TANF Assistance for Single Mothers in Hawaii

Where to start

Quick help table

How TANF and TAONF work

Both programs provide monthly cash assistance for basic family needs. A family must include a minor dependent child living with a parent or another specified relative, or meet Hawaii’s rules for a family expecting a child.

TANF is for families that meet federal and state program rules. TAONF is Hawaii’s parallel state-funded program. The current state plan says TAONF uses the same payment and program eligibility standards as TANF and serves eligible noncitizen, mixed-status, and certain minor-parent households.

Do not decide which program applies before filing. Give DHS the information needed to screen the household. Immigration and mixed-status rules are complex, and an adult who is not eligible may still be able to apply for an eligible child.

Who may qualify

A family generally must live in Hawaii and include a dependent child and a specified relative adult. DHS checks identity, residence, relationship to the child, household members, income, Social Security number rules, citizenship or qualifying status, child-support cooperation, and First-To-Work requirements.

The public TANF page says gross monthly income must be below 185% of Hawaii’s 2006 federal poverty level. For a family of three, that public gross limit is $2,941. The adjusted net income limit is $1,590 for the same family size. Hawaii law keeps these TANF standards tied to the 2006 level, so they are not the same as current federal poverty guidelines used by many other programs.

The current state plan says assets are disregarded for TANF eligibility and benefit calculations. Income still matters. DHS may count wages, child support, unemployment, Social Security, gifts, and other money, while applying program deductions and exclusions.

Most work-eligible families are subject to a 60-month lifetime limit for TANF or TAONF cash assistance. Some households may be exempt or may receive special treatment based on disability, caregiving, domestic violence status, or other rules. Ask DHS for the month count and any exemption review in writing.

Current Hawaii cash standards

The current certified TANF plan uses a Standard of Assistance, or SOA, before countable income is subtracted. For a work-required household, it applies a 20% reduction after two full months.

These figures are not promised payments. Countable income, household composition, work status, sanctions, overpayments, and other rules can lower or stop the benefit. Ask DHS to explain the calculation shown on the approval or change notice.

How to apply

The main path is PAIS. The official TANF page also links to the current paper application, which may be mailed, faxed, or delivered to the correct office.

Use the processing center list to find the current office, fax number, and lobby details for Oahu, Kauai, Maui County, Molokai, Lanai, or Hawaii Island. The statewide branch support number is 1-855-643-1643. Listed lobby hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on business days, but some locations do not offer lobby service.

The current state plan says DHS must decide a financial assistance application within 45 days. The period starts when a processing center receives a form with the applicant’s name, address, and signature. Call for status if the case passes that point and DHS has not sent a decision.

First-To-Work rules and support

The First-To-Work program, called FTW, provides case management, job readiness, job search, employment placement, adult education, vocational training, work experience, and other activities for work-eligible adults.

FTW can also provide approved supportive services. The state lists child care subsidies, transportation reimbursement, tuition, books, tools, work clothing, testing fees, and other education or work expenses. Ask before buying something because approval and limits may apply.

The current state plan requires work-eligible applicants to begin required FTW steps during the application process. Your exact hours and activities come from the FTW assessment and plan, not from a general article.

Some adults are treated as non-work eligible, including a person receiving SSI or SSDI, a single parent caring for a child under six months old, a parent caring for a disabled family member in the home, and some child-only households. Other adults with a temporary disability, substance-use recovery needs, or domestic violence status may receive a special FTW path.

The Hawaii child care guide and Hawaii transport guide may help when care or travel blocks participation.

Documents to gather

Apply even if a document is missing. Then send what DHS requests. Use the documents checklist to keep copies in one safe place.

If another person may read your mail or access your phone, tell DHS and an advocate that you need a safer contact method.

EBT, direct deposit, and payment dates

Hawaii uses the Kokua EBT card for TANF, TAONF, SNAP, child care, FTW, and other payments. Cash recipients may also choose direct deposit into a personal bank account.

The official Hawaii EBT page says cash benefits are available on the third calendar day of the month for last names beginning A through I and the fifth calendar day for last names beginning J through Z. Direct deposits are available by the third banking day.

For balance, PIN, or lost-card help, call 1-888-328-4292. The TTY number is 1-877-447-5990. Check PAIS notices first if no payment appears, because a case closure or sanction cannot be fixed by replacing the card.

Child support cooperation and family safety

Families usually must cooperate with the Child Support Enforcement Agency, called CSEA, when a child has an absent parent. Cooperation can include identifying and locating the parent, establishing parentage, getting a support order, collecting support, and arranging medical coverage.

Use the official Hawaii CSEA page for services. The Hawaii child support guide explains the process.

If cooperation may put you or your child at risk, tell the processing center that you want to claim good cause. The current state plan says DHS must give a second notice explaining the situations and evidence it will consider. Do not contact an unsafe person just to prove cooperation.

Hawaii also has a domestic violence status process. The state form says an approved family may receive a six-month exemption from the 60-month time limit and the 20% cash reduction, with a possible extension. The process includes an advocate assessment and a special service plan. Ask DHS not to mail safety information to an unsafe address.

Reporting changes and keeping the case open

The state’s rights and responsibilities page says changes generally must be reported within 10 days after you learn of the change. For income, report within 10 days after the first changed payment is received.

Changes can include a new job, changed work hours, child support, unemployment, a lump sum, someone moving in or out, a new address, property changes, or health insurance. Some households may also have to file a Monthly Eligibility Report Form.

If the case is denied, delayed, reduced, or sanctioned

Read the written notice before calling. Mark the reason, action date, hearing deadline, and any proof DHS says is missing. Ask the worker to explain the income, household, work, child-support, and time-limit rules used.

The hearing request page links to Form DHS 1461 for financial assistance appeals. Submit the request to a processing center. The deadline on your notice controls. Filing within the shorter continuation deadline may keep or restore the earlier amount while the appeal is pending, but repayment may be required if DHS wins.

An informal review with a worker or supervisor can correct some errors, but it does not replace a formal hearing request or extend the deadline. The benefits problem guide can help you track calls and notices. The Hawaii legal guide lists additional legal resources.