While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

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What Are Food Stamps?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy in the form of monthly benefits.

SNAP uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to distribute the benefits.

The Hawaii SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Department of Human Services. Learn more about SNAP on the Hawaii Department of Human Services website here.

What Can Food Stamps Buy?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:

  • Fruits and vegetables;
  • Meat, poultry, and fish;
  • Dairy products;
  • Breads and cereals;
  • Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages; and
  • Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat.

See a more comprehensive list of what you can buy with SNAP benefits here and a list of approved snacks and meal supplements here.

There are also food items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, including alcoholic beverages and hot prepared food. See a comprehensive list of what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits here.

How Much Assistance Does SNAP Provide?

SNAP provides monthly benefits, known as an allotment, to eligible households. The allotment amount you can receive is based on 1) the number of people in your household and 2) your household income.

To calculate your allotment amount, multiply your household’s net income by 0.3 and then subtract that number from the federal maximum monthly benefit amount in the table below.

Household NumberFederal Maximum Allotment Per MonthHawaii Maximum Allotment Per Month
1$291$527
2$535$967
3$766$1,385
4$973$1,759
5$1,155$2,088
6$1,386$2,506
7$1,532$2,770
8$1,751$3,166
Each additional household member+219+396

You have one year (365 days) to use your allotment or the benefits on your EBT card will be canceled.

To learn more about the benefit amount in Hawaii, click here.

Requirements to Qualify for SNAP in Hawaii

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

  • You must be a United States citizen or legal resident
  • You must be a resident of Hawaii
  • You must have a household income and resources that do not exceed the limits set by Hawaii and the federal government
  • You must work or participate in an employment training program, if applicable

Learn more about Hawaii’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.

Steps to Apply for SNAP in Hawaii

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Hawaii Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:

  1. Review the application requirements.

Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.

  1. Gather the documentation and information you will need for the application.

You can view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.

  1. Choose how you are going to apply, whether online, in person or by mail.

To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Hawaii’s benefits portal here and fill out the SNAP application.

To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Hawaii Department of Human Services office location. Offices are open Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM HT.

To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the application and send it with copies of your necessary documents to find the nearest Hawaii Department of Human Services office location. Find mailing addresses here.

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Hawaii Public Assistance Information Line at 1 (808) 832-5300. Office hours are from Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM HT.

How to Check Your Application Status

Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:

  • If you applied online, you can check your application status using Hawaii’s Benefits Portal here.
  • If you applied in person or by mail, contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services office location where you applied. Find contact information here.

What Happens After You Apply for SNAP?

After you have submitted your application, you will need to complete an interview. The interview may be in person or by telephone.

If documents are missing from your application or the Department of Human Services needs more information from you to finish processing your request, your application will be delayed.

If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days.

Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.

SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 328-4292.

How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits or a Low Benefit Amount

If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Hawaii Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within 30 days of receiving your determination letter.

To file an appeal in person or by mail, submit the Request for Hearing form here to the Department of Human Services office that sent you the decision letter. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. Find your nearest location here.

For more information on the appeal process, click here.

How to Check the Balance on Your EBT Card

You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 328-4292 or online here.

Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Hawaii Department of Human Services EBT card page here.

How to Replace a Lost EBT Card or Benefits

If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (808) 832-5300 for assistance.

If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Hawaii’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 328-4292.

You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Department of Human Services office in Hawaii.

For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.

Need More Help?

For help with obtaining SNAP benefits or for any further questions about your application, call the Hawaii Public Assistance Information Line at 1 (808) 832-5300. Office hours are from Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM HT.

You can also visit or call a local Department of Human Services office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.

Last Updated: February 2, 2024

Table of Contents

Steps to Apply for SNAP in Hawaii

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Hawaii Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:

  1. Review the application requirements.

Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.

  1. Gather the documentation and information you will need for the application.

You can view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.

  1. Choose how you are going to apply, whether online, in person or by mail.

To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Hawaii’s benefits portal here and fill out the SNAP application.

To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Hawaii Department of Human Services office location. Offices are open Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM HT.

To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the application and send it with copies of your necessary documents to find the nearest Hawaii Department of Human Services office location. Find mailing addresses here.

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Hawaii Public Assistance Information Line at 1 (808) 832-5300. Office hours are from Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM HT.

How to Check Your Application Status

Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:

  • If you applied online, you can check your application status using Hawaii’s Benefits Portal here.
  • If you applied in person or by mail, contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services office location where you applied. Find contact information here.

What Happens After You Apply for SNAP?

After you have submitted your application, you will need to complete an interview. The interview may be in person or by telephone.

If documents are missing from your application or the Department of Human Services needs more information from you to finish processing your request, your application will be delayed.

If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days.

Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.

SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 328-4292.

How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits or a Low Benefit Amount

If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Hawaii Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within 30 days of receiving your determination letter.

To file an appeal in person or by mail, submit the Request for Hearing form here to the Department of Human Services office that sent you the decision letter. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. Find your nearest location here.

For more information on the appeal process, click here.

How to Check the Balance on Your EBT Card

You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 328-4292 or online here.

Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Hawaii Department of Human Services EBT card page here.

How to Replace a Lost EBT Card or Benefits

If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (808) 832-5300 for assistance.

If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Hawaii’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 328-4292.

You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Department of Human Services office in Hawaii.

For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.

Need More Help?

For help with obtaining SNAP benefits or for any further questions about your application, call the Hawaii Public Assistance Information Line at 1 (808) 832-5300. Office hours are from Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM HT.

You can also visit or call a local Department of Human Services office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.

Last Updated: February 2, 2024