The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides food benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families in Hawaii. SNAP is administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) in Hawaii.
If you are receiving SNAP benefits in Hawaii, you are required to report certain changes in your household circumstances to DHS within 10 days of the change occurring. Reporting changes ensures your SNAP benefit amount is correct based on your household size, income, expenses, and other factors.
What changes do I need to report to SNAP Hawaii?
Here are some examples of changes you must report within 10 days if you are receiving SNAP benefits in Hawaii:
- Changes in household composition – such as someone moving in or out of your home
- Changes in income from work or other sources
- Changes in housing costs, medical expenses, child care costs, or child support paid out
- Vehicle purchases, sales, or value changes
- Changes in liquid resources like cash, bank accounts, or stocks
- Moving to a new address within Hawaii
- Changes in disability status of household members
You must report if your household’s total gross monthly income goes above the SNAP income limit for Hawaii. For example, as of October 2023, the gross monthly income limit for a household of 3 people is $3,886 in Hawaii.
How do I report changes to SNAP Hawaii?
There are several ways you can report changes to your SNAP case and benefits amount in Hawaii:
- Call the SNAP office: Contact your local SNAP or Public Assistance office by phone. Explain the change and provide any required verification documents.
- Visit in person: Go to your local SNAP office, explain the change in person, and provide any required verification documents.
- Send a written letter: Mail a letter outlining the change to your local SNAP office along with copies of any verification documents.
- Fax documents: Fax any required verification documents related to the change to your local SNAP office.
- Report through online portal: If available in your area, log in to the online portal for your state’s SNAP program and electronically report changes.
Be sure to include your name, case number, and contact information when reporting any changes. The SNAP office will let you know if any other forms, documents, or steps are needed to verify and process the reported change.
What changes can I report by phone versus in writing?
In Hawaii, some types of SNAP changes can be reported over the phone, while others must be submitted in writing:
- Telephone: You can report changes in household size, income, or liquid resources like cash or bank accounts by calling your SNAP office.
- In writing: Changes in earned income from employment, changes in housing or medical costs, and acquisition or selling of vehicles must be reported in writing with verification documents.
If you are unsure whether you can report a change by phone or if written verification is required, contact your local SNAP office to determine the proper reporting procedure.
When are changes effective?
The effective date for SNAP changes depends on when the change is reported:
- Change reported timely: If you report a change within 10 days, the change will be effective the month after the month when the change was reported.
- Change reported late: If you report the change after 10 days, the change will be effective the second month after the month when the change was reported.
For example, if you reported a new job for yourself on October 12th, the change in income would take effect for November benefits, issued in early December. But if you did not report the job change until November 20th, the change would take effect for December benefits, issued in early January.
What happens if I don’t report changes?
Failing to report changes to your SNAP case can lead to serious consequences in Hawaii:
- You may receive an overpayment of benefits, which you would then have to pay back if SNAP becomes aware of the unreported change.
- You could be disqualified from receiving SNAP for 1 to 6 months for the first offense.
- If errors are intentional program violations (IPV), you could be barred for 12 months for the first IPV and permanently disqualified for the second IPV.
- Criminal prosecution may occur for providing false information.
To avoid penalties, be sure to report any SNAP changes accurately and within 10 days whenever possible. If in doubt about whether a change requires reporting, check with your local SNAP office.
How do I verify changes to SNAP Hawaii?
When you report a change in your SNAP case, you may need to provide verification to support that change. Here are some examples of verifications you may need to submit:
| Change | Verification Required |
|---|---|
| New job or change in earnings | Pay stubs, letter from employer |
| Change in unearned income | Award letters, statements |
| Change in household size | Statement from new or departed member |
| Change in rent or utilities | Lease, bills, receipts |
| Change in child care costs | Receipts, letter from provider |
| Getting or selling a vehicle | Registration, title, receipts |
SNAP will inform you what types of verification documents you specifically need to provide. Submit copies of documents – original documents cannot be returned.
Can I get help reporting SNAP changes in Hawaii?
If you need assistance reporting changes to your SNAP case and providing required verifications, help is available:
- Contact your local SNAP office for guidance on the change reporting process.
- In-office change report forms may be available to help collect all needed information.
- Case workers can answer questions and explain verification requirements.
- SNAP outreach coordinators in your community may be able to assist.
- Legal aid organizations may be able to help with the process.
Accurately reporting changes right away and submitting verifications reduces the chance of errors or overpayments. Ask your SNAP office what resources can help make the change reporting process go smoothly.
What if I disagree with a SNAP decision in Hawaii?
You have the right to appeal SNAP decisions about your eligibility, benefits calculation, or any other adverse action like disqualification or termination. Follow these steps if you wish to appeal a SNAP decision in Hawaii:
- Ask for case review: You can request an internal review with a SNAP supervisor first.
- File appeal request: Submit a written appeal request within 90 days of an adverse action notice.
- Gather information: Collect any documents, evidence, and testimony supporting your case.
- Attend hearing: Present your appeal by phone or in person at the hearing.
- Await decision: A hearing officer will issue a decision in writing based on the evidence.
SNAP clients can choose to be represented by a legal representative or other spokesperson during the appeals process. Reach out to legal aid organizations for assistance with appeals if needed.
Conclusion
Reporting changes to your SNAP case with Hawaii DHS in a timely manner ensures you continue receiving the proper level of food assistance benefits each month. Be sure to notify SNAP within 10 days whenever your household circumstances change, and provide any required documents to verify the change. Help is available if you have trouble navigating the change reporting process. Make sure to appeal SNAP decisions promptly if you believe they were made in error.