Introduction to Workfare in LA County

Los Angeles County is taking proactive steps to help its residents maintain their Medi-Cal and CalFresh benefits amidst upcoming federal work requirements. The Board of Supervisors has voted to expand "workfare" and volunteer opportunities, aiming to support over 1 million residents who could be at risk of losing these essential benefits.

Background on Federal Work Requirements

The federal budget bill, HR 1, signed in July, imposes expanded work requirements on many Medi-Cal and CalFresh recipients. This change puts numerous vulnerable populations, including working families, veterans, former foster youth, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals with serious underlying health conditions, at risk of losing access to basic support systems.

Motion to Protect Vulnerable Populations

County Supervisor Hilda Solis, who sponsored the motion alongside Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, emphasized the importance of acting early to ensure Angelenos are not left behind. The motion instructs the county Department of Public Social Services and other agencies to prepare for assisting residents in danger of losing access to these benefits. It also calls for the expansion of "workfare" and volunteer opportunities with county departments and community organizations to help people meet the new work and volunteer requirements.

Impact on Medi-Cal and CalFresh Recipients

As many as 1.5 million Medi-Cal recipients in the county could potentially lose coverage when the new requirements take effect on January 1, 2027. Additionally, up to 202,000 CalFresh recipients will be required to meet new work requirements beginning February 1, 2026. Supervisor Horvath stressed the county’s responsibility to reduce harm by expanding access to support, minimizing barriers, and ensuring people understand the changes.

Preparations and Response

The county is investing in the infrastructure, partnerships, and outreach necessary to inform communities and connect them with the resources needed to maintain their coverage. By strengthening the county’s coordinated response, the aim is to protect the most vulnerable residents and ensure they can retain the care and resources they rely on.

Conclusion

The expansion of "workfare" and volunteer opportunities in LA County is a crucial step in supporting residents who may be affected by the new federal work requirements. By preparing early and investing in community support, the county hopes to mitigate the potential harm and ensure that vulnerable populations continue to have access to essential benefits like Medi-Cal and CalFresh.

FAQs

• Q: What are the new federal work requirements for Medi-Cal and CalFresh recipients?
  A: The federal budget bill, HR 1, imposes expanded work requirements on many recipients, effective January 1, 2027, for Medi-Cal and February 1, 2026, for CalFresh.
• Q: How many residents in LA County could be at risk of losing their benefits?
  A: Up to 1.5 million Medi-Cal recipients and 202,000 CalFresh recipients could be affected.
• Q: What is the county doing to help residents maintain their benefits?
  A: The county is expanding "workfare" and volunteer opportunities and investing in outreach and support to help residents meet the new requirements.
• Q: Why is it important for the county to act early?
  A: Acting early allows the county to prepare residents for the changes, minimize barriers, and ensure that vulnerable populations are informed and connected with the necessary resources to maintain their coverage.
  

  Saying more than 1 million Los Angeles County residents could be at risk of losing Medi-Cal or CalFresh benefits under upcoming new federal work requirements for recipients, the Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to expand so-called “workfare” and volunteer opportunities with the county and community organizations.

  According to county Supervisor Hilda Solis, who sponsored the motion with Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, the federal budget bill signed in July — HR 1 — imposed expanded work requirements on many Medi-Cal and CalFresh recipients.

  “With the passage of HR 1, our most vulnerable neighbors, including working families, veterans, former foster youth, people experiencing homelessness and individuals with serious underlying health conditions, are now at risk of losing access to the basic support systems they rely on,” Solis said in a statement after the board vote. “We cannot let that happen. This motion is about acting early and making sure Angelenos are not left behind. We are investing now in the infrastructure, partnerships and outreach necessary to ensure our communities are informed, connected and better able to keep their coverage.”

  The motion instructs the county Department of Public Social Services and other agencies to begin preparing to assist residents in danger of losing access to the benefits. It also calls for the expansion of “workfare” and volunteer opportunities with county departments and with community organizations to help people meet the work and volunteer requirements.

According to Solis’ office, as many as 1.5 million Medi-Cal recipients in the county could potentially lose coverage when the new requirements take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. As many as 202,000 CalFresh recipients will be required to meet new work requirements beginning Feb. 1, 2026.

“We have a responsibility to reduce that harm — by expanding access to support, minimizing barriers, and making sure people understand what’s changing,” Horvath said in a statement. “This motion strengthens the county’s coordinated response to protect our most vulnerable residents and ensure they can maintain the care and resources they rely on.”