What You Need to Know
*Current as of november 3, 2025 at 3:00pm

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as “food stamps”) benefits will be delayed or may not be provided for the month of November 2025. This pause will continue until the federal government provides funding or takes further action.
 
The State of Hawaiʻi has announced a plan to help SNAP beneficiaries by providing a $250 per person payment that should be available on or before November 14, 2025. No application is needed at this time. Further information as it becomes available can be found at Department of Human Services | Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Benefit FAQs
 
The State of Hawaiʻi has also started a relief program to provide short-term assistance with housing and utility payments for families with children under 300% of the federal poverty level.  More information regarding the program can be found here https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/hawaii-relief-program-faqs-support-for-housing-and-utility-payments/  
  

Additional Help for Those Affected by the Shutdown

If you are impacted by this cut or other shutdown impacts, you may be eligible for these additional resources:

Aloha United Way: For info about how to access services you can call the Aloha United Way hotline at 211. 
 
Hawaiʻi Food Bank: Find food assistance by county.
https://hawaiifoodbank.org/help/

Hawaiʻi Department of Education (HIDOE): Apply for free/reduced school lunch.
https://go.hidoe.us/FRPM
 
Unemployment Compensation: For furloughed federal workers.
https://huiclaims.hawaii.gov
 
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA): Funds are available to support for Native Hawaiian families. https://www.oha.org
 
Credit Unions: Support available.
https://www.hawaiistatefcu.com
 
Banks: Local banks may be providing assistance.
https://www.boh.com | https://www.aba.com
 
Hawaiian Electric: Interest-free payment plans and extensions may be offered.
https://www.hawaiianelectric.com
 
Verizon: Payment deferrals for federal and military employees.
 Call 1-800-VERIZON or visit https://www.verizon.com
 
AT&T: Payment arrangements may be available.
https://www.att.com or use the myAT&T app
 
T-Mobile: Payment arrangements may be available.
Call 1-800-937-8997 or use your T-Mobile account