Hawaii Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Eating well helps us stay active, healthy, and independent as we get older. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Hawaii buy food and free up money in their budget for other things.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, you will get a Quest electronic benefits card (EBT card). It works just like a prepaid debit card and can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Hawaii to buy food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

It’s worth checking Hawaii SNAP eligibility for yourself or someone you care for. Most older adults across the country receive about $188 a month through SNAP. But in Hawai‘i, you could get up to $373 each month to help pay for groceries.

Hawai'i Food Bank offers a quick online pre-screening that tells you whether you qualify for SNAP (enter your ZIP code under ‘See If You Qualify for SNAP’ to get started).

Frequently asked questions

• How does Hawaii SNAP work?

• What is the SNAP application process like in Hawaii?

• How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

• How do I apply for SNAP in Hawaii?

• What happens after I apply for SNAP in Hawaii?

• How can I get help with my application?

• Other important tips to know

How does Hawaii SNAP work?

SNAP helps people with limited means afford food. If you’re eligible, it makes it easier to buy healthy groceries each month, like fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, nuts, bread, and seeds to grow food. Hawaii SNAP can help free up money for other needs, like utility bills, prescriptions, and health care.

Hawaii SNAP is run by the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS offices across the state help people apply for SNAP, manage their benefits, and get answers to questions.

What is the SNAP application process like in Hawaii?

Applying for SNAP is easier than you might think. A friend, family member, or DHS case worker can help you through each step.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Hawaii SNAP:

• Fill out an application: You can apply for Hawaii SNAP online, by mail, or in person. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You don’t need documents to start an application and get a benefit start date.

• Have an interview: You may be asked to have an interview with a case worker once DHS receives your application.

• Wait for a decision: Most Hawaii SNAP applications are reviewed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you need food right away, you may be able to have your application reviewed faster.

• Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your new EBT card in the mail.

How do I know if I'm eligible for SNAP in Hawaii?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for Hawaii SNAP, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

• All applicants must be a resident of Hawaii.

• All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident (of 5+ years), or other qualified alien.

• Most adult applicants must meet certain work requirements.

• Your household must meet certain income (and sometimes asset) guidelines. Special SNAP rules apply to households with older adults (60+) and people with disabilities. This can make it easier to qualify, even if their income looks too high.

• All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one).

You might also be able to get SNAP if you receive other forms of public assistance like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

What are the SNAP work requirements in Hawaii?

As of Feb. 1, 2026, federal SNAP work rules have changed for some people:

• Under the new rules, adults age 55–64 who do not have dependents may now need to work or join a SNAP job training program for 80 hours each month to keep their benefits.

• Volunteer work may count toward the 80 hours.

• Some caregivers may not have to follow these work rules. The details are still being worked out.

• Veterans must now follow these work rules, too.

These changes may affect how long you can get SNAP benefits, especially if you’re in an area where jobs are hard to find. Talk to your local DHS office to find out what these new work rules mean for you.

How much SNAP can I get in Hawaii?

The amount of money you will get in Hawaii SNAP benefits depends on:

• How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security

• How many people live with you

If you’re age 60+ or have a disability, you may be able to get more SNAP benefits by reporting monthly costs like medical bills (over $35), housing costs, and utility bills. In Hawai'i, the average monthly SNAP benefit in a household with an older adult is $373, which is higher than the national monthly average of $188.

What are the Hawaii SNAP income limits?

There are income guidelines to qualify for SNAP. In Hawaii, most households can apply if their gross (total, before taxes) income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. But special SNAP rules give more flexibility to people who are age 60+ or have a disability. Many older adults are surprised they qualify for SNAP and get more help than they expected. The best way to know for sure is to apply.

Note:For Hawaii SNAP households where all members get (or are approved to get) TANF or SSI, income limits do not apply.

The general SNAP guidelines below apply from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Your local DHS office can tell you if you qualify. You can also check your eligibility now—just scroll up and click the black “See If You May Be Eligible” button.

Family size Maximum grossmonthly income (200% FPL)

1 $ 3,000

2 $4,054

3 $5,110

4 $6,164

5 $7,220

For each additional person, add: +$1,056

Source: Hawaii DHS - SNAP Guidelines (October 2025)

Some SNAP households may have to meet an asset limit. Assets are things you own that can be turned into money, like cash, bank accounts, or property (not your home).

How do I apply for Hawaii SNAP?

• Get important documents ready

When you apply for Hawaii SNAP, you’ll be asked for information to help determine if you qualify and the amount of help you can get. Before you start, gather the following details for everyone in your household:

• Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources

• Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members

• Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs

• Child care or dependent care costs

• Medical costs (if you are age 60+ or have a disability)

Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

• Driver's license or other government-issued ID

• Birth certificate

• Bank statements

• Pension statements

• Social Security statements

• Pay stubs

• Tax returns

• Social Security card

• Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)

• Marriage license or divorce decree

• For those age 60+ or with a disability: billing statements, mileage or transportation costs to/from medical appointments, itemized receipts for medical expenses (prescription drugs, medical supplies, etc.)

If you want a friend or family member to help you gather documents, complete your SNAP application, and join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative.

2. Complete an application

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP in Hawaii is through the Public Assistance Information System (PAIS) website. All your personal information is kept 100% private and protected by special security technology.

Apply on PAIS Website

To apply online:

• Visit the PAIS benefits portal and click ‘Apply Now.’

• Read the information on the next page and then click ‘Next.’

• On the next screen, check the box next to ‘SNAP’ and then click ‘Next.’

• Follow the steps on the screen to sign up and fill out your SNAP application. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you stop before finishing, your answers will be saved. You can come back later and continue.

• After you send your application, you will get a receipt with a tracking number. This means DHS got your application.

• Write down your tracking number and keep it safe. You will need it to log back in, finish your application, and check your status.

• You can provide your supporting documents by clicking ‘Upload Documents’ from the application portal home page.

Tips for success:

• Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait.

• If English is not your primary language, you can scroll down to the bottom of the DHS online application home page and choose another language. Or, call 1-888-764-7586 to ask for an interpreter at no cost.

APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR FAX

To apply in person, by mail, or by fax, you will need a paper SNAP application. If you have a printer at home, you can print out the application form from the DHS website or download by clicking the links below:

• Hawaii SNAP Application(English)

You must then mail, fax, or take your completed SNAP application to your nearest DHS processing center. Find the processing center nearest you.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Hawaii SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. You can receive expedited (faster) SNAP assistance if you meet one of the following conditions:

• Monthly rent/mortgage and utilities are more than your household’s gross monthly income and liquid resources. 

• Gross monthly income is less than $150 and your household’s liquid resources, such as cash or checking/savings accounts, are $100 or less. 

• You are a seasonal farmworker household that:

• Lost its income stream before applying

• Is not expecting income of $25 within the next 10 days

• Has liquid assets of less than $100

Need food today? Visit the Hawai'i Food Bank website to find local resources while you wait for your Hawaii SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Hawaii SNAP application. You can:

• Visit the Hawai'i Food Bank SNAP page to learn how to contact its SNAP Outreach Team based on where you live. An outreach specialist can walk you through the application process and answer your questions.

• Find and contact your local DHS Processing Center.

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

• Call NCOA’s HelpLine at [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST to get free support.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Hawaii?

It can take up to 30 days for DHS to review your Hawaii SNAP application. If you qualify for fast (expedited) benefits, you could get a decision within 7 days. If you are approved, your benefits can start as early as the day you applied.

After DHS gets your application, a worker will contact you for an interview. The interview may be in person or by phone. Check your mail often and answer your phone — even if the number looks “unknown” or blocked — so you don’t miss them.

To check on the status of your SNAP application, call the PAIS information hotline toll-free at 1-855-643-1643.

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry. The interview is not meant to stop you from getting benefits. Your case worker is just checking the information you already gave. They can also explain the program, answer your questions, and help you get any papers you’re having trouble finding.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

• What is your full name and birthday?

• What is your Social Security number?

• Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)

• Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)

• What is your monthly income?

• Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?

• What other regular bills do you have?

Practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to answer all the questions correctly.

Once all your information is received, you will get a letter telling you if you were approved or denied for Hawaii SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will show your benefit amount and when benefits will start. If you are denied, the notice will tell you why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for Hawaii SNAP, the letter you receive will show your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for. For most households, that period is 12 months, up to 24 months for households with older members or people with disabilities.

You will also receive your Hawaii EBT card (Kokua Card) in the mail. The card will be pre-loaded with your first month of benefits once approved.

Other important tips to know

What if my Hawaii SNAP application is denied?

If your application for SNAP is denied, and you disagree with the reason for this decision, you can ask for a hearing. This must be done within 90 days of the date on your SNAP denial notice. A judge will review your case.

How do I manage my Kokua EBT card?

To create or change your EBT card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, call EBT Customer Service toll-free at 1-888-328-4292. You can also visit the ebtEDGE portal (you must create an account first).

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

Changes in your situation must be reported to your DHS worker within 10 days of the time you learn of the change. Examples of reportable changes include a change in household size or a change in household income.

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Hawaii?

You must renew your Hawaii SNAP benefits every so often to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew.