Hawaii SNAP

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

The program serves low-income families with children, older adults, people with disabilities, as well as families on public assistance.

Eligibility is based on federal poverty guidelines and includes specific income and residency requirements, as well as work requirements for most able-bodied adults.

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 18—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.

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.

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.¹

If you have internet access, you may now apply online through Public Assistance Information System  (PAIS) for faster processing.

What documents are needed for SNAP Hawaii?

When you apply for SNAP, you may be asked to provide the following documents:

• A valid photo ID
• A valid Social Security Number
• Proof of residency (where you live)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Proof of earned and unearned income
• Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

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.