If you are affected by the Federal Government Shutdown, here are Hawaii-based resources available to you right now. This guide keeps things simple: manage cash flow, secure food and health coverage, keep your utilities on, and protect your housing.
NOTE: This information is gathered from public internet sources. Programs change; always click through, confirm details, and beware of scams (no fees to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, UI, housing, or 2-1-1). If something looks off, call the official numbers on the linked sites to verify before sharing personal info. This is not legal, financial, or life advice; seek licensed professionals for help.
🕐 What to do first (10-minute plan)
- Cash flow triage: File or reopen your Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim through the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) portal and certify weekly.
- Food & health coverage: Apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid) through the Benefits Portal at humanservices.hawaii.gov. Check eligibility for WIC via the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH).
- Keep the lights and water on: Apply for LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and Weatherization Assistance through your local Community Action Agency (CAA). Contact Hawaiian Electric, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC), or Maui Electric for hardship programs or deferred payment options.
- Housing stability: Reach out to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA), and HUD Hawaii for housing assistance.
- One-stop referrals: Dial 2-1-1 Aloha United Way or visit their website for food, rent, utility, and legal aid referrals statewide.
🔗 Links & Resources (Hawaii)
Income & Jobs
Unemployment Insurance (DLIR):
🔗 https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/
File or Reopen a Claim (Hawaii UI Online):
🔗 https://huiclaims.hawaii.gov/#/
WorkForce Development Division (job listings & training):
🔗 https://labor.hawaii.gov/wdd/
Food Access
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program):
🔗 https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/snap/
WIC (Women, Infants & Children Program):
🔗 https://health.hawaii.gov/wic/
Hawaii Foodbank (Oahu):
🔗 https://hawaiifoodbank.org/find-help/
Maui Food Bank:
🔗 https://mauifoodbank.org/
Health Coverage
Med-QUEST Division (Hawaii Medicaid):
🔗 https://medquest.hawaii.gov/
Hawaii Health Connector (Marketplace Insurance):
🔗 https://www.healthcare.gov/
Community Health Centers (Hawaii Primary Care Association):
🔗 https://www.hawaiipca.net/
Heat, Utilities & Weatherization
LIHEAP (Energy Assistance):
🔗 https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/liheap/
Hawaiian Electric (payment assistance programs):
🔗 https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/billing-and-payment/payment-assistance-options
Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC):
🔗 https://website.kiuc.coop/payment-assistance
Weatherization Assistance Program:
🔗 https://labor.hawaii.gov/wdc/weatherization-assistance-program/
Housing
Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corporation (HHFDC):
🔗 https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/
Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA):
🔗 https://hpha.hawaii.gov/
HUD Hawaii:
🔗 https://www.hud.gov/states/hawaii
Continuum of Care (Bridging the Gap & Partners in Care):
🔗 https://www.partnersincarehawaii.org/
One-stop referrals
2-1-1 Aloha United Way:
🔗 https://www.auw211.org/
Community Action Agencies in Hawaii:
🔗 https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/communities/community-action-agencies/
Legal Help
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii:
🔗 https://www.legalaidhawaii.org/
Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii:
🔗 https://vlshi.org/
Hawaii State Bar Association (Lawyer Referral Service):
🔗 https://hsba.org/
Crafted by JobsInMyState.com in support of fellow Americans.