Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
Hawaii has two closely related cash assistance programs for families with children: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, called TANF, and Temporary Assistance for Other Needy Families, called TAONF. Both are handled by the Hawaii Department of Human Services Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division, often called BESSD.
For most single mothers, the fastest starting point is to apply through Hawaii PAIS. You can also use the state processing centers page or call the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.
TANF is not a grant and it is not guaranteed. It is monthly cash help for eligible families, and adults usually must follow work program rules through First-To-Work. If you need a broader list of support, start with grants in Hawaii, but use this guide for the TANF steps.
If you need urgent help today
TANF can help with cash, but it may not solve an emergency fast enough. If you have no food, face eviction, lost power, are unsafe, or need medical care, use emergency help while you apply for TANF.
- Call 911 if there is immediate danger.
- Call 988 for mental health crisis support.
- Call 2-1-1 or search Aloha 211 for food, shelter, rent, utility, legal, and family support referrals.
- If abuse or stalking is part of your situation, use HSCADV to find domestic violence programs. Use a safer phone or device if someone watches your internet use.
- If TANF, SNAP, housing, or child support paperwork is tied to a legal problem, contact Legal Aid early.
For local crisis and bill help, also check emergency help in Hawaii.
Where to start
1. Apply first
Use Hawaii PAIS for TANF, TAONF, and other financial assistance. Submitting the application starts your case. Do not wait until every document is perfect.
2. Watch your mail
DHS may send an interview notice, a request for proof, or a work program notice. Missing mail is one of the fastest ways to delay or lose a case.
3. Ask for help early
If online access, language, disability, transportation, safety, or child care makes it hard to apply, call BESSD at 1-855-643-1643 and ask what help is available.
Quick reference: TANF in Hawaii
| Need | Best first step | Important reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cash help | Apply through PAIS or a processing center. | DHS must review income, family, citizenship or status rules, and documents. |
| TANF or TAONF | Start with the DHS TANF page. | TAONF is state-funded and may cover some families not federally counted under TANF. |
| Work program | Follow your First-To-Work notice. | Missed appointments can reduce or stop benefits unless good cause applies. |
| EBT card | Read the HI/EBT page. | Cash assistance may be on EBT, and some families can request direct deposit. |
| Appeal or sanction | Read the notice and contact Legal Aid. | Appeal deadlines are on the notice, not in a general article. |
What TANF and TAONF cover
Hawaii TANF and TAONF provide monthly cash assistance to eligible families with children. The state says families may use the cash for daily needs such as food, clothing, housing, utilities, and other basic costs.
The state TANF brochure also explains that TANF connects applicants and recipients to First-To-Work. That program may include job search, job readiness, GED or high school equivalency help, training, employment placement, domestic violence advocacy services, child care subsidies, transportation help, and work- or school-related expenses when those supports fit the case plan.
TANF is federally funded. TAONF is Hawaii’s state-funded program for certain families with children who would have been helped under the older AFDC system but do not fit federal TANF categories because of citizenship status. The state says TAONF policies mirror TANF policies and provide the same benefits and services to vulnerable families with children.
Who may qualify
You may be a fit for TANF or TAONF if you live in Hawaii, care for a minor child in your home, or are expecting a child and meet state rules. A specified relative adult usually must live with the child. DHS reviews the facts for your own case.
Hawaii’s public TANF page says a family’s monthly gross income must be below 185% of the 2006 federal poverty level, or $2,941 for a family of three. It also says adjusted net income must be below 100% of the 2006 federal poverty level, or $1,590 for a family of three. These are not the same as the current HHS poverty guidelines many other programs use. Ask DHS to confirm the current TANF chart for your household size.
The state also says assets are disregarded under TANF and TAONF, and families may receive no more than 60 months of cash assistance in their lifetime through TANF or TAONF. Some exemptions or special rules may apply, so do not assume you are ineligible without applying or asking BESSD.
Do not guess your eligibility
Income rules can be hard to read because DHS may count earned income, unearned income, child support, family size, deductions, and program-specific rules. Apply, answer notices, and ask for a written decision.
How to apply for TANF or TAONF in Hawaii
The main application path is online through PAIS. If that does not work for you, the BESSD overview lists the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643. You can ask how to submit a paper application by mail or drop-off.
| Step | What to do | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Apply | Submit the application in PAIS or through a processing center. | Save any confirmation number or receipt. |
| Interview | Answer phone calls and notices from DHS. | If the time does not work, call before you miss it. |
| Proof | Upload, mail, fax, or drop off requested documents. | Write your name and case number on every page. |
| Decision | Read the written approval or denial notice. | The notice tells you benefit amount, reasons, and appeal rights. |
| FTW | Attend orientation or the work program steps in your notice. | Ask about child care, transportation, and good cause right away. |
Federal rules at 45 CFR 206.10 say applications must be acted on within state standards that are not more than 45 days for AFDC-type assistance. Delays can still happen when an agency needs information, cannot reach you, or there is an emergency. Keep copies of what you send.
First-To-Work rules
Most adults on TANF or TAONF must take part in First-To-Work, also called FTW. This is not only job search. FTW may include job readiness, resume help, interviews, work experience, subsidized work, GED or adult education, vocational training, community service, counseling, and other steps in your plan.
Federal TANF work rules set hours and activity categories for state work participation. For many single-parent cases, the common work participation standard is 30 hours a week, but a single custodial parent with a child under age 6 can count as engaged with at least 20 hours a week. Your exact plan comes from FTW, not from a web article.
FTW may also help with child care, transportation, books, tuition, work clothes, tools, testing fees, or other costs tied to your approved plan. If child care is the reason you cannot attend, also read child care in Hawaii and contact PATCH for child care resources.
Sanctions can hurt fast
If you miss FTW without good cause, DHS can reduce or stop cash assistance. If you have a baby, illness, disability, family caregiving duty, treatment, unsafe situation, or no child care, tell your worker before you miss the appointment when possible.
Documents to gather
Apply even if you do not have every paper. Then gather what DHS asks for. If you cannot get a document, ask what else DHS will accept.
| Document | Examples | If you do not have it |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | State ID, driver license, passport, school ID | Ask what other proof can work. |
| Hawaii address | Lease, utility bill, shelter letter, mail | Ask about a written statement if staying with someone. |
| Child relationship | Birth certificate, school record, medical record | Explain what is missing and submit what you have. |
| Income | Pay stubs, employer letter, unemployment, child support | Write down employer name, hours, pay rate, and dates. |
| Expenses | Rent, utilities, child care, medical costs | Submit current bills or ask vendors for copies. |
| Status papers | Green card, I-94, USCIS notice, COFA documents | Ask DHS and Legal Aid before giving up. |
Timeline, approval notices, and EBT
After you apply, watch for a DHS interview notice and document requests. If approved, your notice should explain the cash amount, start date, review rules, and appeal rights. Keep that notice.
Hawaii uses EBT for TANF, TAONF, SNAP, child care, Employment and Training, First-To-Work, and other payments. The state says cash benefits may be available through EBT or direct deposit. The state EBT page also lists 1-888-328-4292 for lost, stolen, damaged, PIN, and balance help. Use the number on your card if it differs.
If your cash does not appear when expected, check PAIS notices first, then call the number on your EBT card or BESSD. If the delay causes a food problem, apply for SNAP in Hawaii or ask 2-1-1 for food pantries.
Child support, cooperation, and safety
Hawaii TANF and TAONF families usually must cooperate with the Child Support Enforcement Agency if a child has an absent parent. The state says this is one of the program requirements. CSEA works to help children receive financial and medical support from both parents.
Start with CSEA for official child support information. For a reader-friendly overview, see child support in Hawaii.
If contacting the other parent or giving information could put you or your child at risk, tell DHS that you need a good cause review. The Hawaii TANF state plan includes a domestic violence self-declaration screening form, and the public TANF page says domestic violence status can affect the work and treatment path. This article is not safety or legal advice. Talk with a domestic violence advocate or Legal Aid if safety is involved.
If your case is denied, delayed, reduced, or sanctioned
Do not rely on a phone explanation alone. Ask for, read, and keep the written notice. The notice should say what action DHS took, why, what rule was used, and how to ask for a hearing if you disagree.
- If your application is missing proof, submit it as soon as you can and ask whether the case can still be completed.
- If you missed an interview, call BESSD and ask to reschedule.
- If FTW sanctioned you, ask what step is needed to cure or end the sanction.
- If the notice is wrong, ask for a fair hearing by the deadline on the notice.
- If benefits stop and you cannot pay for food, rent, medicine, or child care, use backup help right away.
Legal Aid can help some low-income Hawaii residents with benefits problems. If the issue is eviction or housing, also read housing in Hawaii.
Backup help if TANF is not enough
TANF cash is limited. Most families need more than one help path, especially in Hawaii where rent, food, child care, and transport costs are high.
| Need | Program to check | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Food | SNAP | Use DHS SNAP and the ASMOM Hawaii SNAP guide. |
| Pregnancy, baby, young child | WIC | Use Hawaii WIC and WIC in Hawaii. |
| Medical care | Medicaid / Med-QUEST | Start with Med-QUEST and health care in Hawaii. |
| Rent or housing | Public housing, vouchers, local aid | Check HPHA and local 2-1-1 referrals. |
| Electric or gas shutoff | H-HEAP | Review H-HEAP and apply through the island Community Action agency. |
| Work or training | FTW and workforce help | Use FTW and job training in Hawaii. |
| Local referrals | 211 and nonprofits | Check community support in Hawaii. |
Phone scripts you can use
Call BESSD about applying
“Hi, I need to apply for TANF or TAONF for myself and my child. I tried online, but I need help. Can you tell me how to submit my application, what documents you need first, and how I will get my interview notice?”
Call about a delay
“Hi, I applied on [date]. My name is [name], and my case or tracking number is [number]. Can you tell me what is missing, whether an interview is scheduled, and when I should expect a written decision?”
Call FTW about a barrier
“Hi, I have a First-To-Work appointment, but I have a barrier: [child care, illness, transportation, safety, disability, work schedule]. I want to keep my case in good standing. Can I ask for good cause, a different activity, or help with child care or transportation?”
Call Legal Aid about a notice
“Hi, I received a TANF notice that says [denied, reduced, sanctioned, overpaid]. My deadline is [date]. Can you screen me for help with a benefits appeal or explain what documents I should gather?”
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to apply. Apply first, then send missing proof when DHS asks.
- Missing mail. Update your address right away if you move or lose housing.
- Ignoring FTW. Call before you miss an appointment when possible.
- Not reporting income changes. New work, changed hours, child support, or a household change can affect your case.
- Using old TANF amounts. Ask DHS for the current payment standard and the calculation for your case.
- Giving up after a denial. Read the notice. Some problems can be fixed, and some decisions can be appealed.
Resumen en español
En Hawaii, TANF y TAONF pueden dar ayuda mensual en efectivo a familias elegibles con niños. Puede solicitar por Hawaii PAIS o llamar a BESSD al 1-855-643-1643. Guarde copias de todos los documentos y lea todas las cartas de DHS.
La mayoría de los adultos deben participar en First-To-Work. Si tiene un bebé, falta de cuidado infantil, una discapacidad, enfermedad, violencia doméstica, transporte limitado u otro problema, llame a su trabajador y pregunte por “good cause” o ayuda. Si recibe una denegación o sanción, lea la fecha límite de apelación en la carta y busque ayuda legal si la necesita.
FAQ: TANF Assistance for Single Mothers in Hawaii
Is Hawaii TANF the same as TAONF?
No. TANF is federally funded. TAONF is Hawaii’s state-funded program for certain needy families with children, including some families not eligible under federal TANF citizenship rules. The benefits and services are similar, but DHS decides which program fits your case.
Can I apply for TANF online in Hawaii?
Yes. The main online application is Hawaii PAIS. If the site does not work for you, call the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643 or ask a processing center how to submit a paper application.
How long can Hawaii take to decide my TANF case?
Federal public assistance rules set a 45-day maximum standard for many AFDC-type family assistance applications. Your case can take longer if DHS is waiting for proof or cannot reach you. Keep proof of what you submit and ask for status if the case is delayed.
Do I have to work while getting TANF in Hawaii?
Most adults must take part in First-To-Work. Activities can include job search, training, education, work experience, counseling, or other approved steps. Some people may have exemptions, good cause, or special plans based on a baby, disability, illness, domestic violence, or other barriers.
Will TANF cover my full rent in Hawaii?
Usually no. TANF is limited monthly cash help and may not cover rent in Hawaii. Apply for SNAP, WIC, child care help, Med-QUEST, housing assistance, H-HEAP, and local 2-1-1 referrals if you need more support.
What should I do if my Hawaii TANF case is denied?
Read the written notice first. It should explain the reason and the appeal deadline. If the problem is missing proof, send it quickly. If you disagree with the decision, request a hearing by the deadline and contact Legal Aid if you need help.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.