SNAP in Hawaii for immigrants

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — food stamps) is available in Hawaii for eligible individuals. Federal rules changed on July 4, 2025: section 10108 of P.L. 119-21 limited SNAP to US citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and COFA citizens. Refugees, asylees, and parolees are no longer eligible. The five-year bar still applies to permanent residents, with the same long-standing exceptions (under 18, 40 work quarters, blind or disabled, among others).

Official SNAP FY2026 limits — Hawaii

Source: USDA FNA — SNAP Cost-of-Living Adjustments

Fiscal year: Oct 1, 2025 - Sept 30, 2026 · Verified: 2026-05-25

Gross income limit (130% FPL) — Hawaii

Household sizeMax gross monthly income
1$1,949
2$2,635
3$3,321
4$4,007
5$4,692
6$5,378
7$6,064
8$6,750
Each Additional Member$686

Maximum monthly benefit — Hawaii

Household sizeMax benefit
1$506
2$929
3$1,334
4$1,689
5$2,010
6$2,415
7$2,668
8$3,040
Each Additional Member$371

Resource limit

  • Households with member 60+ or disabled: $4,500
  • Other households: $3,000

How to apply for SNAP in Hawaii

  1. Visit the Hawaii Department of Human Services site
  2. Complete the SNAP application (online, paper, or in person)
  3. You’ll have an interview (phone or in person)
  4. Decision in 30 days (or 7 days for emergencies)
  5. If approved, receive monthly EBT card

Typical benefits in Hawaii

  • Average: $200-$300 per person/month
  • Household of 4: ~$800-$1,200/month

Critical rules for mixed-status families

If your household has mixed status (undocumented parents + citizen children):

  1. Apply ONLY for citizen children (they are eligible)
  2. Don’t include ineligible members’ information
  3. Applying for children does NOT expose them immigration-wise

Does it affect my green card? — Public Charge

SNAP does not count under the 2022 public-charge rule. ⚠️ That rule is rescinded effective September 18, 2026 (91 FR 45324), and under USCIS guidance published August 18, 2026, SNAP received on or after that date can be considered as a factor; SNAP received before that date is still judged under the 2022 rule.

Last verified: 2026-06-10.

Official Hawaii SNAP contacts

Source: USDA FNA SNAP state directory. Official state entry.

Maximum monthly benefit (FY2026)

The USDA adjusts SNAP maximums every October 1. These are the federal maximum allotments in effect through September 30, 2026 — your actual benefit depends on household income and deductions:

Household sizeMaximum monthly benefit (Hawaii)
1$506
2$929
3$1,334
4$1,689
5$2,010
6$2,415
7$2,668
8$3,040
Each additional person+$371

Source: USDA FNA, FY2026 COLA (effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026). USDA FNA PDF.