IS YOUR BUDGET TIGHT?

SNAP CAN HELP

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

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WHAT IS SNAP?

SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It helps low-income individuals & families afford healthy food from most grocery stores & farmers markets.

SNAP FACTS

  • SNAP can help you purchase nutritious food to promote a healthy & well balanced diet.

  • SNAP benefits are deposited monthly to an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.

  • Your EBT card works like a debit card & can be used at grocery stores & some farmerʻs markets.

  • Families who receive SNAP may also qualify for WIC & free or reduced lunch program.

  • Food items purchased with SNAP benefits are not subject to sales tax.

  • Certain legal non-citizens are eligible for SNAP. Even if you are not eligible due to your immigration status, children living in the household who are U.S. citizens may qualify.

  • You may be qualified for SNAP even if you are currently working.

SNAP BENEFITS CANNOT BE USED TO PURCHASE

  • Hot prepared foods

  • Alcoholic beverages of any kind

  • Cigarettes

  • Tobacco or tobacco products

  • Vitamins

  • Medicine

  • Soap or other hygiene products

  • Household supplies

  • Non-food items

SNAP INCOME STANDARDS

The Federal Poverty Limit Guidelines (FPL)* listed below will help you to determine if your monthly income exceeds SNAP eligibility criteria. If your income exceeds the criteria, you will not be eligible for SNAP assistance.

*The Federal Poverty Limit (FPL) chart is for reference only. An intake worker will make the final determination of your eligibility."

Please visit the Department of Human Services website for additional information at https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/snap/

SNAP INCOME STANDARDS (Effective 10/1/2023)

ALTERNATE PAYEE AND AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

You may choose a person to be your Alternate Payee and/or Authorized Representative. An Alternate Payee will receive an EBT card and PIN to be able to access benefits and purchase food for you. An Authorized Representative can help you to apply or re-apply for SNAP benefits or to report changes on your behalf. This person can also use your EBT Card and PIN to be able to purchase food for you. An Alternate Payee or Authorized Representative should be a responsible adult such as a sister, brother, other relative, friend, or neighbor. Be sure your selected person is someone you trust to responsibly spend your benefits. Lost or stolen SNAP benefits will not be replaced.

Did you know? You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase food bearing seeds & starters to create a home garden.

HOW TO APPLY

Download SNAP Application

Pick-up an Application, Call: 1(855)643-1643

For more office locations

FILL OUT AND RETURN THE APPLICATION

Fill out as much as you can on your application. Be sure to include at least your name, address, and signature. This will be enough to start the application process. If you need help filling out your application, Project Vision Hawaiʻi can assist. Return your application to the SNAP office as soon as possible. You can send it by mail, fax it, or drop it off.

COMPLETE YOUR INTERVIEW

The SNAP office will contact you to set up an interview. You may ask for a telephone interview. The checklist of documents in this brochure can help you get ready for your interview. You don't need everything. Ask the SNAP worker what documents are needed to complete your application.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

This checklist will help you prepare for your interview: You may not need all these documents.

IDENTITY

  • Birth Certificate

  • Driverʻs License / State ID

  • Work or School ID Card

  • Health Benefits Card

RESIDENCY

  • Utility bills: Electric, Gas, or Water

  • Rental agreement or Mortgage statement

  • Letter from shelter where you are living

EARNED INCOME

  • Pay Stubs

  • Self-employment Records

  • Income Tax Forms

  • Employer Statement of Gross Wages

UNEARNED INCOME

  • Bank Statements w/deposit history

  • Agency letter showing money received such as Social Security, Veteranʻs Affairs, Child Support, Alimony, & Unemployment

IMMIGRATION

  • Immigration or Naturalization papers (if born outside of the U.S.)

OTHER EXPENSES

  • Child Support and/or Alimony Payments

  • 60+ or Disabled: Medical bills such as medication costs, doctor or hospital visits, hearing aid, vision, service animal, or health insurance premium statements.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP, FOR QUESTIONS:

CALL 808-201-3937 EXT. 14

This project has been funded at least in part with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The contents of the publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor mention of trade names, commercial products, or organization imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.