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Keep Your Benefits

Medi-Cal and CalFresh program rules are changing. New state and federal policies will impact eligibility, reporting, and renewal requirements. Staying informed and acting early can help you keep your benefits.

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Medi-Cal Changes

Beginning January 1, 2026, the State of California will implement new rules for Medi-Cal. Apply or renew at BenefitsCal.com. Set reminders for renewal dates. Register for a Medi-Cal webinar to learn more.

DID YOU MISS THE LIVE MEDI-CAL WEBINARS? WATCH THE RECORDINGS ANYTIME! DPSS HOSTED A SERIES OF MEDI-CAL PROGRAM WEBINARS REGARDING: ASSET AND PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS, COVERAGE UPDATES FOR ADULTS 19 AND OLDER WITH UNSATISFACTORY IMMIGRATION STATUS (UIS) IF YOU MISSED THE LIVE SESSIONS, ON-DEMAND ACCESS TO ALL MEDI-CAL WEBINARS RECORDING ARE AVAILABLE TO WATCH NOW! TO WATCH WEBINAR DPSS and Medi-Cal Logog
MEDI-CAL OCVERAGE RULES ARE CHANGING IN 2026 Application Deadline for Full-Scope Medi-Cal for Individuals 19 years of age or older without satisfactory immigration status LEARN MORE
MEDI-CAL PROGRAM RULES ARE CHANGING Asset Limits are coming back! STARTING JANUARY 1, 2026, ASSET INFORMATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO DETERMINE MEDI-CAL ELIGIBILITY FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE: Age 65 and older Disabled In need of Long-Term Care LEARN MORE
What Medi-Cal Members Need to Know Changes to Medi-Cal are coming in 2026. Find out what's new and why it matters! VISIT Our Medi-Cal Information Page TO LEARN MORE. Medi-Cal and DPSS logos
CalFresh Changes

Changes to CalFresh Eligibility Requirements for Certain Non-Citizens 

Beginning April 1, 2026, certain non-citizens such as, but not limited to, asylees, refugees, parolees, individuals with deportation or removal withheld, conditional entrants, and victims of trafficking will no longer be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits. However, they may be eligible for CalFresh if their immigration status changes to Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) and they meet all other eligibility requirements.

If a non-citizen is currently receiving CalFresh benefits, they will continue to receive benefits until their renewal, if they meet all other eligibility criteria. 

Learn more about these changes.

Changes to Issuance of State Utility Assistance Subsidy (SUAS) to allow Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) Deduction

Beginning November 1, 2025, the State will implement a change in who will receive the SUAS in order to receive the SUA. This change may reduce or termination some households’ s CalFresh benefits. Read more about these changes at Food and Nutrition. Apply or renew benefits online at BenefitsCal.com. 

CHANGES TO CALFRESH ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN NON-CITIZENS Starting April 1, 2026, certain non-citizens will no longer be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits. However, you may be eligible for CalFresh if your immigration status changes to Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) and you meet all other eligibility requirements. LEARN MORE
DPSS and CalFresh logos with produce background. Changes to Issuance of State Utility Assistance Subsidy (SUAS) to allow Standard Utility Allowance Deduction Effective 11/1/25, the State will implement a change as to which CalFresh Households (HH) will receive the State Utility Assistance Subsidy (SUAS) in order to receive the Standard Utility Allowance. This change may reduce or terminate some households’ CalFresh benefits. To remain eligible to the SUA deduction, ensure you report your heating or cooling utility expenses if it is separate from your shelter cost. New households: This change will take effect at application starting November 1, 2025. Existing households: This change will take effect at your next renewal. Visit the DPSS website for more information: https://dpss.lacounty.gov/en/food.html

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Keep Your Benefits Toolkit

The link below will connect you with our Keep Your Benefits Toolkit. The toolkit contains a variety of assets that can be used to share marketing information—such as flyers, social media graphics, website graphics, and office lobby monitor materials. Please use these resources to share information with family, friends, or the community you serve. To access the marketing assets, select the link below.

How To Keep Your Benefits Apply or renew early at BenefitsCal.com Set reminders for CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal renewals and recertifications Attend a Medi-Cal webinar for personalized guidance Follow DPSS on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok for updates Don't' wait , policy changes begin as early as November 2025. Keep the support that supports you!