Hawaii SNAP

Hawaiʻi residents whose November SNAP benefits have been paused due to the federal shutdown may receive a one-time $250 emergency payment from the state, regardless of their current benefit level. The payment is expected to be loaded onto beneficiaries’ EBT cards by Nov. 14, 2025.

Hawaii SNAP, commonly knowns as food stamps, helps put healthy food within reach for Hawaii’s low-income residents by providing monthly cash benefits.

Priority is granted to single parents, the elderly, people with disabilities as well as families on public assistance.

FAQ

Who qualifies for food stamps in Hawaii?

To qualify for SNAP in Hawaii, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Residency: You must live in Hawaii.
Citizenship/Immigration Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualifying non-citizen (such as a lawful permanent resident or another eligible status under federal rules).
Identity: You must provide proof of identity (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or other approved documents).
Income Limits: Your household must meet SNAP’s gross and net income guidelines, which vary by family size. Hawaii has slightly higher income thresholds than other states.
Work Requirements:
- Most adults ages 16—59 must meet general work requirements, including registering for work and accepting suitable job offers.
- Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) ages 16—64 may be subject to additional work requirements, depending on federal and state policies.
No asset limit: Hawaii is among a group of states that have eliminated or do not have asset limits for SNAP.

What is the income limit for food stamps in Hawaii?

Most families in Hawaii with gross income up to 200% of the Hawaii’s poverty standard qualify for food stamps. For a family of three, the limit is $5,108 in gross monthly income and $2,776 in net monthly income.

There is no asset test for most households in Hawaii.

Family Size	Income Limit
1	$2,998
2	$4,053
3	$5,108
4	$6,163
5	$7,218
6	$8,273
7	$9,328
8	$10,383

Gross income limit applies to most households, except those in which at least one person is 60 years of age or older, or receives disability income.

Are you eligible for SNAP?

Find out if you may qualify and get an estimated amount of benefits you could receive.

Those who have less than $150 per month in income and $100 or less in cash may qualify for Emergency SNAP and have their first benefits within 7 days.

How much food stamps will I get in Hawaii?

Due to a higher cost of living, SNAP benefit levels in Hawaii are among the highest in the nation. For example, a family of three in Hawaii with little or no income may receive a monthly benefit of up to $1,334.

Family Size	SNAP Benefits
1	$506
2	$929
3	$1,334
4	$1,689
5	$2,010
6	$2,415
7	$2,668
8	$3,040

The actual SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household’s net income with a general rule that an increase of $100 in net income results in a reduction of $30 in benefits. Use our SNAP calculator to estimate the amount of benefits you can expect to receive.

In Hawaii, SNAP benefits are issued through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card which can be used at any grocery store and for services like meals-on-wheels.

How do I apply for food stamps in Hawaii?

Hawaii residents seeking SNAP assistance must fill out a standard benefits application form and submit it to the benefits office closest to you.

Click here for benefits office contact information statewide.

Once your application is received, an intake worker will review your case and determine if you qualify for SNAP benefits.

How long can I receive SNAP benefits in Hawaii?

For most Hawaii households without elderly (60+) or disabled people, that period is 12 months or 24 months for households with elderly (60+) or disabled people.

Can you use Hawaii EBT out of state?

Yes. SNAP benefits are interoperable through the use of your EBT card which means you can use your Hawaii EBT wherever EBT is accepted anywhere in the United States including the District of Columbia, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.