$158/month

The following charts show the maximum gross and net monthly income limits that most people or families can earn and still be eligible for SNAP in Hawaii. These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.'

When you apply, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather some basic information to make your application process easier: 

• Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
• Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members 
• Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs 
• Child care or dependent care costs 
• Medical costs (if you are age 60+ or have a disability)

Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

• Driver's license or other government-issued ID 
• Birth certificate 
• Bank statements
• Pension statements
• Social Security statements 
• Pay stubs
• Tax returns
• Social Security card
• Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)
• Marriage license or divorce decree
• For those age 60+ or with a disability: billing statements, mileage or transportation costs to/from medical appointments, itemized receipts for medical expenses (prescription drugs, medical supplies, etc.)

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.  

There are several ways to apply for Hawaii SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

 

To apply online:

• Visit the PAIS benefits portal and click ‘Apply Now.’
• Read the information on the next page and then click ‘Next.’
• On the next screen, check the box next to ‘SNAP’ and then click ‘Next.’
• Follow the prompts to complete your applicant registration and online SNAP application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes. Your application progress will be saved, so if you do not finish, you can return later to complete it. 
• When you submit your application, you will receive a receipt with your application tracking number. This confirms that DHS has received your application. 
• Write down your tracking number and keep it somewhere safe. This is your “key” to getting into your account later to finish your application and view your status.
• You can upload your supporting documents by clicking ‘Upload Documents’ from the application portal home page.

Tips for success:

• Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information. 
• If English is not your primary language, you can scroll down to the bottom of the DHS online application home page and choose another language. Or, call 1-888-764-7586 to request the help of an interpreter at no cost.

To apply in person, by mail, or by fax, you will need a paper SNAP application. If you have a printer at home, you can print out the application form from the DSS website or download by clicking the links below:

• Hawaii SNAP Application (English)

You must then mail, fax, or take your completed SNAP application to your nearest DSS county office. Find the office location closest to you. 

There are several ways to get help filling out your Hawaii SNAP application. You can:

• Visit the Hawai'i Food Bank SNAP page to learn how to contact its SNAP Outreach Team based on where you live. An outreach specialist can walk you through the application process and answer your questions. 
• Find and contact your local DHS Processing Center.
• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area. 

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.

It can take up to 30 days for DHS to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After your application is received, you will be contacted for an interview with a DHS worker. These can be done face-to-face or over the phone. To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from your local Processing Center, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers). 

To check on the status of your SNAP application, call the PAIS information hotline toll-free at 1-855-643-1643.

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DHS worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing. 

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

• What is your full name and birthday?
• What is your Social Security number?
• Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
• Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
• What is your monthly income?
• Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
• What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for Hawaii SNAP, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in Hawaii, that period is 12 months, ranging up to 24 months for households with older members or people with disabilities.

Shortly after you are approved for SNAP, you will receive your Hawaii EBT card (Kokua Card) in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. The card will be pre-loaded with your first month of benefits. Going forward, benefits will be deposited into your account on the same day each month, depending on the first letter of your last name (A-I: 3rd day; J-Z; 5th day).

If your application for SNAP is denied, and you disagree with the reason for this decision, you have the right to file an appeal and request a Fair Hearing. This must be done within 90 days of the date on your SNAP denial notice. 

Changes in your situation must be reported to your DHS worker within 10 days of the time you learn of the change. Examples of reportable changes include:

• Change in household size
• Change in address
• Change in medical insurance coverage
• A receipt of a lump sum of income
• Increase/decrease in, or application for, income from any source (e.g., job, tax refund, child support, Social Security, etc.)