In a Nutshell

Known for its breathtaking beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage, Hawaii truly embodies the essence of paradise. The Aloha State boasts a median household income of $94,814, well above the national average of $75,149.

Yet, even in paradise, Hawaiians face ongoing financial hardships. The soaring cost of living and housing expenses often outpace earnings, leaving many families struggling to stay afloat.

To address these challenges, Hawaiians can turn to a range of financial assistance programs designed to meet essential needs. With resources like cash assistance, housing support, food aid, and healthcare services, residents can ease the pressures of daily life and work toward lasting financial security.

Explore Hawaii’s financial assistance programs to uncover solutions that can help you overcome economic challenges and build a more secure future for you and your loved ones.

Government Assistance Programs in Hawaii

Government assistance programs in Hawaii play a crucial role in helping residents overcome financial challenges. These initiatives provide essential resources, including healthcare, food assistance, and housing support, ensuring that individuals and families in the Aloha State achieve economic stability.

Cash Assistance Programs

Hawaii’s cash assistance programs offer much-needed relief for residents struggling to make ends meet. The Hawaii Electronic Benefit Transfer (HI/EBT) system allows eligible individuals to access cash benefits using their EBT card at authorized retailers and ATMs to cover basic needs.

  • Monthly cash benefits for essentials like food, clothing, and shelter to help stabilize low-income families
  • Includes participation in the First-To-Work Program, supporting employment and self-sufficiency for TANF recipient families
  • Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program
  • Food and nutritional support to low-income households, including those transitioning to financial independence
  • Ensures access to essential groceries for eligible individuals and families

Hawaii Stimulus Checks

  • There are no Hawaii stimulus checks planned for 2024
  • State-level tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) can reduce tax liability and offer financial relief for low and moderate-income families

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance programs in Hawaii ensure residents receive the health care they require for their well-being.

  • Hawaii’s Medicaid healthcare program for eligible Hawaii residents, including children, pregnant women, low-income adults, and disabled individuals
  • Covers services like hospital care, doctor visits, emergency services, prescription drugs, and medical equipment
  • Medical care for individuals without job-based coverage, Medicaid, Medicare, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
  • Health Insurance Marketplace® plans include essential benefits like hospitalization, emergency services, and prescription drugs
  • Cancer screening services for uninsured or underinsured women aged 40-64 with low income
  • Provides diagnostic follow-ups, case management, public education, and professional training to improve screening quality

Pregnant and Single Mother Programs

Motherhood comes with unique challenges, but targeted programs provide pregnant women and single mothers with the resources and support they need for a healthier, more stable future.

  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program that offers nutrition education and breastfeeding support to eligible women, infants, and young children
  • Helps families access health and social services to improve nutrition and overall well-being
  • Assists with housing, food, childcare, healthcare, and employment resources tailored for mothers
  • Offers access to programs supporting maternal health, youth services, and financial assistance for single-parent families

Child Care Services

Finding quality child care can be a challenge for many Hawaiian families. Fortunately, several child care programs are available to ensure children receive the support they need while parents work or pursue education.

  • Federal and state partnership program that provides financial assistance for low-income families to access affordable child care
  • Supports millions of children under the age of 13 each month, helping improve the quality of care and strengthen the child care workforce
  • Free early learning and developmental services for children from birth to five, focusing on health and family well-being
  • Delivers child development services through both center-based and home-based settings to prepare children for school

Food Assistance

Food assistance programs in Hawaii support low-income individuals and families, helping them access healthy meals and groceries to meet their nutritional needs.

  • Also known as Summer EBT
  • Supplies grocery-buying benefits for households with school-aged children to purchase food during the summer months
  • Federally-funded U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that supplies emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost to low-income households
  • Residents must meet eligibility criteria based on income guidelines to qualify for TEFAP

Assistance for Veterans

The Office of Veterans’ Services (OVS) is Hawaii’s primary state office dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. Acting as a bridge between former service members and state or federal resources, the OVS helps veterans access their entitlements, stay informed about important issues, and navigate the transition to civilian life.

The office also provides guidance on VA claims and offers vital support for various needs, including:

  • Advocacy for veterans’ concerns
  • Informational and referral services
  • Assistance with VA claims, forms, and appeals
  • Outreach programs
  • VA benefits support
  • Burial assistance

Elderly and Disabled Adult Programs

Hawaii offers many programs to support seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring access to resources that promote independence, well-being, and a higher quality of life.

  • Cash benefits including food, shelter, and other essentials for seniors and individuals with disabilities who aren’t eligible or receive limited federal Social Security benefits
  • Temporary assistance for those awaiting a Social Security Administration determination of eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Serves as a one-stop resource for the elderly, disabled individuals, and caregivers to access long-term support and services across Hawaii
  • Includes programs like Adult Protective Services, Aloha Independent Living, Hawaiʻi County Nutrition Program, and Coordinated Services for the Elderly

Utility Bill Assistance

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists low-income households in Hawaii to offset energy costs. This initiative includes various services to alleviate utility-related financial burdens while ensuring families maintain safe, reliable access to essential utilities.

Additional utility bill assistance services include:

  • Energy Credit (EC): Offers one-time financial assistance to households who are not in crisis but need assistance with heating or cooling bills
  • Energy Crisis Intervention (ECI): Assists households at risk of disconnecting electric or gas services
  • Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): Provides temporary financial assistance for water or wastewater bills, including crisis aid for households facing disconnection

Assistance for Unemployment

When faced with unemployment, Hawaii offers vital support to help residents regain stability and return to work, providing financial aid and career-building resources.

  • Temporary financial assistance to workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own
  • The weekly benefit amount is calculated based on a percentage of the highest quarter wages in the base period, with a maximum limit payment of $619
  • Helps work-eligible individuals from TANF families find employment and move toward self-sufficiency
  • FTW participants engage in job readiness training, skill-building, adult and vocational education, and employment placement to support long-term career success

Housing and Homelessness Assistance

Hawaii offers numerous programs to assist residents facing homelessness and housing instability, providing resources for both immediate relief and long-term solutions.

  • The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions Resource Guide connects unsheltered individuals and families to services like housing navigation, shelter, employment support, and healthcare
  • Outreach programs help people obtain essential documents, such as IDs and vital records, ensuring they have the resources needed to move toward permanent housing
  • Assists low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in finding safe housing in the private market by providing rental subsidies
  • Participants can choose any rental unit that meets program standards, with the subsidy paid directly to the landlord and the family covering the difference in rent

Transportation Assistance

Divorce and Other Legal Assistance

  • Hawaii.gov offers information and resources, providing free or low-cost legal and family services to low-income residents and the nonprofits serving them in communities across the state
  • Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i assists low-income individuals with civil legal issues, specializing in family law, housing, consumer law, and public benefits, without charging for services

Nonprofit Assistance Programs in Hawaii

Hawaii’s nonprofit organizations play a pivotal role in providing life-changing support to residents in need. Nonprofit assistance programs offer various resources, from emergency housing and mental health services to financial aid and youth programs. By filling the gaps left by government programs, these initiatives help foster a deeper sense of community and resilience across the islands.

  • Provides disaster relief, emergency preparedness education, and life-saving training across Hawaii, supporting communities during times of crisis
  • Mobilizes volunteers and donors, offering a wide range of services from blood donations to emergency communication, ensuring help reaches those in need
  • Comprehensive list of grants for financial support, housing, disaster relief, and other essential needs
  • Features funding opportunities in sectors like education, research, arts, healthcare, and entrepreneurship
  • Nourishes local communities through partnerships with over 200 food agencies, offering food access across the islands
  • Supports federally-funded programs and school pantries, with food distribution sites in various community settings, including shelters and rehabilitation centers

How Do You Get Financial Help in Hawaii?

Hawaiians have access to a wide range of financial assistance programs that can alleviate many residents' financial burdens. However, these programs might not be enough for those struggling with significant debt, such as high credit card balances or medical bills. Working with a reliable debt relief company like TurboDebt can provide the solution you’ve been looking for.

TurboDebt offers effective Hawaii debt relief programs to help residents reduce their debt and regain control of their finances. In 2023 alone, TurboDebt assisted hundreds of Hawaiian clients, saving them an average of 52% on their total debt before fees.

Here’s why TurboDebt is an excellent option for debt relief:

  • No upfront fees to get started
  • Potential savings of 50% or more on your total debt (before fees) with our debt settlement program
  • Debt-free in as little as 12–48 months
  • No new loans or lines of credit as part of your debt relief program
  • Top-rated customer service, with over 17,000+ 5-star TurboDebt reviews from satisfied clients

Don’t let the debt cycle hold you back any longer. Contact us for a free consultation and learn how our relief programs can help you break free from financial stress. Take the first step toward financial freedom today!