This information helps older adults and adults with disabilities keep their CalFresh and/or Medi-Cal benefits as program rules change.
NOTE: Program rules are set by the State of California and the federal government and may change. Please check back for updates.
• CalFresh (food benefits): older adult = 60+
• Medi-Cal (health coverage): older adult = 65+
The state requires some individuals (listed below) to report asset information when they apply for or renew their Medi-Cal.
• Adults 65+
• People with disabilities
• People who live in a nursing home or individuals applying for long-term care services
• Making too much money to qualify under federal tax rules (see income limits via the links below)
Income Limits for:
• Aged 65+, Blind and Disabled – Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Program
• Adults without Children (19-64 years old)
Asset limits
• $130,000 for one person
• + $65,000 for every additional household member (up to 10 people)
What counts toward the Medi-Cal asset limit
• Bank accounts: checking, savings
• Cash
• Additional homes, other than your primary residence
• More than one vehicle
• Other financial resources or investments (For example, some stocks or bonds may count.)
What does NOT count
• Your primary residence, the home you live in.
• One vehicle (your main car).
• Household items. For example: furniture, appliances, personal belongings, etc.
• Some retirement accounts. For example: certain IRAs / 401(k)s and employer-based plans.
What does not change
Your current Medi-Cal coverage will stay the same. You will simply be required to report your assets when you renew your coverage on or after January 1, 2026. If your assets are within the limit and you meet all other eligibility rules, your benefits will continue.
Current benefits may include: Doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, preventive care, mental health services, long-term care, transportation, dental, and vision.
Unsatisfactory Immigration Status (UIS)
Adults who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, sometimes referred to as “UIS,” may still receive full-scope Medi-Cal if:
• They are already enrolled (and they renew on time/their benefits don’t lapse), OR
• They are new applicants who enroll by December 31, 2025
If annual renewal is not completed on time, coverage will change to restricted-scope Medi-Cal, which provides:
• Emergency care
• Pregnancy-related services and post-partum care
• Long-term care services
What to do (if you already have Medi-Cal & want to keep it)
• Keep your contact information up to date
• Respond to all Medi-Cal renewal notices
• Complete your renewal on time. You can complete your renewal at BenefitsCal.com
Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)
The Statewide ABAWD waiver ended November 2, 2025, but California is waiting on additional federal guidance before implementing changes related to ABAWD work requirements. CalFresh benefits are not impacted by these changes right now.
ABAWD Work Requirements for Ages 18-64 (new):
Adults 18–64 who do not meet an exemption may need to participate in an allowable work activity for 20+ hours/week or workfare for a number of monthly hours based on their CalFresh household grant to keep CalFresh benefits.
Older adults & adults with disabilities
These groups are exempt from the ABAWD work rules:
• Adults 65+
• Adults with disabilities
Note for Ages 60–64
Adults 60–64 are not automatically exempt. They must meet one of the exemptions below to avoid the ABAWD work requirements.
Other Exemptions
You may also be exempt from ABAWD work requirements if you meet any of the following:
• You are under 18
• You are pregnant
• You are medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for work;
• You are the parent or guardian of a child under 14 (lives with you/is in the household)
• You are caring for a dependent child under 6 (child does not need to live with you)
• You are caring for a person with a disability (they do not need to live with you)
• You are participating in an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) training program
• You are Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act
• You are exempt from work registration
• You are receiving or applying for disability benefits (This includes Social Security, SSI, pensions, workers’ compensation, veteran’s benefits, etc.)
• Attending school, college, or a training program like CalWORKs
• Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program
Pending implementation of the new H.R. 1 ABAWD changes, individuals between the ages of 18 to 64 should:
• Make sure their household circumstances are current in their case.
• If they think they qualify for an exemption, contact the county to be evaluated.
• Stay informed by reviewing the DPSS website for accurate and current information.
Allowable Activities to Meet ABAWD Work Requirements
• Employment
– Earning at least $217.50 or more weekly
– Required of each individual ABAWD
• Community Service/Volunteer, CalFresh Employment & Training, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Local Programs the Increase Employability (LPIE), AmeriCorps/National Service
– 20 hours/week or 80 hours/month
– Can be combined to meet the 80 hours monthly requirement
– Required of each individual ABAWD
• Workfare
– Hours are based on the household CalFresh benefits divided by the local minimum wage.
– Required hours cover the entire household and can be worked collectively by all ABAWDs or by one ABAWD individual.
Starting November 1, 2025:
• Households with an older adult (60+) or a member with a disability who do not pay for heating/cooling separately will continue to receive the SUA deduction through SUAS.
• Households without an older adult (60+) or a member with a disability may see reduced CalFresh benefits or may lose eligibility if they:
– Do not pay for heating/cooling separately, AND
– Previously relied on SUAS to qualify for the SUA deduction.
• What to do?
– Report heating or cooling costs if you pay them separately from rent or mortgage
– Keep your contact information updated
– Apply or renew at BenefitsCal.com
Some people who are lawfully present may lose CalFresh eligibility due to federal changes. This includes but is not limited to refugees, asylees, paroles, and others. NOTE: The final policy has not been released by the CDSS, therefore, there are no changes right now. For questions about individual situations, please contact L.A. County’s Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) which is the local agency responsible for administering state CalFresh and Medi-Cal benefits in Los Angeles County.
• California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• DPSS Customer Service: (866) 613-3777
• Apply/Renew: BenefitsCal.com
More information: DPSS “Keep Your Benefits” webpage.
• Keep contact information current
• Respond to all mail from DPSS
• Report heating/cooling payments for CalFresh if you pay them separately
• Apply or renew at BenefitsCal.com
• Contact DPSS if you receive a notice that you do not understand
Due to recent federal policy changes, the CalFresh Healthy Living (CFHL) Program, which is the educational component of CalFresh that offers nutrition classes, physical activity programs, and healthy living workshops, will end on March 31, 2026.
This change affects the education program only.
It does NOT affect CalFresh food benefits or eligibility.
The CalFresh Healthy Living Program has made a positive impact on many older adults and adults with disabilities, and we appreciate your participation.
Los Angeles County’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA), administered by the Aging & Disabilities Department (AD) will continue to offer health, nutrition, and wellness services, including the Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Program (DPHP) and other evidence-based programs.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a federal program that helps adults age 55 and older with low incomes get work experience. Participants are placed in part-time jobs at nonprofit or public agencies, such as senior centers, libraries, schools, or community organizations. These positions are paid and usually include up to 20 hours of work per week.
The goal of SCSEP is to help older adults gain skills, build confidence, and move into long-term, unsubsidized jobs if they choose to do so. The program also offers job search help, training, and support services.
To qualify, individuals must be 55 or older, unemployed, and meet low-income guidelines. Priority is given to people who may face extra barriers to work, including veterans, people with disabilities, adults age 65+, people with limited English, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Because of federal budget changes connected to HR1, the SCSEP program is scheduled to end on June 30, 2026, unless federal lawmakers decide to continue it. After that date, the program may not be available, and participating organizations may no longer offer SCSEP training positions.
• Email: NutritionServices@ad.lacounty.gov
• Call: 1 (800) 510-2020