Hawai’i Relief Program TANF Support for Housing and Utility Payments

Maui Economic Opportunity Inc., in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services, will provide up to four months of TANF support for housing and utility payments for eligible families who have at least one dependent child in their household and are in financial crisis or have an episode of need.

The Hawaiʻi Relief Program is separate from the ongoing TANF cash assistance benefits and has a different application process, eligibility criteria and requirements. Individuals do not need to be on SNAP to apply for the Hawaiʻi Relief Program.

To be eligible for the Hawaiʻi Relief Program, a family must demonstrate a financial crisis or an episode of need:

• Have at least one dependent child under the age of 18 in the family; and meet the income eligibility guidelines (see below).
• A financial crisis or episode of need exists when there is financial instability due to an unexpected event (e.g., furlough, layoff, medical emergency, natural disaster, etc.)
• An impending eviction or disconnection of a utility source because the family is behind on housing, utility or automobile payments,
• The family is currently homeless.

Eligible applicants may receive up to four months of financial assistance, including:

• Rent/mortgage – up to $6,000 a month.
• Security deposit – actual housing deposit amount, up to the maximum of $6,000.
• Utility assistance – $2,000 a month per utility source
• Utility deposit – up to $3,000 per utility source
• Automobile deposit – up to $5,000 maximum
• Automobile assistance – up to $500.00 a month

Payments are made directly to landlords, mortgage lenders, or utility providers.

If you are a resident on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island, please apply with Catholic Charities Hawaii (808.521.4357).  Their Website and Online Application – Catholic Charities Hawaii

Income Eligibility must be within 300% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Level

HRP Income Requirements – 2026