Department of Human Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  January 7, 2022 Preschool Open Doors Program Application Period Open Through March 31, 2022 Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services (DHS) is assisting families to better-afford preschool for the 2022-2023 school year. The Preschool Open Doors program application began on January 3 and is open through March 31, 2022. Both ...
Read More Preschool Open Doors Program Application Period Open Through March 31, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  December 30, 2021   DHS RECEIVED FEDERAL APPROVAL TO TEMPORARILY WAIVE INTERVIEWS FOR SNAP AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS AND RENEWALS HONOLULU – The State of Hawai`i Department of Human Services (DHS), Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) announced today that beginning January 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022, the interview requirement for new ...
Read More DHS RECEIVED FEDERAL APPROVAL TO TEMPORARILY WAIVE INTERVIEWS FOR SNAP AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS AND RENEWALS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 18, 2021 DHS ADMINISTERS NEARLY $80 MILLION IN AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT GRANTS TO SUPPORT AND STABILIZE THE CHILD CARE SECTOR Eligible Child Care Providers Have an Unprecedented Opportunity HONOLULU – The Department of Human Services (DHS) will administer nearly $80 million in stabilization grants to support child care providers and help to stabilize and increase the capacity of the child care ...
Read More DHS ADMINISTERS NEARLY MILLION IN AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT GRANTS TO SUPPORT AND STABILIZE THE CHILD CARE SECTOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 23, 2021 DHS LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL TO MODERNIZE THE FOSTER CARE LICENSING AND APPLICATION PROCESS New Web-Based System Will Make the Process More Convenient for Applicants  HONOLULU – The Hawai’i Department of Human Services (DHS), Child Welfare Services (CWS) launched a new online portal this week that will modernize the resource ...
Read More DHS LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL TO MODERNIZE THE FOSTER CARE LICENSING AND APPLICATION PROCESS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 8, 2021  SUMMER P-EBT BENEFITS BEGIN TO ROLL-OUT IN JULY 2021 HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) have announced the roll-out of Summer Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (P-EBT) benefits this week. Benefits are allocated to children who qualify for ...
Read More SUMMER P-EBT BENEFITS BEGIN TO ROLL-OUT IN JULY 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2021 DHS PROVIDES FOOD SUPPORT THROUGH KEIKI UNDER 6 PROGRAM HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced information about the Keiki Under 6 Food Support Program. This program provides benefits for children under the age of 6 years old who have received SNAP benefits at any ...
Read More DHS PROVIDES FOOD SUPPORT THROUGH KEIKI UNDER 6 PROGRAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 18, 2021 DHS RESUMES RECERTIFICATION AND BENEFIT RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SNAP AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE – EFFECTIVE BEGINNING JULY 1, 2021 HONOLULU — In keeping with federal requirements, the state Department of Human Services (DHS), Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) announced today that beginning July 1, 2021, the department will ...
Read More DHS RESUMES RECERTIFICATION AND BENEFIT RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SNAP AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE – EFFECTIVE BEGINNING JULY 1, 2021

MEDIA RELEASE April 15, 2021 No Kid Hungry invests $2 million in innovative SNAP efforts in six states “This exciting new initiative will lead to evidence-based policy change, helping more kids and families who are facing hardship get the food they need.” says Jillien Meier, Director, No Kid Hungry campaign.   Washington, DC: Share Our Strength’s ...
Read More Hawai‘i Department of Human Services – One of Six States to Receive Grant to Combat Childhood Hunger

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 8, 2021 (updated 4/16/2021)   THIRD ROUND OF P-EBT BENEFITS BEGIN TO ROLL-OUT IN APRIL 2021 HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced that there will be a third round of Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (P-EBT) benefits allocated ...
Read More THIRD ROUND OF P-EBT BENEFITS BEGIN TO ROLL-OUT IN APRIL 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 8, 2021 IMPORTANT UPDATE: SNAP Replacement Benefits Deadline Extended to April 14, Additional Districts Covered  HONOLULU — The Department of Human Services (DHS), in coordination with the Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), is announcing an important update to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Replacement Benefit deadline. Due to recent flooding and ...
Read More IMPORTANT UPDATE: SNAP Replacement Benefits Deadline Extended to April 14, Additional Districts Covered