SNAP Food Assistance

SNAP Food Assistance

Phone number: (808) 440-3832

Email: hhh@helpinghandshawaii.org

Hours: 8am-4:30pm

KKV Eligibility: (808) 791-9400 ext. 326

KKV EA Team: (808) 791-9400 ext. 403

Email: eateam@kkv.net

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm 

What is SNAP? 

A federal program provided by the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) provides low-income families with food and nutritional support. As it supports a lot of families in need of food assistance, the procedures for applying and following through the next steps of the application process has been one of the trickiest programs to manage post-pandemic due to factors of eligibility and income requirements. Kokua Kalihi Valley’s Eligibility team can assist clients with the application process and submit it to the State of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services. 

Who qualifies? 

  • Low-income U.S. residents, legal aliens admitted for permanent residency, and COFA citizens

  • Meets at or below 130% of the monthly income limits based on household members on the application 

  • Must show proof of their statements about their household size 

  • If a household members has SNAP, children may receive free school meals through the USDA meal program 

  • COFA does not qualify  

What to bring 

  • Valid picture ID or passport 

  • Proof of citizenship 

    • Birth certificate, passport, alien card (must be 5 years residency in U.S.) 

  • Social Security Cards 

  • Proof of income verification (may be asked for those who are not in the application) 

    • One month pay stub, Temporary Disability Insurance, SSI/SSDI award letter, tax return (if self-employed, Unemployment benefits, pension) 

  • Current month’s bank statement (if available) 

  • Receipt for rent and utilities 

    • Phone, gas, electric, water 

Application process  

  • Gather all required documents. 

  • Contact KKV Eligibility OR KKV EA team if assistance is needed. If not, proceed to the next steps. 

  • To access hard copy application, go to https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/snap/ and scroll down to find “If you are unable to apply online, you may download and print this paper form application – click here” and click on it to access the application. 

  • To access online application, go to https://pais-benefits.dhs.hawaii.gov/ and click “apply now”. 

  • Once application has been submitted online or mail, estimated wait time for a response from the DHS will take up to 60 days (about 2 months). 

    • If there is no response, go the nearest processing center (KPT) to receive an update on the application status. 

  • DHS will either call or mail letter to the client and may ask for an interview to determine approval for SNAP benefits 

    • Client either has the choice of doing an in-person interview or a phone interview

    • In-person interview will guarantee a quicker way of receiving SNAP benefits, however it will depend of the interviewer’s mood. 

    • If there are additional documents required for the application, submit documents online through https://pais-benefits.dhs.hawaii.gov/ , enter the tracking number received from the application or mail, and upload the additional documents. 

  • Within 2-3 weeks of being approved, receive SNAP EBT card through the mail. 

Renewal process 

  • Recertify for SNAP after every 6 months of using SNAP. 

  • There are two ways of receiving a renewal notice: 

    • 6 month report letter  

      • Used to have been the most convenient and common way of renewing for SNAP by updating any information on a one page letter from the DHS. Submit it to the nearest processing center. Now it is relatively uncommon to receive post-pandemic. 

    • Letter of notice for renewal 

      • More common as of recent and a lot longer procedure as it will require one to complete an entirely new application from scratch. Go to https://pais-benefits.dhs.hawaii.gov/ , click “renew my benefits”, then enter the case number provided from the letter to start the renewal process. 

SNAP & HHH links: