Snap!
The State Department of Human Services continues to streamline the process for obtaining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This program puts food on the table for low-income families and individuals and brings additional federal dollars into Hawai’i.
Residents can now mail or fax applications to DHS offices statewide, instead of being required to deliver them in person.
In addition, DHS can and will conduct initial interviews with applicants over the telephone, rather than in person. Recertification interviews for SNAP benefits will now also be conducted by phone. Conducting interviews by phone saves SNAP applicants and recipients from having to come into our office, and it also streamlines the overall process.
Statewide participation in SNAP, previously called the Hawaii Food Stamp Program, has grown by about 23 percent over the past year, with more than 125,000 residents currently enrolled. The USDA reports that more than 35 million people nationwide receive SNAP benefits each month.
DHS is working with the USDA to expand eligibility for SNAP and provide transitional SNAP benefits to residents for five months after they exit welfare. For more information on receiving DHS benefits, residents can call (808) 643-1643.
Linda Tsark
SNAP Administrator
