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.

Hawaii TANF FAQ Sheet

Table of Contents 

What Is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program?

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.

Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.

To learn more about Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Hawaii and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the Hawaii TANF website here.

What Services Does TANF Provide in Hawaii?

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Hawaii provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The TANF program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment. Likewise, the program helps with childcare costs.

For more information on the services the TANF program provides to participating families, review the Hawaii TANF brochure here.

What Is the Difference Between TANF and Food Assistance?

TANF and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS). While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, TANF benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.

To learn more about the restrictions on TANF expenditures, check out the benefits brochure here.

Both TANF and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. However, TANF benefits can be transferred directly into a participant’s bank account or withdrawn from an approved ATM. Food Assistance benefits cannot.

Many TANF participants also qualify for Needy Food Assistance due to the low-income requirement of both programs. For more information about Food Assistance, click here.

To apply for Needy Food Assistance and/or TANF, visit the Hawaii Public Assistance Information System (PAIS) here.

If you have questions about TANF or Food Assistance, call the Department of Human Services at (855) 643-1643.

How Much Assistance Does TANF Provide?

The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources.

Eligible families of three can receive a maximum of $610 per month. Families can receive these benefits for up to 60 months throughout their lifetime.

How to Qualify for TANF in Hawaii

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

  • Be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident
  • Be a resident of Hawaii
  • Have children in your care
  • Participate in the Hawaii Work and Training Program
  • Meet the Hawaii state income requirements for your household size

Learn more about income requirements and work and training requirements here.

Caretakers of children who cannot be taken care of by their immediate family may also qualify for benefits under the Caretaker Relative Grant or Child-Only TANF Grant. This grant takes into consideration the situation of emergency caregivers and will only count the resources and the income of the child (if any) and not those of the caretaker.

To learn more about who can receive TANF benefits, click here.

How to Apply for TANF in Hawaii

Before you apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Hawaii, complete the following three steps:

  1. Check the eligibility requirements.

Learn about the TANF eligibility requirements here.

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

Review the Application for Financial Assistance here to find out what you need to apply.

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

To apply for TANF online, create an account on the Hawaii Public Assistance Information System here and fill out the virtual application form.

To apply for TANF in person, click here to find the nearest Hawaii DHS office location.

To apply for TANF by mail, fill out the Application for Financial Assistance here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the local Hawaii DHS office. Find office locations here.

If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Hawaii Department of Human Services at (855) 643-1643.

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 the Hawaii Public Assistance Information System here.
  • If you applied in person, contact the office where you applied. Find Hawaii DHS office contact information here.
  • If you applied by mail, you can call (855) 643-1643 to check the status of your application.

What Happens After You Apply for TANF?

You will need to schedule and complete an interview in person or over the phone. If you applied for TANF online or by mail, you will receive an appointment notice in the mail from the Department of Human Services. If you applied in person at a local DHS office, you will make your appointment on the same day.

You will receive a notice within 30 days of your application with your determination. If you are approved for benefits, you will also receive your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits. If you have a valid bank account listed on your application, your TANF benefits will be deposited into your account. Otherwise, you will receive an EBT card in the mail.

Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.

Note that if you receive an EBT card, you will only be allowed to purchase items at stores that display the Quest Logo, and you can only withdraw cash from ATMs that display the Quest Logo.

Learn more information about how to use your EBT card and how benefits will be distributed here.

If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call (855) 643-1643. 

How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits

If you do not agree with the TANF benefit decision given to you by the Hawaii Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision in writing within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.

To file an appeal, complete the Request for a Hearing form here or write a letter that includes the following information:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your phone number
  • The reason for your appeal
  • Your desired solution for how the Department of Human Services should remedy the situation

You can submit your written request in person or by mail to a local Department of Human Services office. You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail. Find your nearest location here.

For more information on the appeal process, read this fair hearings brochure here.

Need More Help?

For help with obtaining Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Hawaii, or for any further questions about your application, call the Hawaii Department of Human Services at (855) 643-1643 or you can send an email to dhs@dhs.hawaii.gov.

You can also visit or call a local DHS Office for Needy 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 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 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 TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.