Special SNAP Services in Hawaii

In certain situations, Hawaii residents can access special SNAP services. These programs offer expedited benefits, disaster relief, replacement for lost food, and waivers for purchasing hot meals in emergencies.

Expedited Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Expedited SNAP)

This program gives immediate food assistance to households with very little cash or resources. It allows them to get help without waiting the normal 30-day processing time for applications.

Eligibility is for households with less than $150 in gross monthly income and under $100 in liquid resources. It also covers those whose combined income and resources are below their monthly rent or mortgage and utilities. Migrant or seasonal farm workers with very low resources also qualify.

To apply, submit a standard SNAP application and ask for “expedited service.” The agency screens requests on the day of contact. If the criteria are met, benefits are issued within seven days.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

D-SNAP provides short-term food benefits after a presidentially declared disaster. It is for people who do not receive regular SNAP benefits or to supplement existing households affected by the disaster.

To qualify, you must be a resident or worker in a county named in a D-SNAP announcement. You must have suffered disaster-related income loss, property damage, or other allowable expenses, such as those from the Maui wildfires.

Wait for an official announcement that D-SNAP is open. Apply in person or through a designated option during the application window with an ID and proof of residence or work. Current SNAP households can request a disaster supplement from their local office.

SNAP Replacement Benefits for Disaster Food Loss

This service lets current SNAP recipients replace benefits used to buy food that was destroyed. This includes food lost in a disaster, such as from extended power outages after a fire.

Any SNAP household in a county named in a USDA waiver that lost food due to the specific event is eligible. In some cases, mass replacements may be issued automatically to all affected households.

If a mass replacement is not issued, you must submit a Replacement Request Form. This should be sent to a local processing center within 10 days of the food loss. A brief written statement of the loss is required. Find guidance on each waiver notice.

Hot Foods Purchase Waiver

This waiver temporarily allows SNAP households in declared disaster areas to buy hot, ready-to-eat meals. This is for situations where cooking facilities are unavailable, as seen after the August 2023 fires.

All SNAP households in the counties and dates listed in the USDA waiver are eligible. No separate enrollment is required to use this benefit. Retailer systems are automatically adjusted to accept EBT cards for hot food transactions during the waiver period.

There is no application. Simply use your EBT card at participating retailers. Monitor the USDA waiver page for the official start and end dates of the waiver period.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Hawaii

Once approved for SNAP, you need to know how to use your benefits effectively, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you access your SNAP funds. It is a government-issued card that holds your monthly food benefits electronically. Think of it as a special debit card just for purchasing eligible food items from authorized retailers.

Using it is simple. At checkout, you swipe or insert your EBT card into the point-of-sale terminal, just like a regular debit or credit card. You will then enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to authorize the purchase and complete the transaction.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your EBT card can be used to purchase most staple food items. The program is designed to cover groceries that you would typically prepare at home, helping you maintain a healthy diet for your household. Eligible items include:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

It is also important to know what you cannot buy with SNAP. The benefits are strictly for food items and exclude several categories of products, including prepared meals and non-food goods. Ineligible items include:

• Alcohol, tobacco, or cigarettes

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Hot, ready-to-eat foods

• Non-food products like cleaning supplies, paper goods, and pet food

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

You can use your EBT card at most major grocery stores, supermarkets, and corner stores across Hawaii. Many farmers’ markets also accept EBT, allowing you to purchase fresh, local produce. Look for signs indicating EBT acceptance at store entrances or checkout counters.

Online grocery shopping is also an option in Hawaii. Major retailers like Amazon and Walmart accept EBT for eligible food purchases, offering delivery or pickup services. This adds flexibility for households to get their groceries conveniently.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

The Benny app helps you get more from your budget. You can earn cash back on groceries at retailers like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. It also offers cash back for using services like Uber and Lyft, putting money back in your pocket.

Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.