Updates on SNAP Benefits
Due to the federal government shutdown, many Hawai‘i families who rely on SNAP could see their benefits temporarily paused starting November 1. The State of Hawai‘i has launched a coordinated relief effort to protect Hawaiʻi families.
Hawaiʻi Relief Program
A new statewide program that provides temporary rental and utility assistance for families in need. Families can receive up to four months of financial support.
Eligible households may receive assistance for:
- Rent or mortgage payments, up to $6,000/month
- One-time housing deposit, up to $6,000
- Utility payments, up to $2,000/month
- One-time utility deposit, up to $3,000/utility
To qualify, families must:
- Have at least one dependent child under the age of 18
- Be experiencing a financial crisis or episode of need (furlough, layoff, medical emergency, etc.)
- Have an impending eviction or disconnection of a utility source because the family is behind on housing or utility payment
- All be Hawaiʻi residents
- Have at least one family member who is a U.S. citizen, qualified non-citizen or resident of COFA
- Meet income eligibility requirements – income must be at or under 300% of the Federal Poverty Level
How to Apply
Applications are now open. For residents of Maui, Molokai and Lanaʻi, apply through Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO):
- 📞 Call: 808-243-4357
- 📧 Email: housing.utility@meoinc.org
- Apply directly Here
Hawaii Emergency Food Benefit
A one-time $250 credit per person will be issued for current SNAP beneficiaries to provide households with additional relief due to the pause in federal SNAP funding. This benefit can be used for food purchases only and will be loaded onto EBT cards by mid-November.
Food Assistance
- Maui Food Bank: (808) 243-9500
- Aloha United Way 2-1-1: Call 211 for assistance finding food, housing and community resources or visit their website directly here for immediate resources
