LOS ANGELES (CNS) – New federal work requirements for some CalFresh recipients take effect Monday, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of Los Angeles County residents who rely on food assistance benefits.
CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides food assistance to low-income individuals and households. County officials said about 1.5 million residents are enrolled, though an estimated 320,000 more may be eligible but are not receiving benefits.
Under the updated rules, certain adults ages 18 to 64 who do not have dependent children younger than 14 in their household will be required to complete at least 20 hours per week, or 80 hours per month, of work, job training or volunteer activities to continue receiving benefits beyond three months in a three-year period.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services launched a monthlong outreach campaign on May 1 to raise awareness of the changes and help residents understand how the new requirements could affect eligibility, enrollment and renewal procedures.
“L.A. County residents are encouraged to support this year’s outreach efforts by following DPSS on social media and sharing information with individuals and families in their communities who may benefit from CalFresh,” the department said in a statement last month.
The outreach effort also focused on helping recipients maintain their benefits by responding promptly to department requests and completing renewal requirements on time, officials said.
County officials encouraged residents affected by the changes to review eligibility requirements and available exemptions. They also urged community members to support local food banks and shelters that may see increased demand as the new rules take effect.
More information on exemptions to the work requirements and approved training is available at https://dpss.lacounty.gov/en/food/calfresh/cf_ebt_news.html.
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