge rule change, in English and Spanish, through resources provided by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, or ILRC:
 
ILRC's Public Charge Informational Website
 
 
 
Download and print a PDF flyer in English or Spanish, to share publicly about the Public Charge rule change:
 
Protecting Immigrant Families Factsheet (English)
 
 
 
Protecting Immigrant Families Factsheet (Spanish)