Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Hawaii

Where to start

If food, cash, or child care costs are causing the utility problem, also check Hawaii SNAP help, Hawaii TANF help, and Hawaii child care for separate assistance.

Quick help table

How H-HEAP works in Hawaii

The 2026 H-HEAP packet explains two types of assistance. A household may receive only one H-HEAP payment during the program year, which runs from October 1 through September 30.

• Energy Credit: Help for an eligible household that is not in a shutoff crisis. Applications are accepted only from June 1 through June 30. The 2026 window is closed.
• Energy Crisis Intervention: Help when electric or gas service has been disconnected or is scheduled for disconnection. Applications are accepted year-round, but monthly approvals are limited.

The state defines a crisis as service that has been or will be terminated within seven days of the application because of nonpayment. Applying does not stop a shutoff by itself. Keep working with the utility until the agency confirms approval and payment.

You may be able to apply when the utility bill is in your name, rent includes electric or gas, or your share is charged through a shared meter. The agency must be able to document the cost. The account must still be active when the credit is posted.

Who may qualify

Eligibility depends on household size, annual gross income, residence, utility responsibility, and required documents. A household may qualify under categorical rules when a member receives SNAP, SSI, TANF or TAONF, General Assistance, or Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled. The agency still requires a full application and information about everyone living at the service address.

These are the state-published 2026 limits for households of one through six. Larger households should use the current chart on the HCAP H-HEAP page. Meeting an income number does not guarantee assistance because the agency must verify all program rules and available funds.

Where to apply by island

Community Action agencies accept and process H-HEAP applications. Do not send the packet to a DHS eligibility office.

The program can deny or delay an incomplete application. Ask the agency to repeat the checklist and confirm how it wants documents delivered.

Electric and gas company help

Call the company before the final disconnect date. Ask for a written payment arrangement, the amount needed to hold service, and whether the account can be noted while an H-HEAP application is reviewed.

Hawaiian Electric’s medical needs program offers a discounted rate to some customers who depend on life-support equipment or have higher cooling needs caused by a medical condition. A medical provider must complete part of the application, and enrollment is limited.

On Kauai, KEO’s emergency electric program may provide up to $300 toward a past-due KIUC bill once in a 12-month period for an eligible household. Availability and documentation rules can change.

Water and sewer bill help

H-HEAP does not normally pay water or sewer bills. The temporary federal Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program is no longer a current statewide application path, so start with the county system that sends the bill.

Oahu water and sewer

Board of Water Supply customers who cannot pay should call 808-748-5000, option 4, and ask for a monthly payment arrangement. The BWS customer center lists current billing help and notices.

The Honolulu CARES sewer program is accepting 2026 applications from May 1 through October 31. It offers up to $240 in annual sewer-bill credits for qualifying Oahu residential customers at or below 80% of area median income. The program can close early when funds are fully used, and applications are submitted by mail or drop-off rather than online.

Other counties

Maui County customers can use the Maui water page for billing contacts. Hawaii Island customers can check Hawaii DWS billing, and Kauai customers can use the Kauai water page. Ask about payment arrangements, billing errors, leak reviews, and the amount needed to prevent disconnection.

Phone and internet discounts

The federal Affordable Connectivity Program stopped providing benefits in 2024. The official ACP page confirms the wind-down, so avoid websites that still promise automatic ACP money.

Lifeline remains available. Eligible households can receive up to $9.25 per month toward phone, internet, or bundled service. Eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands can receive up to $34.25 per month. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.

People may qualify through income or programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension. Use the phone and internet guide for application and recertification steps.

Help lowering future bills

Weatherization is not a past-due bill payment. It helps eligible households lower future energy use through an energy review, education, and approved improvements. Hawaii’s Weatherization Assistance Program uses local agencies and generally serves households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline or through certain cash-assistance pathways.

For Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Maui County, Hawaii Energy rebates may lower the cost of qualifying efficient appliances, cooling equipment, and water-heating upgrades. The current 2026-2027 program runs through June 30, 2027 while funds last. Kauai residents are not eligible for Hawaii Energy rebates and should ask KIUC about local efficiency programs.

If a child’s disability, medical equipment, or need for cooling raises the bill, use disability support help and Hawaii health help to check related coverage and care coordination.

Documents to gather

The documents checklist can help you keep copies, account numbers, worker names, and deadlines together.

If help is denied, delayed, or disputed

Ask for the decision and reason in writing. For H-HEAP, you may request an administrative hearing when an Energy Credit or crisis application is denied or not handled with reasonable promptness. The current state plan says the written request must use form DHS 1461 and be submitted to the provider agency within 90 days of the decision notice.

Use the denied benefits guide to track the notice, deadline, proof, and calls. Ask the island agency for the hearing form instead of relying on an old copy online.

For a regulated electric or gas dispute, contact the company first. If it does not resolve the problem, the PUC complaint process explains how to file an informal complaint. County water and sewer systems are generally handled through the county, not the PUC.

If a landlord controls the utility, shuts off an essential service, or will not show you the bill, use Hawaii legal help for a legal-aid starting point. This guide is general information, not legal advice.