Understanding the SNAP Program in Hawaii

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides crucial food and nutritional support to qualifying low-income and needy households, as well as those making the transition from welfare to self-sufficiency. In Hawaii, this service is provided by the Department of Human Services (DHS) Benefit, Employment & Support Services Division (BESSD).

Recipients receiving cash assistance may also choose to have their cash benefits directly deposited into their personal bank accounts. To do so, visit the website to find the system nearest to you. Allpoint ® – Global Surcharge-Free ATM Networks are located across the state.

Payments distributed through this system include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Temporary Assistance for Other Needy Families (TAONF), General Assistance (GA), Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD), Repatriates, Childcare, Employment and Training (E & T), First-To-Work (FTW) and the SNAP programs.

Clients use an EBT debit card to access their cash and/or SNAP benefits at authorized food retailers through their Point of Sale (POS) machines and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). The Hawaii Electronic Benefit Transfer (HI/EBT) system processes financial assistance benefits provided by BESSD.

In FY 2014, SNAP helped put food on the table for an estimated 193,565 Hawaii residents (98,440 families). The program is administered at both state and local levels, including determination of eligibility and monthly allotments. At the federal level, it is administered through the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

For more information about SNAP updates, including past updates regarding D-SNAP and P-EBT, click here or call Public Assistance Toll Free Information Line at 1-85'...'

Snap program