DHS announces changes to able-bodied SNAP benefit recipients

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaii Department of Human Services announced Thursday forthcoming changes to able-bodied SNAP recipients.

According to the DHS, able-bodied adults must either meet work requirements on their own, meet an eligible exemption, or participate in a work program for at least 80 hours per month to continue receiving benefits for more than three months.

If an able-bodied adult household member does not meet the work requirements, or is exempt from the new work requirements, that individual will be limited to three months of SNAP and be unable to reapply for SNAP for the next three years, or until the requirements are met.

These key changes will go into effect Nov. 1, 2025.

SNAP provides assistance to purchase food for low-income households. Nearly 85,000 Hawaii households are reliant on the program.

The changes are applicable to recipients ages 18-64. Households with dependent children aged 14 and older also will now be subject to work requirements for abled-bodied adults.

Additionally, homeless individuals, veterans, or youths ages 18-24 transitioning out of foster care are also subject to the new work requirements.

Those who are not subject to able-bodied adult work requirements include:

• Individuals who are pregnant.
• Individuals with a medically confirmed physical or mental disability.
• Individuals who are caretakers for an incapacitated individual.
• Individuals in a school, college, or other training program at least half-time.
• Individuals receiving disability benefits.
• Individuals applying for unemployment benefits.
• Individuals participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program.

SNAP recipients who are concerned about meeting the new requirements are advised to contact the DHS through its public information line at 1-855-643-1643.

More information regarding these changes can be found on the DHS website here.

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