Assistance programs in Hawaii
Explore public benefits and assistance resources by the kind of help you need. Agencies decide eligibility and availability.
Find programs for your situationFood assistance
Hawaii SNAP (Food Assistance)
Hawaiʻi DHS accepts SNAP applications through PAIS or a signed paper application. Keep the tracking receipt and expect DHS to contact you for an interview.
Hawaii WIC
Hawaiʻi WIC combines supplemental foods with nutrition and breastfeeding support. A pre-application starts the contact process; the clinic completes eligibility and nutrition
Housing assistance
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii
Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi provides free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income residents. Start with phone intake; the organization currently says it is not acceptin
Utility assistance
Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP)
Hawaiʻi H-HEAP has separate energy-credit and energy-crisis routes. Applications are processed by the Community Action Agency serving your island, not by the DHS office.
Weatherization Assistance Program (Hawaii)
Hawaiʻi weatherization applications belong with the agency serving your county. HCAP is the Honolulu provider; residents of other islands should use the state’s county-agency
Health coverage
Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid)
Hawaiʻi Med-QUEST accepts applications for Medicaid coverage online, by phone or using a paper form. Approved applicants receive health-plan enrollment instructions after the
Cash and income support
Hawaii Earned Income Tax Credit
Hawaiʻi’s earned income tax credit is claimed on the state tax return, not through a public-assistance portal. For tax year 2025, use Form N-356 and Schedule CR with the appli
Hawaii General Assistance (GA)
Hawaiʻi General Assistance is a temporary cash program for certain adults with a disabling condition and little or no income. DHS uses a medical assessment as well as financia
Hawaii TANF (Cash Assistance)
Hawaiʻi’s family cash-assistance programs include TANF and the state-funded TAONF pathway. DHS reviews family eligibility and First-To-Work participation through financial-ass
Unemployment Insurance (Hawaii)
Hawaiʻi unemployment insurance requires an initial claim and continuing claim certifications. Start from the labor department’s UI page so you reach the current claims system.
Additional support
Aloha United Way 211 Hawaii
Aloha United Way’s 211 service connects Hawaiʻi residents with local resources. Specialists are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; the online directory can be searched at
Program names come from our existing directory. Funding and rules can change; confirm details with the administering agency before applying.