Aloha United Way focuses on developing a safety net to help and protect the most vulnerable members of our society. The organization's ultimate goal is to help everyone on Oʻahu stay safe and healthy. They encourage people to continue learning throughout life, become economically self-reliant and live in a caring community. Log on to their website to get a general overview of AUW. By calling 211 you will be advised of specific programs/departments that will be able to serve specific needs and answer your questions more efficiently. You can also call them during office hours at 536-1951.
Department of Human Services
Contains links to Hawaiʻi State Government websites. Find information on their general administrative rules, important phone numbers (Directors office, complaints, appeals, etc.), social service divisions, adult services, child welfare, program training, public assistance, Med-Quest, Medical Assistance, vocational rehabilitation and services for the blind and Housing and Community development.
For a quick overview of a DHS cash assistance payment grid, check out this table based on
family size for DHS Cash Assistance. (effective 7/07)
SNAP (Food Stamps)
To check your eligibility and benefit levels for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) use their online Pre-Screening tool. Please note that this Pre-Screening Tool is not an application for SNAP.
Real Choices
The application for Financial, SNAP (Food Stamps), and Medical (via Medicaid) Assistance can be found here.
Quest
Official website to medical care in Hawaiʻi for TANF or GA participants. Answers to general questions like what Quest is, who may apply, and eligibility requirements can be found here. Office phone numbers for each island can be found at the bottom of the page. Call 587-3521 (Honolulu) or 692-7364 (Kapolei)
Hawaiʻi Covering Kids
If you do not qualify for Quest this website contains links to alternative health coverage services for children whose parents meet the income guidelines. Their goal is to make sure all of Hawaiʻi’s children and youth have health insurance. This site provides you with the Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP), income guidelines, and telephone numbers: Med-Quest or health plan offices, common questions and answers, local resources, and nationwide information.
Hawaiʻi State Department of Health - WIC
WIC is a Special supplemental Nutrition Program. The participants are either pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women, and infants and children who meet the income guidelines and have a medical or nutritional risk.
Find the closest WIC location near you: Hawaiʻi WIC Clinic Locations
Unemployment Benefits
Tele-File
File for unemployment benefits over the phone at 643-5555 (statewide number). They are open Monday through Friday, 7:45AM - 4:00PM Note: Students who work for the University of Hawaiʻi as student assistants do not qualify for unemployment benefits.
Work Hawaiʻi
Work Hawaiʻi is the lead agency for Oʻahu Work Links. Work links offer free services for job seekers and is a partnership of the states workforce Development Division, Honolulu’s Work Hawaiʻi, Alu Like Inc., and the Honolulu Community Action Program. This site provides an intake registration form, a list of services, locations, and phone numbers.
University of Hawaiʻi Employment Training Center-Office of Student Services
The training center serves the community by providing short-term, career focused education and training in a flexible, learner-centered and supportive environment. Log on to get more programs (e.g. Auto, office, nursing assistant), information, resources, and student services. Call 844-2365 for more information.
Goodwill Industries
Providing training and job placement. Log on and checkout their programs and services in job placement, career counseling, and vocational skills training. Call 524-6701 (Oʻahu) or 961-0307 (Hilo) for more information.
Food, Clothing, and Family Assistance
Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi
Helping people help themselves through immigrant, elderly, and family services. You can find detailed information on their website by clicking on Select a Program or Service. Call 521-4357 for more information.
Family Support
The Parent Line
Free statewide confidential line that offers support and information to parents and other caregivers. Services include behavior and development, and family concerns. Call 526-1222 or (800) 816-1222 for more information.
Alu Like Inc.
Services for Native Hawaiʻians who are committed to achieving their potential for themselves, their families, and communities. Call child care assistance at 535-1300 for more information.
Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi
A non-profit law firm dedicated to assisting the low to moderate income community. Website includes information on how to apply for services, view affordable rental listings, find self-help material, and social services in your area. Site also recommends Affordable Lawyers Project for those who do not qualify for assistance from Legal Aid, also provides public benefits clients and caseworkers information regarding public benefits in Hawaiʻi. Intake hotline: Monday-Friday 9:00AM - 11:30AM and 1:00PM - 3:30PM at 536-4302 or (800) 499-4302 on the neighbor islands. Honolulu office is located at 924 Bethel Street during those same hours.
Family Help in Hawaiʻi
A great site on resources for Hawaiʻi’s Youth. Site provides guides to Mental Health Services in Hawaiʻi, Healthy Food, and help for crime victims, substance abuse treatment, Juvenile Justice chart, sex offender registry violates due process, Hawaiʻi High court rules, and special education. Links to Hale Kipa Youth services and Hawaiʻi National Guard Youth Challenge Academy also found here.
Child and Family Services
A private organization that provides human services. They provide behavioral health services to children and their families including counseling and residential programs. Adult services include employment assistance, gerontology programs, and domestic violence shelters and programs. Child services include child abuse prevention, adoptions and childcare. Main office number: 1-808-681-3500. Located at 91-1841 Fort Weaver Road, Ewa Beach, HI 96706-1909.
