SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP)

For more information about SNAP updates, including past updates regarding D-SNAP and P-EBT, click here.

For more information call Public Assistance Toll Free Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered at the federal level through its Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).   State agencies administer the program at the state and local levels, including determination of eligibility and monthly allotments.  In Hawaii, this service is provided by the Department of Human Services (DHS) Benefit, Employment & Support Services Division (BESSD).

What is SNAP?

The SNAP program provides crucial food and nutritional support to qualifying low-income and needy households, and those making the transition from welfare to self-sufficiency.  In FY 2014, SNAP helped put food on the table for an estimated 193,565 Hawaii residents (98,440 families).

The Hawaii Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program

The Hawaii Electronic Benefit Transfer (HI/EBT) system processes financial assistance benefits provided by BESSD.  Payments distributed through this system are for the  Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Temporary Assistance for Other Needy Families (TAONF), General Assistance (GA), Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD), Repatriates, Childcare, Employment and Training (E & T), First-To-Work (FTW) and the SNAP programs.

Clients use an EBT debit card to access their cash and/or SNAP benefits at authorized food retailers through their Point of Sale (POS) machines and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).  Allpoint® – Global Surcharge-Free ATM Networks are located across the state. Visit this website to find the system nearest to you.

Recipients receiving cash assistance may also choose to have their cash benefits directly deposited into their personal bank accounts.

Who is Eligible to Receive SNAP?

Households must meet specific eligibility requirements and provide proof of their statements about household circumstances. U.S. citizens and some aliens who are admitted for permanent residency may qualify. Federal poverty guidelines are established by the Office of Management and Budget, and are updated annually by the Department of Health and Human Services.

What is the SNAP Application Process? 

When you submit your application, you will receive a receipt with your tracking number. This means we have received your application. DHS will contact you for your interview.

Due to the increase in applications and the subsequent workload at Processing Centers, there may be delays in processing and replies to voice mails. Providing you with timely service is very important to us.

If you are unable to apply online, you may download and print this paper form application – click here

There are 3 ways to submit your application:

  1. Apply online using the new ONLINE APPLICATION
  2. U.S Postal Mail – *paper form
  3. Drop off – *paper form

*Paper form  – Once complete, you may print and sign the form, then mail it, or drop it off at a processing center as noted above.

SNAP/FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION AMID COVID-19 – click here to view the location of Processing Centers.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I APPLY FOR BENEFITS [updated July 2020] – (click here)

Current Recipients of SNAP:

Some of the information about in-person contact below is not applicable during the COVID-19 crisis:

During normal circumstances, the form is also available for pick up from all State benefits offices.  After you have filled out your application and gathered all the required paperwork to verify your information, visit the benefits office closest to your residence.

click here to view the location of Processing Centers.

An intake worker will review your completed application package to determine if you qualify for SNAP benefits.  If  you are eligible, the worker will assign you to one of three eligibility standards, based on your family’s unique situation.   The federal poverty guidelines (FPL) listed below will help you to determine if your monthly income exceeds SNAP eligibility criteria.   If your income exceed the criteria, you will not be eligible for SNAP assistance.

SEE IMPORTANT FINANCIAL AND FOOD ASSISTANCE UPDATES AMID THE COVID-19 CRISIS (CLICK HERE)

FRAUD ALERT
USDA Warns of Text Scam Targeting SNAP Recipients – click here for more information (9/10/20)

*** This Federal Poverty Limit (FPL) chart is for reference only.  An intake worker will make the final determination of  your eligibility category.

SNAP GROSS INCOME STANDARDS (Effective 10/1/2023)

 SNAP GROSS INCOME STANDARDS (Effective 10/1/2023) Household Size 200% Monthly Gross Income  (BBCE)

(BBCE based on 100% FPL)

130% Monthly Gross Income 100% Net Monthly Income
1 2796 1817 1398
2 3780 2457 1890
3 4766 3098 2383
4 5750 3738 2875
5 6736 4378 3368
6 7720 5018 3860
7 8706 5659 4353
8 9690 6299 4845
9 10676 6940 5339
10 11662 7581 5832
11 12648 8222 6325
12 13634 8863 6818
13 14620 9504 7311
14 15606 10145 7804
15 16592 10786 8297
+15 +986 +641 +493
Note: 200% BBCE MGI is based on 100% SNAP/FPL

Other eligibility criteria include:Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) expands SNAP benefits to low-income families with high expenses, and to families whose gross incomes are slightly higher than the 130% FPL normal gross income test. Under BBCE, the gross income limit is 200% FPL and there is an unlimited asset standard.  Most households qualify for BBCE.  However, if a household member has been disqualified under SNAP, it may not qualify for BBCE.

  • Households where all members receive, or are authorized to receive TANF or SSI cash assistance, are categorically eligible for SNAP.  There is no gross income limit, no net income limit and no asset limit.
  • Net monthly income must be 100 percent or less of the Federal poverty guidelines. Net income is figured by adding all of a household’s gross income, and then taking a number of approved deductions for child care, extra shelter costs and other expenses. Households with an elderly or disabled member are subject only to the net income test.
  • Most able-bodied adult applicants must meet certain work requirements.
  • All household members must provide a Social Security number or apply for one.

 

Monthly Application Timeliness Rates FFY 2023 (Updated Monthly)

Monthly Participation Rates SFY 2024 (Updated Monthly)

ARCHIVE – SNAP Monthly Participation Rates

 

SFY 2023

SFY 2022

SFY 2021

SFY 2020

SFY 2019

SFY 2018

SFY 2017

SFY 2016

SFY 2015

SFY 2014

SFY 2013

SFY 2012

SFY 2011

SFY 2010

SFY 2009

 

ARCHIVE – SNAP Application Timeliness

FFY 2022

FFY 2021

FFY 2020

FFY 2019

FFY 2018

FFY 2017

FFY 2016

FFY 2015

FFY 2014

FFY 2013

FFY 2012

FFY 2011

FFY 2010

FFY 2009

 

Other Information

Hawaii Financial and SNAP Benefits – Rights and Responsibilities

SNAP Quality Control Brochure

Hawaii Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program

SNAP Nondiscrimination

SNAP Outreach Contact Info