Hawaii EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Get the 2025 Hawaii EBT deposit schedule and learn what to do if your payment is late or you run out of funds.
Sep 30, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
Hawaii EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Get the 2025 Hawaii EBT deposit schedule and learn what to do if your payment is late or you run out of funds.
Sep 30, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
Hawaii EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Get the 2025 Hawaii EBT deposit schedule and learn what to do if your payment is late or you run out of funds.
Sep 30, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
Hawaii EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Get the 2025 Hawaii EBT deposit schedule and learn what to do if your payment is late or you run out of funds.
Sep 30, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
Hawaii EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Get the 2025 Hawaii EBT deposit schedule and learn what to do if your payment is late or you run out of funds.
Sep 30, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
SHARE
ON THIS PAGE
Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly budget. This guide breaks down the EBT deposit schedule for Hawaii, so you can manage your groceries and finances without the guesswork.
In this guide, you'll learn when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if they don't show up on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Hawaii
In Hawaii, your SNAP benefits are deposited based on the first letter of the head of household's last name. The state also uses this schedule for EBT-based cash assistance programs like TANF.
Here is the breakdown of the monthly deposit dates:
A–I: Benefits are available on the 3rd calendar day of each month.
J–Z: Benefits are available on the 5th calendar day of each month.
There is an exception for cash assistance recipients who opt for direct deposit. In this case, cash benefits arrive on the third banking day of the month, while any linked SNAP benefits are deposited on the first calendar day.
To determine your deposit day, check the head of household's last name as it appears on your benefit correspondence. For questions, you can call the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.
You can also contact your nearest processing center for assistance.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Hawaii
You can confirm your deposit has arrived in several ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Hawaii. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current SNAP and cash balances.
The Benny mobile app shows your Hawaii EBT balance instantly. It also provides automatic cashback on eligible items. Download the app, then add your card with its 16-digit number and your ZIP code. The main screen will refresh with your live SNAP and cash balances.
Check the balance printed on your most recent store receipt. After you make a purchase with your Hawaii EBT card, the point-of-sale terminal automatically prints your updated balance near the bottom of the receipt. Look for “SNAP Balance” and/or “Cash Balance.”
Hawaii’s Department of Human Services allows cardholders to view balances online at the ebtEDGE website. Go to the site, choose “Cardholder Login,” and select “Hawaii.” Then, input your 16-digit EBT card number to see your SNAP and cash balances on the dashboard.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
Download the app
Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several issues, from agency backlogs to system errors, can cause your EBT benefits to arrive later than expected.
Agency Backlogs and Staffing Shortages
Heavy caseloads and high employee turnover at the Department of Human Services often create significant processing backlogs. With too few eligibility workers, certifications and re-certifications can be delayed, pushing the agency past federal timeliness standards for issuing benefits.
Technology or System Glitches
Technical problems can also stall payments across the state. These issues range from outages in older mainframe systems to defects and data conversions related to the new Benefits Eligibility Solution, which can halt case updates and bulk issuances.
Recent Procedural Changes
The return to mandatory in-person or phone interviews has sharply increased call-center volume and in-office traffic. This change created a bottleneck that slows down the final approval step required to trigger a month’s deposit.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Your case can be placed in a pending status for missing paperwork, like an incomplete application or unreturned income verification. Overpayment recovery or fraud holds can also pause benefits. Deposits will not resume until DHS receives the needed information or resolves the specific issue with your case.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Unused EBT benefits in Hawaii automatically carry over to the next month. However, both food and cash assistance balances are subject to removal if the account remains inactive for an extended period. Keeping the account active requires at least one debit transaction, such as a purchase or a balance inquiry.
Food Assistance (SNAP)
SNAP benefits will remain on your EBT card as long as you make at least one transaction every 12 months. If an account is dormant for a full year, the entire remaining balance is permanently removed. The state's rules on expungement allow the cleared balance to be applied to any outstanding overpayments the household owes.
Cash Assistance
Cash benefits follow a stricter rule, requiring at least one debit transaction every 90 days to stay active. An account without activity for 90 consecutive days will have its entire cash balance expunged. These forfeited funds cannot be reinstated and may be used to settle overpayment debts.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. It’s a challenging situation, but it doesn't have to be a hopeless one. Fortunately, there are several options you can tap into for support.
Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP
If your balance is zero, you may qualify for emergency SNAP benefits, which can be loaded within seven days. Call the Public Assistance Information Line at 855-643-1643 and request “expedited service.” Have your EBT card number and the last four digits of your SSN ready so the screener can pull your case.
During the interview, you must show you meet one of three fast-track tests:
Your household’s gross income is under $150 and you have less than $100 in cash.
Your shelter costs are higher than your income and assets combined.
You are a migrant or farm-worker household that is newly out of work.
Submitting documents like pay stubs or a current utility bill can speed up approval. The SNAP program details show benefits are issued to your EBT card within a week of verification.
Request a Recalculation of Your Regular Allotment
If your household circumstances have changed since your last certification, you can ask the DHS to recalculate your regular benefit amount. You can get a “Change of Circumstances” form from the online PAIS portal or a DHS Processing Center. Attach proof of any new changes, such as:
New medical bills
Higher rent
Reduced work hours
An added household member
Hawaiʻi’s Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility policy may help you qualify. Even a small documented increase in shelter costs can raise your monthly benefit, so it's worth filing the change right away. You can find more information on the Hawaiʻi SNAP page.
Find No-Cost Groceries
Until your next deposit arrives, you can use statewide locators to find no-cost groceries and meals. The Hawaiʻi Foodbank offers a “Find Help” map on its website. You can also email their team for pantry schedules and get more information from the Hawaiʻi Foodbank SNAP help page.
For a closer option, dial 211 or search Aloha United Way 211. You can filter by service type, and operators can text you addresses for walk-up locations that don't require an ID. Arrive near closing, as many sites give away leftover produce and bread that can cover a few dinners.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.
Download Benny to manage your funds and get more out of your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly budget. This guide breaks down the EBT deposit schedule for Hawaii, so you can manage your groceries and finances without the guesswork.
In this guide, you'll learn when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if they don't show up on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Hawaii
In Hawaii, your SNAP benefits are deposited based on the first letter of the head of household's last name. The state also uses this schedule for EBT-based cash assistance programs like TANF.
Here is the breakdown of the monthly deposit dates:
A–I: Benefits are available on the 3rd calendar day of each month.
J–Z: Benefits are available on the 5th calendar day of each month.
There is an exception for cash assistance recipients who opt for direct deposit. In this case, cash benefits arrive on the third banking day of the month, while any linked SNAP benefits are deposited on the first calendar day.
To determine your deposit day, check the head of household's last name as it appears on your benefit correspondence. For questions, you can call the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.
You can also contact your nearest processing center for assistance.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Hawaii
You can confirm your deposit has arrived in several ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Hawaii. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current SNAP and cash balances.
The Benny mobile app shows your Hawaii EBT balance instantly. It also provides automatic cashback on eligible items. Download the app, then add your card with its 16-digit number and your ZIP code. The main screen will refresh with your live SNAP and cash balances.
Check the balance printed on your most recent store receipt. After you make a purchase with your Hawaii EBT card, the point-of-sale terminal automatically prints your updated balance near the bottom of the receipt. Look for “SNAP Balance” and/or “Cash Balance.”
Hawaii’s Department of Human Services allows cardholders to view balances online at the ebtEDGE website. Go to the site, choose “Cardholder Login,” and select “Hawaii.” Then, input your 16-digit EBT card number to see your SNAP and cash balances on the dashboard.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
Download the app
Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several issues, from agency backlogs to system errors, can cause your EBT benefits to arrive later than expected.
Agency Backlogs and Staffing Shortages
Heavy caseloads and high employee turnover at the Department of Human Services often create significant processing backlogs. With too few eligibility workers, certifications and re-certifications can be delayed, pushing the agency past federal timeliness standards for issuing benefits.
Technology or System Glitches
Technical problems can also stall payments across the state. These issues range from outages in older mainframe systems to defects and data conversions related to the new Benefits Eligibility Solution, which can halt case updates and bulk issuances.
Recent Procedural Changes
The return to mandatory in-person or phone interviews has sharply increased call-center volume and in-office traffic. This change created a bottleneck that slows down the final approval step required to trigger a month’s deposit.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Your case can be placed in a pending status for missing paperwork, like an incomplete application or unreturned income verification. Overpayment recovery or fraud holds can also pause benefits. Deposits will not resume until DHS receives the needed information or resolves the specific issue with your case.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Unused EBT benefits in Hawaii automatically carry over to the next month. However, both food and cash assistance balances are subject to removal if the account remains inactive for an extended period. Keeping the account active requires at least one debit transaction, such as a purchase or a balance inquiry.
Food Assistance (SNAP)
SNAP benefits will remain on your EBT card as long as you make at least one transaction every 12 months. If an account is dormant for a full year, the entire remaining balance is permanently removed. The state's rules on expungement allow the cleared balance to be applied to any outstanding overpayments the household owes.
Cash Assistance
Cash benefits follow a stricter rule, requiring at least one debit transaction every 90 days to stay active. An account without activity for 90 consecutive days will have its entire cash balance expunged. These forfeited funds cannot be reinstated and may be used to settle overpayment debts.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. It’s a challenging situation, but it doesn't have to be a hopeless one. Fortunately, there are several options you can tap into for support.
Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP
If your balance is zero, you may qualify for emergency SNAP benefits, which can be loaded within seven days. Call the Public Assistance Information Line at 855-643-1643 and request “expedited service.” Have your EBT card number and the last four digits of your SSN ready so the screener can pull your case.
During the interview, you must show you meet one of three fast-track tests:
Your household’s gross income is under $150 and you have less than $100 in cash.
Your shelter costs are higher than your income and assets combined.
You are a migrant or farm-worker household that is newly out of work.
Submitting documents like pay stubs or a current utility bill can speed up approval. The SNAP program details show benefits are issued to your EBT card within a week of verification.
Request a Recalculation of Your Regular Allotment
If your household circumstances have changed since your last certification, you can ask the DHS to recalculate your regular benefit amount. You can get a “Change of Circumstances” form from the online PAIS portal or a DHS Processing Center. Attach proof of any new changes, such as:
New medical bills
Higher rent
Reduced work hours
An added household member
Hawaiʻi’s Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility policy may help you qualify. Even a small documented increase in shelter costs can raise your monthly benefit, so it's worth filing the change right away. You can find more information on the Hawaiʻi SNAP page.
Find No-Cost Groceries
Until your next deposit arrives, you can use statewide locators to find no-cost groceries and meals. The Hawaiʻi Foodbank offers a “Find Help” map on its website. You can also email their team for pantry schedules and get more information from the Hawaiʻi Foodbank SNAP help page.
For a closer option, dial 211 or search Aloha United Way 211. You can filter by service type, and operators can text you addresses for walk-up locations that don't require an ID. Arrive near closing, as many sites give away leftover produce and bread that can cover a few dinners.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.
Download Benny to manage your funds and get more out of your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly budget. This guide breaks down the EBT deposit schedule for Hawaii, so you can manage your groceries and finances without the guesswork.
In this guide, you'll learn when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if they don't show up on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Hawaii
In Hawaii, your SNAP benefits are deposited based on the first letter of the head of household's last name. The state also uses this schedule for EBT-based cash assistance programs like TANF.
Here is the breakdown of the monthly deposit dates:
A–I: Benefits are available on the 3rd calendar day of each month.
J–Z: Benefits are available on the 5th calendar day of each month.
There is an exception for cash assistance recipients who opt for direct deposit. In this case, cash benefits arrive on the third banking day of the month, while any linked SNAP benefits are deposited on the first calendar day.
To determine your deposit day, check the head of household's last name as it appears on your benefit correspondence. For questions, you can call the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.
You can also contact your nearest processing center for assistance.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Hawaii
You can confirm your deposit has arrived in several ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Hawaii. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current SNAP and cash balances.
The Benny mobile app shows your Hawaii EBT balance instantly. It also provides automatic cashback on eligible items. Download the app, then add your card with its 16-digit number and your ZIP code. The main screen will refresh with your live SNAP and cash balances.
Check the balance printed on your most recent store receipt. After you make a purchase with your Hawaii EBT card, the point-of-sale terminal automatically prints your updated balance near the bottom of the receipt. Look for “SNAP Balance” and/or “Cash Balance.”
Hawaii’s Department of Human Services allows cardholders to view balances online at the ebtEDGE website. Go to the site, choose “Cardholder Login,” and select “Hawaii.” Then, input your 16-digit EBT card number to see your SNAP and cash balances on the dashboard.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
Download the app
Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several issues, from agency backlogs to system errors, can cause your EBT benefits to arrive later than expected.
Agency Backlogs and Staffing Shortages
Heavy caseloads and high employee turnover at the Department of Human Services often create significant processing backlogs. With too few eligibility workers, certifications and re-certifications can be delayed, pushing the agency past federal timeliness standards for issuing benefits.
Technology or System Glitches
Technical problems can also stall payments across the state. These issues range from outages in older mainframe systems to defects and data conversions related to the new Benefits Eligibility Solution, which can halt case updates and bulk issuances.
Recent Procedural Changes
The return to mandatory in-person or phone interviews has sharply increased call-center volume and in-office traffic. This change created a bottleneck that slows down the final approval step required to trigger a month’s deposit.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Your case can be placed in a pending status for missing paperwork, like an incomplete application or unreturned income verification. Overpayment recovery or fraud holds can also pause benefits. Deposits will not resume until DHS receives the needed information or resolves the specific issue with your case.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Unused EBT benefits in Hawaii automatically carry over to the next month. However, both food and cash assistance balances are subject to removal if the account remains inactive for an extended period. Keeping the account active requires at least one debit transaction, such as a purchase or a balance inquiry.
Food Assistance (SNAP)
SNAP benefits will remain on your EBT card as long as you make at least one transaction every 12 months. If an account is dormant for a full year, the entire remaining balance is permanently removed. The state's rules on expungement allow the cleared balance to be applied to any outstanding overpayments the household owes.
Cash Assistance
Cash benefits follow a stricter rule, requiring at least one debit transaction every 90 days to stay active. An account without activity for 90 consecutive days will have its entire cash balance expunged. These forfeited funds cannot be reinstated and may be used to settle overpayment debts.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. It’s a challenging situation, but it doesn't have to be a hopeless one. Fortunately, there are several options you can tap into for support.
Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP
If your balance is zero, you may qualify for emergency SNAP benefits, which can be loaded within seven days. Call the Public Assistance Information Line at 855-643-1643 and request “expedited service.” Have your EBT card number and the last four digits of your SSN ready so the screener can pull your case.
During the interview, you must show you meet one of three fast-track tests:
Your household’s gross income is under $150 and you have less than $100 in cash.
Your shelter costs are higher than your income and assets combined.
You are a migrant or farm-worker household that is newly out of work.
Submitting documents like pay stubs or a current utility bill can speed up approval. The SNAP program details show benefits are issued to your EBT card within a week of verification.
Request a Recalculation of Your Regular Allotment
If your household circumstances have changed since your last certification, you can ask the DHS to recalculate your regular benefit amount. You can get a “Change of Circumstances” form from the online PAIS portal or a DHS Processing Center. Attach proof of any new changes, such as:
New medical bills
Higher rent
Reduced work hours
An added household member
Hawaiʻi’s Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility policy may help you qualify. Even a small documented increase in shelter costs can raise your monthly benefit, so it's worth filing the change right away. You can find more information on the Hawaiʻi SNAP page.
Find No-Cost Groceries
Until your next deposit arrives, you can use statewide locators to find no-cost groceries and meals. The Hawaiʻi Foodbank offers a “Find Help” map on its website. You can also email their team for pantry schedules and get more information from the Hawaiʻi Foodbank SNAP help page.
For a closer option, dial 211 or search Aloha United Way 211. You can filter by service type, and operators can text you addresses for walk-up locations that don't require an ID. Arrive near closing, as many sites give away leftover produce and bread that can cover a few dinners.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.
Download Benny to manage your funds and get more out of your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly budget. This guide breaks down the EBT deposit schedule for Hawaii, so you can manage your groceries and finances without the guesswork.
In this guide, you'll learn when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if they don't show up on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Hawaii
In Hawaii, your SNAP benefits are deposited based on the first letter of the head of household's last name. The state also uses this schedule for EBT-based cash assistance programs like TANF.
Here is the breakdown of the monthly deposit dates:
A–I: Benefits are available on the 3rd calendar day of each month.
J–Z: Benefits are available on the 5th calendar day of each month.
There is an exception for cash assistance recipients who opt for direct deposit. In this case, cash benefits arrive on the third banking day of the month, while any linked SNAP benefits are deposited on the first calendar day.
To determine your deposit day, check the head of household's last name as it appears on your benefit correspondence. For questions, you can call the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.
You can also contact your nearest processing center for assistance.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Hawaii
You can confirm your deposit has arrived in several ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Hawaii. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current SNAP and cash balances.
The Benny mobile app shows your Hawaii EBT balance instantly. It also provides automatic cashback on eligible items. Download the app, then add your card with its 16-digit number and your ZIP code. The main screen will refresh with your live SNAP and cash balances.
Check the balance printed on your most recent store receipt. After you make a purchase with your Hawaii EBT card, the point-of-sale terminal automatically prints your updated balance near the bottom of the receipt. Look for “SNAP Balance” and/or “Cash Balance.”
Hawaii’s Department of Human Services allows cardholders to view balances online at the ebtEDGE website. Go to the site, choose “Cardholder Login,” and select “Hawaii.” Then, input your 16-digit EBT card number to see your SNAP and cash balances on the dashboard.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
Download the app
Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several issues, from agency backlogs to system errors, can cause your EBT benefits to arrive later than expected.
Agency Backlogs and Staffing Shortages
Heavy caseloads and high employee turnover at the Department of Human Services often create significant processing backlogs. With too few eligibility workers, certifications and re-certifications can be delayed, pushing the agency past federal timeliness standards for issuing benefits.
Technology or System Glitches
Technical problems can also stall payments across the state. These issues range from outages in older mainframe systems to defects and data conversions related to the new Benefits Eligibility Solution, which can halt case updates and bulk issuances.
Recent Procedural Changes
The return to mandatory in-person or phone interviews has sharply increased call-center volume and in-office traffic. This change created a bottleneck that slows down the final approval step required to trigger a month’s deposit.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Your case can be placed in a pending status for missing paperwork, like an incomplete application or unreturned income verification. Overpayment recovery or fraud holds can also pause benefits. Deposits will not resume until DHS receives the needed information or resolves the specific issue with your case.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Unused EBT benefits in Hawaii automatically carry over to the next month. However, both food and cash assistance balances are subject to removal if the account remains inactive for an extended period. Keeping the account active requires at least one debit transaction, such as a purchase or a balance inquiry.
Food Assistance (SNAP)
SNAP benefits will remain on your EBT card as long as you make at least one transaction every 12 months. If an account is dormant for a full year, the entire remaining balance is permanently removed. The state's rules on expungement allow the cleared balance to be applied to any outstanding overpayments the household owes.
Cash Assistance
Cash benefits follow a stricter rule, requiring at least one debit transaction every 90 days to stay active. An account without activity for 90 consecutive days will have its entire cash balance expunged. These forfeited funds cannot be reinstated and may be used to settle overpayment debts.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. It’s a challenging situation, but it doesn't have to be a hopeless one. Fortunately, there are several options you can tap into for support.
Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP
If your balance is zero, you may qualify for emergency SNAP benefits, which can be loaded within seven days. Call the Public Assistance Information Line at 855-643-1643 and request “expedited service.” Have your EBT card number and the last four digits of your SSN ready so the screener can pull your case.
During the interview, you must show you meet one of three fast-track tests:
Your household’s gross income is under $150 and you have less than $100 in cash.
Your shelter costs are higher than your income and assets combined.
You are a migrant or farm-worker household that is newly out of work.
Submitting documents like pay stubs or a current utility bill can speed up approval. The SNAP program details show benefits are issued to your EBT card within a week of verification.
Request a Recalculation of Your Regular Allotment
If your household circumstances have changed since your last certification, you can ask the DHS to recalculate your regular benefit amount. You can get a “Change of Circumstances” form from the online PAIS portal or a DHS Processing Center. Attach proof of any new changes, such as:
New medical bills
Higher rent
Reduced work hours
An added household member
Hawaiʻi’s Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility policy may help you qualify. Even a small documented increase in shelter costs can raise your monthly benefit, so it's worth filing the change right away. You can find more information on the Hawaiʻi SNAP page.
Find No-Cost Groceries
Until your next deposit arrives, you can use statewide locators to find no-cost groceries and meals. The Hawaiʻi Foodbank offers a “Find Help” map on its website. You can also email their team for pantry schedules and get more information from the Hawaiʻi Foodbank SNAP help page.
For a closer option, dial 211 or search Aloha United Way 211. You can filter by service type, and operators can text you addresses for walk-up locations that don't require an ID. Arrive near closing, as many sites give away leftover produce and bread that can cover a few dinners.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.
Download Benny to manage your funds and get more out of your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly budget. This guide breaks down the EBT deposit schedule for Hawaii, so you can manage your groceries and finances without the guesswork.
In this guide, you'll learn when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if they don't show up on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Hawaii
In Hawaii, your SNAP benefits are deposited based on the first letter of the head of household's last name. The state also uses this schedule for EBT-based cash assistance programs like TANF.
Here is the breakdown of the monthly deposit dates:
A–I: Benefits are available on the 3rd calendar day of each month.
J–Z: Benefits are available on the 5th calendar day of each month.
There is an exception for cash assistance recipients who opt for direct deposit. In this case, cash benefits arrive on the third banking day of the month, while any linked SNAP benefits are deposited on the first calendar day.
To determine your deposit day, check the head of household's last name as it appears on your benefit correspondence. For questions, you can call the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.
You can also contact your nearest processing center for assistance.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Hawaii
You can confirm your deposit has arrived in several ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Hawaii. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current SNAP and cash balances.
The Benny mobile app shows your Hawaii EBT balance instantly. It also provides automatic cashback on eligible items. Download the app, then add your card with its 16-digit number and your ZIP code. The main screen will refresh with your live SNAP and cash balances.
Check the balance printed on your most recent store receipt. After you make a purchase with your Hawaii EBT card, the point-of-sale terminal automatically prints your updated balance near the bottom of the receipt. Look for “SNAP Balance” and/or “Cash Balance.”
Hawaii’s Department of Human Services allows cardholders to view balances online at the ebtEDGE website. Go to the site, choose “Cardholder Login,” and select “Hawaii.” Then, input your 16-digit EBT card number to see your SNAP and cash balances on the dashboard.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
Download the app
Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several issues, from agency backlogs to system errors, can cause your EBT benefits to arrive later than expected.
Agency Backlogs and Staffing Shortages
Heavy caseloads and high employee turnover at the Department of Human Services often create significant processing backlogs. With too few eligibility workers, certifications and re-certifications can be delayed, pushing the agency past federal timeliness standards for issuing benefits.
Technology or System Glitches
Technical problems can also stall payments across the state. These issues range from outages in older mainframe systems to defects and data conversions related to the new Benefits Eligibility Solution, which can halt case updates and bulk issuances.
Recent Procedural Changes
The return to mandatory in-person or phone interviews has sharply increased call-center volume and in-office traffic. This change created a bottleneck that slows down the final approval step required to trigger a month’s deposit.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Your case can be placed in a pending status for missing paperwork, like an incomplete application or unreturned income verification. Overpayment recovery or fraud holds can also pause benefits. Deposits will not resume until DHS receives the needed information or resolves the specific issue with your case.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Unused EBT benefits in Hawaii automatically carry over to the next month. However, both food and cash assistance balances are subject to removal if the account remains inactive for an extended period. Keeping the account active requires at least one debit transaction, such as a purchase or a balance inquiry.
Food Assistance (SNAP)
SNAP benefits will remain on your EBT card as long as you make at least one transaction every 12 months. If an account is dormant for a full year, the entire remaining balance is permanently removed. The state's rules on expungement allow the cleared balance to be applied to any outstanding overpayments the household owes.
Cash Assistance
Cash benefits follow a stricter rule, requiring at least one debit transaction every 90 days to stay active. An account without activity for 90 consecutive days will have its entire cash balance expunged. These forfeited funds cannot be reinstated and may be used to settle overpayment debts.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. It’s a challenging situation, but it doesn't have to be a hopeless one. Fortunately, there are several options you can tap into for support.
Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP
If your balance is zero, you may qualify for emergency SNAP benefits, which can be loaded within seven days. Call the Public Assistance Information Line at 855-643-1643 and request “expedited service.” Have your EBT card number and the last four digits of your SSN ready so the screener can pull your case.
During the interview, you must show you meet one of three fast-track tests:
Your household’s gross income is under $150 and you have less than $100 in cash.
Your shelter costs are higher than your income and assets combined.
You are a migrant or farm-worker household that is newly out of work.
Submitting documents like pay stubs or a current utility bill can speed up approval. The SNAP program details show benefits are issued to your EBT card within a week of verification.
Request a Recalculation of Your Regular Allotment
If your household circumstances have changed since your last certification, you can ask the DHS to recalculate your regular benefit amount. You can get a “Change of Circumstances” form from the online PAIS portal or a DHS Processing Center. Attach proof of any new changes, such as:
New medical bills
Higher rent
Reduced work hours
An added household member
Hawaiʻi’s Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility policy may help you qualify. Even a small documented increase in shelter costs can raise your monthly benefit, so it's worth filing the change right away. You can find more information on the Hawaiʻi SNAP page.
Find No-Cost Groceries
Until your next deposit arrives, you can use statewide locators to find no-cost groceries and meals. The Hawaiʻi Foodbank offers a “Find Help” map on its website. You can also email their team for pantry schedules and get more information from the Hawaiʻi Foodbank SNAP help page.
For a closer option, dial 211 or search Aloha United Way 211. You can filter by service type, and operators can text you addresses for walk-up locations that don't require an ID. Arrive near closing, as many sites give away leftover produce and bread that can cover a few dinners.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.
Download Benny to manage your funds and get more out of your EBT benefits.
