The 2026-27 Budget: Food Assistance Programs

Feb 18, 2026 - CDSS estimates that there are about 954,800 individuals that fit the expanded ABAWD criteria (compared to about 345,400 individuals who are estimated to meet the prior criteria). Of these, CDSS estimates approximately 845,000 individuals that will become subject to the work requirement beginning June 2026 and not qualify for an exemption.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5126