Important Update: Support Resources During Federal Shutdown

What You Need to Know-*Current as of November 7, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

After an initial delay, SNAP benefits for November are now being paid. However, future benefits may be impacted due to ongoing court cases and the continuing shutdown. 

The State of Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 shutdown, 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 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 my AT&T app

T-Mobile: Payment arrangements may be available.
Call 1-800-937-8997 or use your T-Mobile account