REGION — Changes to SNAP (known as CalFresh in California) eligibility affecting certain noncitizens will take effect tomorrow, potentially impacting thousands of recipients in San Diego County.
Beginning April 1, federal changes under H.R. 1 will tighten eligibility for some noncitizens, including certain refugees, asylees, parolees and trafficking victims, potentially making them ineligible for CalFresh benefits, the county Health and Human Services Agency said.
“Noncitizens already enrolled, including asylees and refugees, will have their eligibility reviewed at their next renewal,” the agency said on its website.
The law also introduces new reporting requirements for some households and is expected to reduce monthly benefit amounts for certain recipients due to adjustments in federal funding.
San Diego Food Bank said that about 13,000 people in San Diego County will lose CalFresh benefits in the coming days under the new regulations.
County officials urged recipients to submit renewal paperwork on time, keep their contact information up to date, and respond promptly to any requests for documentation to ensure their eligibility can be reviewed.
The agency said additional assistance is available through the County Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.
Additional changes will roll out on June 1, expanding work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents. Individuals ages 18 to 64 will be required to work or participate in approved job training programs for at least 80 hours per month to maintain benefits.
The updated policy also cuts or eliminates some previous exemptions, including for certain veterans, former foster youth and people experiencing homelessness.
More information is available through the county at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa.html.
