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California EBT news
Reviewed California-specific EBT and SNAP news items about benefit timing, eligibility, and program rules.
Updated on: August 24, 2026
Independent information tool. Not a government website.
California’s SUN Bucks site says the deadline to apply for summer 2026 SUN Bucks is August 31, 2026. Eligible children receive $120 on an EBT card for groceries, and families are directed to call the SUN Bucks helpline if a child is eligible but a card has not arrived by September 2026.
California’s CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot Project paused beginning July 1, 2026 due to limited remaining funding. During the pause, eligible participants no longer earn new incentive dollars for eligible fruit and vegetable purchases at participating retailers and farmers markets; previously earned incentives may still be used until they expire.
California says families with approved SUN Bucks/Summer EBT applications will receive 2026 cards beginning in late July 2026. Stage 2 includes newly enrolled children who become newly eligible for CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, or through a school meal/universal benefits application.
California counties are notifying CalFresh recipients that beginning June 1, 2026, more adults classified as ABAWDs must meet work or community-engagement requirements to keep benefits beyond the time limit. The rule applies at application or renewal and may affect adults ages 18–64 who do not qualify for exemptions.
California says that beginning June 1, 2026, it will implement changes to CalFresh time-limit/work or community-engagement rules for adults ages 18 to 65 who do not have young children in the home. Affected people must qualify for an exemption or meet work/community-engagement requirements to keep CalFresh benefits for more than 3 months in a 36-month period.