The State of Hawai`i Department of Human Services (DHS), Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) announced that beginning January 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022, the interview requirement for new applications and renewals will be waived for:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• General Assistance (GA)

DHS applied for, and received this temporary waiver from the federal government.  The waiver will help BESSD process cases in a timely manner amid the unprecedented number of applications and subsequent renewals.  However clients may be contacted for an interview if additional information is needed to process the application or renewal.

Households scheduled to renew their benefits beginning January 2022 will receive a notice and DHS 1240 form in the mail when it is time to renew their benefits.  They are also required to complete, sign and submit the DHS 1240 form and provide information necessary to determine eligibility.

The interview requirement stated on the “Notice of Expiration” the household received or will receive through the mail is temporarily waived.  A second notice, ‘Notice Regarding Renewal’ will be sent via mail as a further reminder of the temporary interview waiver.

Households that are due for their periodic reporting requirement will receive the Six-Month Report form (SMRF) beginning January 2022 to update their circumstances.

The department is also working to improve the telephone system and call center process.

These unprecedented times have resulted in record numbers of applications and renewals and the department has provided much needed food and financial assistance amid the pandemic.

New SNAP Applications/Renewals:
So far, in December 2021, DHS received more than 8,000 SNAP applications and mailed more than 19,000 renewals this month.  Prior to COVID-19, DHS would receive 5,000 new SNAP applications, on average.

SNAP Supplement in Hawaiʻi:
Since March 2020, through the October 2021 issuance, the SNAP Emergency Supplements have helped more than 78,000 households a month with more than $317 million in benefit support for individuals and families in need.

For more information on case-specific reporting requirements contact any Processing Center or the Public Assistance Toll Free Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.