SNAP Changes

Posted on Jul 30, 2021 in News

WHAT 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:

Information in this email is for outreach and awareness purposes only. Please contact the Department of Human Services with specific questions about SNAP.