HAWAIʻI EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM REMINDER – State funding through the Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Assistance Program (HEFAP) for Hawai’i SNAP recipients, following the cease of these benefits by federal government on November 1, became available for use on November 10 – four days earlier than what was projected.

 

HEFAP provided a one-time $250 per person in a SNAP-recipient household to help families purchase groceries and essential food items during a challenging period. No application was required. As an emergency program, an end or expungement date was required.

 

The one-time HEFAP program benefit of $250 was removed on December 31, 2025, if the benefit had not been fully used. The Department of Human Services (DHS) reminded the public regarding this expungement through news releases in December as well as through messaging posted on the online application portal and the Public Assistance Information line. 

 

As of December 27, 2025, HEFAP had a 72.08% utilization rate and DHS sent out a final press release to remind the public that HEFAP funds would be removed from cards if not utilized. As of December 31, 2025, 78.9% of HEFAP was utilized.

 

Once the federal funds were released, federal SNAP benefits were prioritized for use before HEFAP, and the HEFAP was a one-time temporary benefit. Regular SNAP benefits were not impacted by the expungement. Questions regarding expungement can be facilitated through the Public Assistance Information line at 1-855–643-1643. 

 

January 2026 SNAP benefits will be issued on the third and the fifth based on the last name of the primary individual in the SNAP household.

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RYAN YAMANE, DIRECTOR

Aloha from the
Department of Human Services!

Our Vision:  The people of Hawai‘i are thriving.

Our Mission:  To encourage self-sufficiency and support the well-being of individuals, families, and communities in Hawai‘i.
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JOSEPH CAMPOS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR
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TRISTA SPEER,
DEPUTY DIRECTOR

           

         

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