Recovery & Emergency Resources

* The Hawaii Department of Health is conducting in home COVID-19 vaccinations. Click here to view the flyer or you can contact them at (808) 586-8332 or (833) 711-0645.

* Click here to view the Hire Abilities Hawaii website for up to date information for Hawaii COVID-19 Resources for Individuals with Disability Benefits (Social Security Disability Benefits, Economic Impact Payments, Unemployment Insurance, SNAP, Medicaid/QUEST Health Insurance, and other important information)

Blind Resources

American Foundation for the Blind COVID-19 Resources

National Federation of the Blind COVID-19 Resources

Tips for Blind Individuals During COVID-19

Business Resources

Hawaii Economic & Community Recovery Navigator

Mayor Kirk Caldwell has announced grants to small Oahu businesses starting May 18. Click here to view the page for more information.

Click on the link to download the Borrower Information Fact Sheet or the Borrower Application PPP

Small Business Administration COVID-19 Funding Program and Assistance

Hawaii Chamber of Commerce COVID-19

Hawaii Department of Labor/Unemployment Insurance Information

DLIR Issues Urgent Unemployment Insurance Fraud Message. Click here to view the document.

Important FAQ’s

Instructional Video on How to File Online for Unemployment Insurance

Housing

Tenants Rights & Responsibilities (Updated 7/9/21)

COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium Ends- Effective 8/16/21

Pet Welfare in Eviction

Social Security Administration (SSA)/Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

3/26/21– Updated statement from SSA Commissioner, Andrew Saul, on Economic Impact Payments…

3/25/21– click here to find out more on Outreach to Vulnerable Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Advocates and community organizations can help connect people with the Social Security Administration.

8/19/20– The IRS Extends Deadline to September 30, 2020 to Ensure People with Children Receive $500 Economic Impact Payments. People should click here if…

receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments;
did not file a 2019 or 2018 tax return;
have a qualifying child under age 17; and
did not already enter information in the IRS’ Non-Filer Tool for themselves and at least one child.

6/26/20- Social Security remains committed to providing uninterrupted benefits and vital services the public relies on, especially during the current coronavirus pandemic. Despite challenges government and businesses face at this time, they want people to know they remain ready and able to help them by phone with most Social Security matters. You can speak with a representative by calling their local Social Security office or the National 800 Number. The local Social Security office contact information is also listed below for your convenience.

Although their offices are not providing service for walk-in visitors, you may be able to schedule an appointment for limited, critical issues if they cannot help someone by phone and if they cannot get the information they need or conduct their business online.

Honolulu Office Kapolei Office Hilo Office Lihue Office Wailuku Office

5/14/20– SSA issued an update today about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments (EIP) to certain groups of Social Security and SSI beneficiaries. Beneficiaries who have their regular monthly payments managed for them by another person, called a representative payee, will begin receiving their EIPs from the IRS in late May. Click here to get more information.

5/1/20– SSI and VA recipients with a child who don’t file taxes should visit IRS.gov now in order to receive your Economic Impact Payment. Click here to take you to the site.

4/29/20– Economic Impact Payments for Social Security and SSI Recipients – Steps to Take and Schedule of Payments. This document provides information for Social Security beneficiaries (retirement, survivors, disability) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients related to economic impact payments being issued to eligible individuals. Click here to view the document.

4/20/20- Action Needed for Social Security Beneficiaries with Dependents and Who Do Not File Tax Returns to Receive $500 Per Child Payment. Please click here to read the entire document.

4/16/20- SSA Commissioner provides new guidance about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments for SSI/SSDI beneficiaries. Click here to view the document.

4/13/20- U.S. Treasury launched a new web tool allowing quick registration for economic impact payments for Social Security beneficiaries who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and who have qualifying children under age 17. Click here to view the press release

4/6/20– Statement from SSA Commissioner Andrew Saul regarding COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments for beneficiaries. Click here to view

3/31/20– News release from the Social Security Administration regarding Social Security Benefits being paid on time. Click here to view

Other Important Information

NEW- After years of careful planning, Hawaii has chosen to partner with the State of Oregon and their ABLE for ALL Savings Plan. For as little as $25 dollars, eligible Hawaii residents can open an account and begin to save for a variety of purchases without risking government benefits. Click here for more information…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided COVID 19 Materials for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Care Providers. Click here to find out more information…

The Administration for Community Living provided information on the CARES Act and how it will affect Centers for Independent Living. Click here to view the their webpage which is being updated daily.

The Executive Office on Aging is providing the Aging and Disability Resource Center Food Resources Guide (COVID-19 Supplement). Due to Governor Ige’s Executive Order to shelter at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, food resources have become an essential need for older adults and persons with disabilities. Click here to view the Food Resources Guide.

What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws. Click here to view…

Click on this link to view interactive maps published by Ersi that are available as part of ArcGIS. It has important information separated by counties regarding COVID-19 such as county populations, # of hospital beds, # of individuals with a disability and median earnings. Below is a sample…

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced starting Monday April 20 that everyone on Oahu who is conducting a business transaction will be required to wear a non-surgical face mask. The new mask mandate will include riders and drivers of TheBus and TheHandivan. Exemptions will include those conducting transactions occurring inside banks or other financial institutions. It will also not apply to people with respiratory or other types of medical issues. An organization known as Every1ne Hawaii is prepared to provide up to a million masks free to those who need it. Those in need are urged to go to every1nehawaii.com.

Resources for Native Hawaiian Families and families with Native Hawaiian Children who need assistance with basic needs, personal items, food, gas, etc. Click here to view

FEMA Rumor Control Website

ALERT- NATIONAL DISABILITY BENEFITS SCAM

We have received a few calls from self-advocates informing us that “National Disability” is calling them to help them get their stimulus check.

Here is the number they are calling from (808) 400-9140, here is their web page, https://www.nationaldisability.com/privacy-policy/ and here is their disclaimer:

This website is an ADVERTISEMENT. The Social Security disability information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice, and should be used for informational purposes only. Utilizing this website or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. National Disability is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other government entity or agency. Your claim may be assigned to another reputable representation organization for service.

Mahalo to the Hawaii State Council on Disabilities for passing along this document on COVID-19 information by and for people with disabiltieis. It originated from the Green Mountain Self-Advocates in Vermont. Click on the link to view Plain-Language-Information-on-Coronavirus

Hawaii Division of Vocational Rehabilitation