SNAP Changes
Posted on Jul 30, 2021 in NewsWHAT THIS MEANS:
- The federal government issued several emergency waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic that temporarily suspended the requirement for SNAP households to complete six-month and annual eligibility recertifications.
- The federal government has since lifted these emergency waivers, which means that all SNAP households will need to resume recertifying their benefits on a scheduled basis.
- SNAP households will begin to receive Six Month Review forms and annual Eligibility Review forms on a scheduled basis. These forms must be completed and returned, or benefits may be reduced, suspended, or stopped.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
- Any household who does not complete their scheduled eligibility reviews could lose their SNAP benefits and will need to reapply.
- Last month, fewer than half of the over 17,000 eligibility review packets that were mailed out were returned to DHS.
- People who are new to SNAP may not know of the ongoing eligibility review processes and may not understand the importance of completing the paperwork they receive in the mail.
- People who have moved or changed their mailing address without informing DHS may not receive these mailed notices right away or at all.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Educate your clients and staff about these changes.
- Encourage clients to check their mail often and to promptly read any mail from DHS.
- Post flyers or signs at your facility in places where clients pick up or receive mail. A sample flyer in English is included with this email.
- Encourage clients to report changes to their mailing address to DHS and any other appropriate government agencies right away.
- SNAP Outreach resources are available from agencies such as Helping Hands Hawaii. Visit their website at https://helpinghandshawaii.org/programs/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap-outreach/ or call (808) 440-3832 for more information.
- Language access resources are available through DHS. The online application and renewal is available in 17 languages at https://pais.dhs.hawaii.gov.
Please direct questions about these changes to the Hawaii Department of Human Services:
- Public Assistance Information Line: 1-855-643-1643 or https://pais.dhs.hawaii.gov
- DHS website: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov
- List of DHS SNAP Processing Centers: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Statewide-Processing-Centers-04-2018.pdf
- To check EBT account balance: https://ebtEDGE.com
- To report lost, stolen, or damaged EBT card: 1-888-328-4292
Information in this email is for outreach and awareness purposes only. Please contact the Department of Human Services with specific questions about SNAP.