Volunteer Service Work Requirements for Benefit Eligibility

Due to the H.R. 1 legislation signed into law on July 4, 2025, work requirements have been introduced for the eligibility of some enrollees in CalFresh (SNAP) and Medi-Cal (Medicaid). Volunteer service is one way the work requirements can be fulfilled. Individuals fulfilling these work requirements are welcome to complete their volunteer work through HandsOn San Diego and we are able to provide the documentation necessary upon completion of service hours. We are a nonprofit organization and do not manage any government programs or determine eligibility.

Resources for navigating these changes:

• California Department of Social Services
• California Department of Healthcare Services 
• County of San Diego Health & Human Services
• 211 San Diego
• San Diego Hunger Coalition

How to Get Started

Step 1: Check out our Calendar

Check out our volunteer opportunity calendar to make sure there are enough projects that work for your schedule and location before creating an account. Projects are subject to cancellation (especially during poor weather conditions) so we recommend getting started early on fulfilling your requirements.

Step 2: Create an account

Create an account on our site by registering HERE. 

For a FREE membership, on the payment page select the individual membership then enter promo code: HR1

Step 3: Find Volunteer Opportunities

Review the video below for instructions to find volunteer opportunities on our volunteer opportunity calendar. We can only guarantee service hour tracking for volunteer opportunities on the volunteer opportunity calendar page. 

Step 4: Sign Up & Volunteer

Sign up for projects based on your interests and schedule.

The information you need to attend each of the projects (ex. location) will be sent in a confirmation email immediately after you sign up. If you do not see an email, please check your spam box before emailing our team. You must sign up for our volunteer opportunities prior to attending. Self reported hours or hours served without signing up in advance will not be accepted. 

Step 5: Request a Verification Letter

All of our projects are managed by either a Volunteer Leader or the site's volunteer coordinator. They check-in all of the volunteers and verify your hours in our system so it shows up for you on the "My Account" tab. Once you have completed all the hours you needed with HandsOn San Diego, email us at info@handsonsandiego.org and our staff will then be able to write a verification of hours letter. This letter by default is emailed to you on our letterhead with our Tax ID number, your name, the number of hours you completed, and a signature from the department head on it. We do not submit your letter to benefits programs on your behalf.

Please Note: HandsOn San Diego is not able to verify any hours for projects that are not managed by us. If you have signed up to attend a HandsOn San Diego project, here is a community service log you can use as back-up documentation to help verify and track your hours. If you cannot attend a project, please click "Remove Me" next to the project in your Upcoming Opportunities. Volunteers who no-show more than 3 projects within a month will have their account made inactive.

Email info@handsonsandiego.org at least 4-5 business days in advance to request a verification of hours letter.