Medicaid
Starts January 1, 2027
- Who it covers
- Adults 19 to 64 who got Medicaid through expansion, unless exempt
- Hours needed
- 80 a month of work, volunteering, school, or a work program, in any mix
- When it starts
- January 1, 2027. First affected members expected at renewals starting March 2027 (health plan FAQ citing DHCS; DHCS site could not be read).
- How often they check
- Every 6 months at renewal, starting with the first renewal after 2027-01-01
- Months they look back
- We haven't confirmed this yet. Ask your caseworker.
- Hardship exceptions
- We haven't confirmed this yet. Ask your caseworker.
- Proof of volunteer hours
- We haven't confirmed this yet. Ask your caseworker.
- Notes
- Medi-Cal expansion adults 19-64. 80 hours a month of work, community service, a work program or half-time school (or a mix), or $580 a month income. Medi-Cal checks state data first and sends a letter if it can't confirm.
- Official page
- California Medicaid agency
SNAP
- Does volunteering count?
- Yes
- Time limit waiver
- The time limit is waived in some areas. Waived in Alpine, Colusa, Imperial, Merced, Monterey, Plumas and Tulare counties through Oct. 31, 2026; USDA approved Colusa, Imperial, Kings, Merced, Monterey, Plumas and Tulare counties for Nov. 1, 2026 through Oct. 31, 2027. Checked October 9, 2026.
- How many hours
- Ages 18-64: average 20 hours a week (80 a month) of work, volunteering or training, or earn $217.50 a week.
- Who signs it
- You fill in Section 1. A representative of the volunteer organization fills in and signs Section 2, certifying the month's hours. Counties may choose to use it; if used, it must be used as-is.
- When it's due
- We haven't confirmed this yet. Ask your caseworker.
- Official page
- California SNAP agency
Información en español de California