SNAP families encouraged to apply for additional benefits

KALAHEO — The state has announced a deadline extension to submit SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps) replacement benefits applications for SNAP households in four towns on Kaua‘i and elsewhere in the state.

On Kaua‘i, the towns for which the extension applies are Kalaheo, Koloa, Hanalei and Ha‘ena. Other districts are included in the counties of Maui, O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island.

Due to recent severe weather, flooding and landslides, the deadline to submit applications has been extended until April 7.

A SNAP Replacement Benefit is a replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits that was destroyed in a household misfortune such as the recent severe weather, flooding and landslides.

The amount of the replacement must be equal to the amount of the food loss and not to exceed the amount of the monthly benefit issued to the household.

“When our community is impacted by severe weather, it can be difficult to recover, but when that happens amid COVID-19 when Hawai‘i has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, that can be devastating,” said Cathy Betts, state Department of Human Services director.

“Together with HIEMA (Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency), we encourage families in impacted areas to learn more about the SNAP Replacement Benefits program and to see if you qualify to replace your food loss during the recent floods,” she said.

SNAP recipient households in the listed counties who were affected by the recent flooding and landslides are eligible to apply by contacting their assigned processing center, by visiting humanservices.hawaii.gov and clicking on Statewide SNAP (Food Stamps) and Financial Assistance Processing Centers, or by contacting the public assistance information line at 1-855-643-1643 or pais.dhs.hawaii.gov.