SNAP or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has requirements in every single state in the USA. Hawaii is not an exception. The first thing applicants must know is the fact that it has the aim of helping low-income families. Therefore, if you have a low income, you might qualify. Despite the fact that this is a Federal program, states are the ones that manage it.
The Department of Human Services is in charge of this food program. If you have never heard of it, you might know the former one. It was the Food Stamps program. In this case, SNAP recipients receive some money to buy healthy food. In most cases, the cheapest food is the unhealthiest one. Thus, this program gives the opportunity to eat properly.
What are the steps to claim SNAP benefits?
There are two possible ways to claim SNAP. Doing it online is the most common way. However, some people do not have internet access or are not good at technology. That is why you can also print it. Bear in mind that to apply you must be a resident of Hawaii. Those who decide to apply online, will first have to click on Apply Now.
Then, they offer the possibility of using the language they speak. Do not worry if English is not your mother tongue. Maybe, you feel more confident in your own language. Apart from English, you can choose Hawaiian, Spanish, and Cantonese, among many other languages. Call any of the available numbers to talk to an interpreter. Then click on next to continue applying for SNAP benefits.
What kind of benefits do you need to apply for?
Luckily, the state of Hawaii offers also some financial help. The Department of Human Services allows you to claim SNAP checks and Financial Assistance. Yes, you can select both of them in the next step. Right after the language interpreter options, you must choose money or/and food support. Then, tick the box if you need or not an interpreter.
Even if you do not need an interpreter they may want to know what you speak in your family. They want to know if you can speak English fluently or not. So tick the adequate box. After that, you need to type the First Name and Middle name of the SNAP beneficiary. Leave your phone number so that they can ask you some questions in an interview.
Why do they need your phone number?
In this way, they will be able to call you and find out if you qualify or not for SNAP benefits. Then you will need your Social Security Number. Once you have it, type your date of birth. Another important piece of information is your email address. It is not compulsory, but it might come in handy if they cannot reach you on the phone.
Besides, they will need a home address to send you any notice they have for you. If you do not have a home, you can also provide a mailing address. The number, street, city, state, and Zip Code are mandatory. Once sorted, they will provide you with a tracking number you need to keep. Take a photo, write it down, or get a screenshot.
Then, click on next to continue or submit it to fill it in later on. Information about your spouse, people who buy food and cook it, number of kids or pregnant women. Keep filling it in until you finish and then submit it. They may send SNAP support faster if you are in an emergency situation, so the sooner you apply the better. Uploading documents may be necessary too.