Residency and Citizenship

• United States citizens and eligible aliens residing in the state qualify for food stamps in Hawaii. Eligible aliens include asylum seekers, permanent residents and others legally admitted into the country. Generally, noncitizens become eligible for benefits after residing in the United States for five years. There is no residency time frame requirement for children and individuals receiving disability benefits. Regardless of citizenship status, all applicants must have or apply for a Social Security number.
  
  

Categorically Eligible Households

• Generally, households receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income or other welfare cash assistance automatically qualify for food stamps. Families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families services, but not cash aid, may qualify for benefits if the household income does not exceed 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Households containing a member previously disqualified from receiving food stamps may lose categorically eligible status. Other members in the home may qualify for benefits if the household income does not exceed 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
  
  

Income and Asset Limits

• Most families must meet net and gross income requirements to get SNAP benefits. As of 2010, the gross monthly income limit is 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and the net monthly income is 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Gross income requirements are waived for households with elderly or disabled members. The asset limit for most households is $2,000 or $3,000 for families with elderly or disabled members. Some income, childcare costs and shelter expenses are deducted prior to determining income eligibility.
  
  

Other Requirements

• Most able-bodied adults must meet work requirements, such as active employment, seeking work or job training. Applicants must provide proof of income, identification for all household members and report any changes that could affect eligibility. Benefits may be used to purchase food prepared at home and food-producing plants and seeds. Food stamps cannot be used or exchanged for nonfood items or cash. Failure to report income or otherwise abuse the system may result in denial of eligibility and repayment of benefits.