Due to recent severe weather, flooding, and landslides, The Department of Human Services (DHS) in coordination with the Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) is extending the deadline to submit SNAP Replacement Benefits applications for SNAP households residing in the following districts.

• Puna in South Hilo – Hawai’i

•Kalaheo, Koloa, Hanalei, and Haena – Kaua’i

• Haiku and Hana – Maui

• Haleiwa – Oahu

The new deadline to submit applications has been extended to April 7, 2021.

A SNAP Replacement Benefit is a replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits that was destroyed in a household misfortune such as the recent severe weather, flooding, and landslides. The amount of the replacement must be equal to the amount of the food loss and not to exceed the amount of the monthly benefit issued to the household.

“When our community is impacted by severe weather, it can be difficult to recover, but when that happens amid COVID-19 when Hawaii has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, that can be devastating,” shares Cathy Betts, DHS Director in a press release.

SNAP recipient households in the above listed counties who were affected by recent flooding and landslides are eligible to apply by contacting their assigned processing center or by visiting humanservices.hawaii.gov and clicking on Statewide SNAP and Financial Assistance Processing Centers, or by contacting the public assistance information line at 1-855-643-1643.