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Grants for Single Mothers in Hawaii

Grants and Assistance for Single Mothers in Hawaii: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Last updated: August 2025

Being a single mom in Hawaii comes with unique challenges. While our beautiful state offers amazing opportunities, the high cost of living can make it tough to get by on one income. The good news? Hawaii has more assistance programs for single mothers than you might think.


This guide covers real grants, emergency help, housing assistance, food programs, healthcare options, and much more. We’ve included current contact information, income limits, and step-by-step application instructions to help you get the support you need today.

Main Points

  • Emergency help is available: If you’re facing eviction, utility shutoff, or other crises, call 2-1-1 immediately
  • Real grants exist: While limited, actual cash grants are available through organizations like Women’s Fund of Hawaii
  • Multiple income levels qualify: Many programs serve families earning up to 200% of poverty level
  • Island-specific resources: Each island has different programs and contact numbers
  • Application deadlines matter: Some programs have specific enrollment periods

Bottom line: Don’t wait if you need help. Many programs can provide assistance within days of applying.

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Contact Numbers

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, these numbers can help right now:

  • 2-1-1 Hawaii: Dial 2-1-1 for immediate assistance finding local resources
  • Public Assistance Hotline: 1-855-643-1643 (available 24/7 for SNAP and cash assistance)
  • Hawaii Crisis Line: Text or call 988, or call 808-832-3100
  • Child Protective Services Emergency: 808-832-5300 or toll-free 1-888-380-3088
  • Adult Protective Services: 808-832-5115

Crisis Situations

Facing eviction? Family Promise of Hawaii provides emergency rental assistance to prevent homelessness. Call them immediately to discuss rapid re-housing options.

Utilities about to be shut off? Hawaii HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) helps with energy bills, especially for families with children under 5. For crisis situations, call 808-586-5734.

No food in the house? Emergency SNAP benefits can be processed within 7 days if you have less than $150 monthly income and $100 or less in cash.

Need immediate shelter? The Institute for Human Services provides emergency shelter and food. Call 808-447-2863.

Real Grants Available for Single Mothers in Hawaii

Women’s Fund of Hawaii

The Women’s Fund of Hawaii supports innovative, grassroots programs that empower women and girls statewide. While they primarily fund organizations, they occasionally offer direct grants to individuals.

What it provides: Varies by program, typically $500-$2,500 Who qualifies: Women facing financial hardship, with priority for those in crisis situations How to apply: Visit their website or call for current opportunities Contact: Women’s Fund of Hawaii Source: Women’s Fund of Hawaii Official Website

Educational Grants

Second Century Scholarship

Second Century Scholarship is a need-based grant for Native Hawaiian students pursuing undergraduate or graduate work at any University of Hawaii campus. Awards up to $3,000 per academic year.

Who qualifies: Native Hawaiian students with demonstrated financial need How to apply: Through your campus financial aid office after completing FAFSA

GEAR UP Hawaii

GEAR UP Hawaii serves over 20,000 public school students in grades 7-12 through their first year of college. The program awards up to $85,000 annually to eligible students statewide.

Who qualifies: Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch status get priority Contact: Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education

Energy Assistance Grants

Hawaii EmPOWER Grant

The Hawaii Energy EmPOWER Grant provides up to $6,000 reimbursement for energy efficient equipment and installation costs.

What it covers: New energy efficient appliances, installation labor, and related materials Who qualifies: Commercial rate schedule account holders on Hawaii islands Application: Through Hawaii Energy program

Reality Check: True grants with no strings attached are rare. Most “grants” are actually assistance programs that help with specific expenses. Don’t fall for scams promising easy grant money – legitimate programs require applications and have strict eligibility rules.

Warning: Be especially careful of anyone asking for upfront fees or personal financial information. All legitimate government programs are free to apply for and will never ask for payment to access applications.

Cash Assistance Programs

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF provides temporary cash assistance to eligible families with at least one adult and a minor dependent child. Monthly gross income must be below 185% of Federal Poverty Level ($4,726 for a family of three), and adjusted net income must be below 100% FPL ($2,554 for same family size).

Maximum benefits: Hawaii offers families of three a maximum of $610 per month, including a housing supplement of up to $500 per month to eligible households

Source: 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii and Hawaii DHS TANF Program

Requirements:

  • U.S. citizen family members
  • Participation in First-to-Work Program if work-ready
  • Children under 19 (or 18 if still in high school)

How to apply: Online at PAIS website or call 1-855-643-1643

Temporary Assistance for Other Needy Families (TAONF)

TAONF is a state-funded program providing assistance to families who don’t qualify for TANF due to lack of citizenship. All other eligibility requirements and payouts are the same as TANF.

General Assistance

Adults without minor dependents ages 18-64 who are temporarily disabled and don’t qualify for other public assistance may apply for Hawaii’s General Assistance.

Food Assistance Programs

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP helps supplement food purchases for eligible low-income families. Hawaii has over 200,000 SNAP recipients.

Family Size Monthly Gross Income Limit (185% FPL) Monthly Net Income Limit (100% FPL)
1 $2,773 $1,499
2 $3,749 $2,027
3 $4,726 $2,554
4 $5,702 $3,082

Source: 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii

How to apply: Online through PAIS at pais-benefits.dhs.hawaii.gov or call 1-855-643-1643

Emergency SNAP: If you have less than $150 monthly income and $100 or less in cash, you can get emergency SNAP benefits within 7 days

Special Programs

Summer EBT (SUN Bucks): Households with school-aged children (ages 6-18) receive $177 per eligible child for summer food purchases

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

WIC provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers with children under 5, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Income must be below 185% of Federal Poverty Level.

Who automatically qualifies: If you currently receive Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP, you’re automatically eligible for WIC

Contact: 888-820-6425

Healthcare Assistance

Med-QUEST (Hawaii’s Medicaid)

Med-QUEST Division helps low-income adults and children obtain health coverage through managed care plans.

Coverage includes: Medical, mental health, and dental services Who qualifies: Children and pregnant women at higher income levels; adults up to 138% of Federal Poverty Level

Available health plans:

  • AlohaCare
  • HMSA
  • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan (Oahu and Maui only)
  • Ohana Health Plan
  • United Healthcare Community Plan

How to apply: Online through My Medical Benefits or contact Med-QUEST Division at 1-877-628-5076

Free and Low-Cost Health Clinics

Kokua Kalihi Valley (KKV): Serves over 10,000 community members yearly with staff fluent in 20 Asian and Pacific Island languages. Call 808-791-9419 or 808-791-9400

Housing Assistance

Emergency Housing Programs

Oahu has been granted 494 Emergency Housing vouchers through HUD for those fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking.

Housing First Program

Provides permanent housing placement for chronically homeless Hawaii residents:

  • Oahu: U.S. Vets
  • Big Island: Contact your provider
  • Maui: Contact your provider
  • Kauai: Contact your provider

Rental Assistance

Catholic Charities Hawaii Rent Relief program assists residents who lost employment or suffered salary reduction. Apply online at catholiccharitieshawaii.org/housinghelp/

HousingASAP: Provides short-term rental subsidy assistance for up to 24 months to homeless people willing to work through an employment and training plan

Hawaii Public Housing Authority

Hawaii Public Housing Authority helps provide low-income Hawaii residents with affordable housing and shelter without discrimination

Contact: Visit Hawaii Public Housing Authority website for applications and information

Utility Assistance

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Hawaii HEAP helps pay heating or cooling costs for households with income no more than 60% of State Median Income (about $5,422 per month for a family of three). Priority given to households with elderly, disabled, or children under 5.

Two types of help:

  1. Energy Credit (EC): Applications accepted during June only. One-time credit deposited directly into utility accounts
  2. Energy Crisis Intervention (ECI): For households with disconnection notice. Applications accepted year-round

Contact: 808-586-5734 Source: Hawaii Department of Human Services LIHEAP

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

Hawaii LIHWAP provides up to $1,000 to pay water bills for households facing disconnection or with past-due balances.

Income requirement: At or below 150% of Federal Poverty Level or 60% of state median income

Child Care Assistance

Child Care Connection Hawaii (CCCH)

CCH is a child care subsidy program on a sliding scale based on income. Helps with child care expenses including housing, education, food, and legal matters. Call 808-586-4993

Preschool Open Doors (POD)

POD provides subsidies for families sending children to licensed preschool the year before kindergarten. Unlike CCCH, parents don’t need to have eligible work activity, but must meet income requirements.

Application period: Time-limited application period established annually

Education and Job Training

Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start enhances cognitive, emotional, and social development of children birth to age 5 from low-income families. Emphasizes parents’ role as first teachers

Contact: 866-763-6481 to find programs near you Oahu: HCAP Head Start office at 808-200-7690

Workforce Development

Hawaii Unemployment Insurance: Offers up to $796 per week – one of only two states where average UI payment covers more than half the state’s average weekly wage

Contact: Hawaii Department of Labor Equal Opportunity Program at 808-586-8844

Support for Diverse Families

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

The Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation works to improve lives of people who identify as LGBTQIA+. They provide:

  • Community support and resources
  • Advocacy for inclusive policies
  • Connection to LGBTQ+-friendly services

Hawaii State Department of Health LGBTQ Safe Spaces: Provides LGBTQ+ affirming mental health care for youth and families

Contact: Robin Lee at robin.lee@doh.hawaii.gov

Single Fathers

Hawaii offers specific fatherhood programs across all islands:

Oahu:

  • Military and Family Support Center (Boot Camp for New Dads): 474-1999
  • Institute For Family Enrichment (Nurturing Fathers): 596-8433

Big Island:

  • West Hawaii Fatherhood Initiative: 334-4153
  • Nurturing Fathers, TIFFE: 951-5166

Maui:

  • Maui Economic Opportunity: 249-2990

Kauai:

  • Child and Family Service: 338-0252
  • Kauai Coalition for Dads: 652-2726

Tribal/Native Hawaiian Resources

Hawaiian Home Lands residents: Link-Up telephone service discount is still available for those living on Hawaiian Home Lands

Native Hawaiian-specific programs:

  • Second Century Scholarship (mentioned earlier)
  • Native Hawaiian-focused health services through community centers

Rural and Remote Area Assistance

Neighbor Island Challenges:

  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer service providers
  • Higher shipping costs for goods

Solutions:

  • Most state programs serve all islands
  • Toll-free numbers available: 1-855-643-1643
  • Video conferencing for some services
  • Inter-island coordination for specialized needs

Resources by Island

Oahu

Program Contact Services
Institute for Human Services 808-447-2863 Emergency shelter, food, services
Catholic Charities 808-521-4357 Food pantries, various assistance
Helping Hands Hawaii 808-536-7234 Emergency assistance program
Kokua Kalihi Valley 808-791-9419 Healthcare, social services

Big Island

Program Contact Services
The Food Basket 808-933-6030 Food bank services
Hawaii Island Food Bank Administrative office Emergency food assistance
DHS Hilo Office 1990 Kinoole Street SNAP, TANF, other benefits

Maui

Program Contact Services
Maui Food Bank Local contact needed Food assistance
DHS Maui Office Check locations list Benefits processing
Family Promise Maui Disaster case management Housing assistance

Kauai

Program Contact Services
DHS Kauai Office Processing center Benefits applications
Local food banks Contact 2-1-1 Emergency food

Note: For current office locations and hours, call 1-855-643-1643 or visit the DHS website.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

How quickly can I get help?

Emergency situations: Emergency SNAP can be processed within 7 days. Crisis energy assistance typically within 10 business days.

Regular programs: SNAP and TANF applications usually processed within 30 days. Housing assistance often has waiting lists.

What income counts when applying?

All household income counts, including:

  • Employment wages
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Child support received
  • Social Security
  • Disability payments
  • Self-employment income

Tip: Some deductions may apply for work-related expenses, child care costs, and medical expenses.

Can I get help if I’m working?

Yes! Many programs serve working families. For example, SNAP serves most families with gross income up to 185% of federal poverty standard. Having a job doesn’t automatically disqualify you.

What if I’m not a U.S. citizen?

TAONF (Temporary Assistance for Other Needy Families) serves families that don’t qualify for TANF due to citizenship status. Benefits and requirements are the same as TANF.

Do I have to pay grants back?

True grants never need to be repaid. However, be careful of the word “grant” – many programs called grants are actually assistance programs. Always ask if repayment is required.

What documents do I need?

Common requirements:

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters)
  • Proof of housing costs (rent receipt, lease)
  • Proof of pregnancy (if applicable)
  • Utility bills

Can I apply for multiple programs?

Yes! In fact, receiving one benefit often makes you automatically eligible for others. If you receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, you automatically qualify income-wise for WIC.

What if my application is denied?

You have the right to appeal most decisions. Contact the appeals office or ask your worker about the appeals process. Don’t give up – sometimes additional documentation can help.

How do I report changes?

Changes must be reported within 10 days of when you learn of them. Examples include income changes, new jobs, address changes, household size changes.

Transportation and Communication Assistance

Lifeline Phone Service

Lifeline offers eligible single mothers a discount on basic monthly telephone service. Available for main household phone line only.

Transportation Resources

Public transit: Available on Oahu (TheBus), limited on neighbor islands Medical transportation: Some programs provide transportation to medical appointments Emergency transportation: Contact 2-1-1 for crisis situations

Reality Checks and Warnings

Common Challenges

Waiting lists are real: Housing assistance often has months or years-long waiting lists. Apply early and consider multiple options.

Income limits are strict: Going even $1 over income limits can disqualify you. Understand how raises or additional income affect benefits.

Documentation requirements: Missing paperwork is the #1 reason applications are delayed. Keep organized files.

Time limits exist: TANF has a lifetime limit of 60 months for adults, though extensions may be granted for domestic violence situations.

Scam Warning Signs

  • Promises of “guaranteed grants”
  • Requests for upfront fees
  • Pressure to “act now”
  • Unofficial websites or phone numbers
  • Guarantees of specific dollar amounts

Remember: Legitimate government programs are free to apply for and don’t guarantee specific amounts.

Success Tips

  1. Apply for everything you might qualify for: Income limits vary by program
  2. Keep detailed records: Copy everything you submit
  3. Follow up regularly: Call to check application status
  4. Build relationships with case workers: They can be your best advocates
  5. Plan for transitions: Benefits may reduce as income increases, so plan accordingly

Additional Support Organizations

Legal Aid

Legal Aid Society of Hawaii provides free legal assistance to low-income single mothers, elderly, and disabled. Call 808-536-4302

Financial Counseling

Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) of Hawaii helps oveburdened families regain control through one-on-one counseling and community education on responsible credit use

Mental Health and Crisis Support

  • Hawaii CARES: Call or text 988, or call 808-832-3100
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Domestic Violence Hotline: Contact local organizations through 2-1-1

Looking Ahead: Building Long-Term Stability

Education and Career Development

Consider programs that lead to sustainable wages:

  • Healthcare certificates (CNA, medical assistant)
  • Technology training
  • Trade school programs
  • College degree programs with financial aid

Financial Planning

  • Open a savings account, even with small amounts
  • Learn about credit building
  • Explore Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) if available
  • Plan for emergencies

Community Building

  • Connect with other single parents
  • Join support groups
  • Volunteer when possible (builds skills and connections)
  • Stay informed about policy changes affecting benefits

About This Guide

This guide was created specifically for single mothers in Hawaii who need practical, actionable information about available assistance. We’ve focused on providing:

  • Current contact information and websites
  • Real income limits and benefit amounts
  • Step-by-step application guidance
  • Honest information about waiting times and challenges

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Hawaii guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Hawaii Department of Human Services, USDA, IRS, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Hawaii Department of Human Services, USDA, HHS, and Hawaii Med-QUEST Division sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Remember: Seeking help is not a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of strength and good parenting. You’re taking care of your family and building a better future. Hawaii’s assistance programs exist because our community believes in supporting families through difficult times.

Your situation is temporary, but the stability these programs can provide creates lasting positive changes for you and your children. Take it one application at a time, celebrate small victories, and keep moving forward.

Sources and Citations

This guide is based on official government sources and verified program information:

Government verification: All income limits and eligibility requirements verified through official federal and state sources as of August 2025.

Disclaimer

Program details, income limits, and contact information can change frequently. While we strive to provide the most current information available, always verify program details directly with the relevant agency before applying. Eligibility requirements and benefit amounts may vary based on individual circumstances. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

Emergency situations: If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. For non-emergency crises, call 2-1-1 or the specific emergency numbers listed in this guide.

This guide was last updated in August 2025 and reflects information available at that time.

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