Benefit, Employment & Support Services

June 1, 2022

HONOLULU, HI – To fight the negative economic impacts of COVID-19, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in March 2020. This law allowed states to waive certain eligibility requirements.

Starting June 1, 2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households in Hawaii will receive benefits based on the usual factors in determining eligibility, including household size, income, and deductions. With this change, each SNAP household’s benefits will vary based on their income and costs.

• • An interview with a worker will be required for the following applications.
    • Financial only Applications
    • Combination Financial and SNAP Applications.
  • We will continue to complete a desk review for SNAP-only applications and may contact applicants if application information provided is questionable.
• • Effective 07/01/22: 
  • Interviews will be required for all Applications and Annual Recertifications/Renewals.
    • Interviews will be completed via phone as much as possible.
    • In-person interviews will be utilized only in limited situations and will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the processing center.

  What is our Application & Interview process?

• Complete an Application for Assistance, DHS 1240, either via hardcopy or online (https://pais.dhs.hawaii.gov/PAIS/#!/).
• Submit the DHS 1240 and any applicable paperwork.
• A desk review will be completed by a worker
  • Through 05/31/22 for all Applications and Annual Renewals.
  • Through 06/30/22 for SNAP-only Applications and all Annual Renewals (Note – Effective 7/1/2022 all Applications and Annual Renewals require interviews).
• Prior to sending an interview notice, we attempt to call the household twice.
  • We will cold call the first time, leave a message that we will be calling back in 3 – 5 minutes.
  • We will call back a second time, leave a message, and then generate the interview notice.
• The applicant is responsible to call in to 1-855-643-1643
  • Have your case number and interview notice available, when calling.
• We will attempt to determine the applicant household’s eligibility at that time.
• A notice is mailed to request any necessary documentation, and then to explain our determination.
• An EBT card is issued to the primary individual of a household.

 

Recertification Processes

• Most households must complete a yearly recertification/renewal to redetermine eligibility for continued benefits:
• A Notice of Expiration is mailed approximately 50 days prior to the end of their renewal month.
• A renewal packet is mailed 45 days prior to the end of their renewal month.
• The packet must be completed and returned through mail or online with necessary documents by the due date on the packet.
• An interview must be completed.
• A notice will be sent regarding the household’s continued eligibility.

 

Periodic Review Process

• • Most households must also complete Six Month Report Forms (SMRFs) halfway through their year of eligibility.
  • SMRFs are mailed on the last day of the Fifth month (giving the recipient one month to respond).
  • Interviews for SMRFs are not required, but completion and timely submittal of the SMRF is required for continued eligibility.

For more information, applicants and recipients may visit https://pais.dhs.hawaii.gov to check on the status of their application or benefits, or they may call the Public Assistance Toll Free Information Line at  1-855-643-1643.