Program Description
The Hawaii Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps supplement food budgets for low-income working families and individuals, people on public assistance, seniors and people with disabilities. In Hawaii, SNAP benefits are distributed through the state's Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system. SNAP represents the pledge that hunger will not be tolerated in America. It is the tangible expression of the unalterable belief that everyone has a right to food for themselves and their families. The program is the cornerstone of the Federal government's food assistance programs. It provided more than $22 billion in benefits in 1996- more than $60 million every day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers SNAP 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 allotments.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Hawaii and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than $16,308 if one person lives in the household; $22,020 if two people live in the household; $27,720 if three people live in the household; $33,432 if four people live in the household; $39,132 if five people live in the household; $44,844 if six people live in the household; $50,544 if seven people live in the household; or $56,256 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $5,712 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Program Contact Information
Or call:
808-643-1643
