The number of people in Hawaii receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits has declined since hitting a record high in July 2021, but applications still remain well above prepandemic levels.
Prior to 2020, the state was averaging 153,000 individuals receiving SNAP benefits, but in April of 2020, that number jumped to 171,451. Then in July 2021, the number reached an all-time high of 206,226 people.
“Demand has increased by 40%,” said Department of Human Services Division Administrator Scott Morishigi regarding SNAP applications. “SNAP benefits are critical to helping put food on the table for families and individuals in need throughout the state.”
Since April 2020, 48,581 East Hawaii residents applied for SNAP benefits. For Hawaii County, that total was just under 80,000.
“Prior to the pandemic in February 2020, we had about 4,400 applications coming in per month for SNAP,” said Morishigi. “Today, that number is about 6,600 per month.”
Morishigi cited inflation and the impacts of the pandemic as major forces behind the increase in applications.
“As other federal programs come to an end, such as the federal rent assistance program, that may be contributing to the increase in applications for SNAP that we’re seeing, as well,” he said.
A recent change in Social Security benefits could impact the eligibility of those receiving SNAP benefits.
In January of each year, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits increase with a cost of living adjustment, or COLA. This year, Social Security/SSI recipients will see their benefits increase by 8.7%.
“Although this is something that happens every year, we know that there’s many people receiving SNAP benefits who might not be familiar with this,” said Morishigi, adding DHS notified SNAP recipients of the adjustment back in December. “That’s part of the reason why we wanted to get the word out and let people, particularly seniors, know what they can do if they’re concerned.”
One step people can take is to share information about monthly expenses with DHS. This includes rent, mortgage, homeowners insurance, utilities, car payments, child support, and other dependent care expenses like child care.
For those disabled or over the age of 60, medical expenses also can be reported to DHS, including Medicare premiums, prescription drugs, doctor bills and medical transportation costs.
“You can report these to us, and that could potentially offset the increases in income,” said Morishigi. “If you have increases in your monthly household expenses such as rent or utilities, we want to report those increases, as well, because they could also potentially offset the increase in income by Social Security or SSI.”
A full list of qualifying monthly expenses can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/mrx737zc.
The DHS has contracted with several organizations to help answer any questions and provide help for SNAP beneficiaries.
“On Hawaii Island, our SNAP outreach provider is the Hawaii Food Basket,” said Morishigi. “They can also provide assistance, and people can ask any questions they have if they don’t feel comfortable coming directly to the department.”
People also can drop off any paperwork or expense information at processing centers located throughout the state, including at 1990 Kinoole St.
“SNAP benefits are really a critical thing, especially during the holiday season for people who might be having a hard time,” Morishigi said. “SNAP also really helps as an economic driver, because people spend their benefits at local retailers or grocery stores.”
Those with any additional questions are encouraged to visit the DHS website at: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/
Email Grant Phillips at gphillips@hawaiitribune-herald.com.