Increase to Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income (Dec. 2022)

Posted on Dec 30, 2022 in Featured, Main

Effective December 30, 2022, households receiving Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will see their benefits increase 8.7%.

The increase is due to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).  Social Security and SSI beneficiaries were sent notifications by mail in early December.

The increase in Social Security and/or SSI may impact eligibility for SNAP and could impact a household’s SNAP benefit amount.  Eligibility and benefit amounts are based on eligibility income limits for SNAP set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).

 

What should I do if I am concerned the COLA increases will impact my benefits or have received notice that my benefits have been affected?

Call 1-855-643-1643 to contact the Public Assistance Toll Free Information Line.   Do not try to determine eligibility on your own.

What other information should I share with DHS if my income has increased? 

It is helpful to share information about your monthly expenses – such as rent, medical expenses, etc.  

Seniors age 60 or over. or people with disabilities can report medical expenses.

What are some examples of monthly expenses that may be reported to DHS?

Examples of expenses that may be reported include:

  • Shelter Expenses, such as:
    • Rent
    • Mortgage and/or 2nd Mortgage
    • Property Tax Assessments
    • Homeowner’s Insurance
    • Garbage, Sewer, Trash Collection Fees
    • Utilities (e.g., electric, gas, water, telephone) and Utility Installation Fees
    • Car Payment and Care Insurance (if car is used as a home)
    • Boat Slip (if boat is used as a home)
  • Alimony/Child Support Expenses
  • Dependent Care Expenses (e.g., Child Care, or care for a disabled adult)
  • Medical Expenses for household members who are disabled or age 60 and older, such as:
    • Medicare premiums
    • Health and hospitalization insurance premiums
    • Prescription drugs
    • Doctor and dental bills
    • Medical transportation costs
    • Glasses, dentures, and hearing aids
    • Nurse or attendance care worker services

  

What if I have other questions about my SNAP or other DHS benefits?
Please visit the DHS Public Assistance Information System (PAIS) at https://pais.dhs.hawaii.gov.   At this website, you may apply for benefits online, view information about your case, or learn more about DHS financial assistance, SNAP, and child care programs.

In addition, DHS contracts with the following seven SNAP Outreach providers statewide to provide information and provide basic assistance with SNAP applications:

  • STATEWIDE:
    Aloha United Way            Phone: 211
  • OAHU:

Hale Naau Pono                Phone:  808-696-4211 (Leeward Coast only)

Helping Hands Hawaii     Phone:  808-440-3812

Lanakila Pacific                  Phone:  808-356-8581

  • MAUI:

Project Vision Hawaii      Phone:  808-201-3937

  • KAUAI:

Child & Family Service    Phone:  808-245-5914

  • HAWAII ISLAND:

The Food Basket               Phone:  808-933-6030 (Hilo) and 808-322-1418 (Kona)