What You Need To Know
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been set up to cater to the nutritional needs of low-income families. They are provided help with their food budgets. Other people that may avail this benefits program can be people on public assistance, seniors and people with disabilities. These qualified individuals enjoy the benefits of SNAP through an Electronic Benefit Transfer system. It is known as EBT and makes use of a card that is similar in nature to a debit or credit card. It is used to purchase approved goods from authorized food retailers. The EBT program also caters to the members of the following programs:
- 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
This program aims to make sure that hunger is eradicated to the greatest extent possible. They hope to achieve this by providing food to those who may face issue in acquiring it themselves. A federally-funded program, SNAP has provided millions of families with food. Their administration has been carried out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Food and Nutrition Service. State agencies have been set up with local offices that administer the program. This helps to make sure it is carried out smoothly. In Hawaii, SNAP is administered by the Department of Human Services Benefit, Employment & Support Services Division.
The benefits program provides its qualified families and individuals with food and nutritional support. This helps those who wish to shift from welfare to self-sufficiency as well. The program has proven to be beneficial in the past as it has provided for 193,565 deserving residents.
Are You Eligible?
There are certain program requirements involved in SNAP. The applicant must be a resident of the state of Hawaii and a have either of the following:
- A current bank balance under $2,001. This includes the savings and checking combined.
- A current bank balance under $3,001. They must be either be sharing the household with a person aged 60 or above or with a disabled person.
The annual household income before any tax deductions is also considered. This is because SNAP is for those who classify as low-income. Therefore, their earning shoulder either be less than or equal to the following figures:
| Size Of The Household | Maximum Annual Income Level ($) |
| 1 | 18,694 |
| 2 | 25,298 |
| 3 | 31,902 |
| 4 | 38,506 |
| 5 | 45,110 |
| 6 | 51,714 |
| 7 | 58,318 |
| 8 | 64,922 |
If Households have more than eight residents, then an amount of $6,604 extra should be added per person. Managing agencies present in your area can help you to ensure that the most recent and accurate guidelines are followed. The necessary proof is required from the applicants as this will confirm their acceptance or rejection.
How To Apply
To apply for this benefit program, the application is available. It must be filled in order to kick start the process. They can gain assistance concerning its completion which can be gained through the State benefits offices. There is a SNAP application is also present on online portals. This makes the process an easier one. It is simple for people to access this application in the comfort of their home. The applications have been set up to ensure they are simple and easy to fill for potential applicants.
Once the application has been fulfilled, the necessary documents must be attached to it. This will help to verify the listed information. The form must be submitted to the nearest benefits office which can be found through the help of internet. It is, then, the responsibility of the intake worked to determine your eligibility for SNAP. There are three eligibility standards which take into account various factors of the applicant’s family. One of these standards is applied which outlines the benefits the qualified family will receive.
For Further Information
Queries and confusions can be clarified through the website of the Hawaii Department of Human Services. They have more in-depth information regarding the benefits program. It outlines the basic questions involved in the process. It also highlights the rights and responsibilities involved in Hawaii SNAP. To go through this information, you can simply visit their website.
Along with an online site that contains the necessary information, the program has also set up a number. This has been set up to allow people to get in contact with the appropriate authority. This allows them to gain the assistance they require whether it’s regarding the application form or any other issue.
808-643-1643