Emergency Assistance, Resources and Programs for Seniors in Hawaii (2026)

Last updated: January 21, 2026

This Hawaii-specific guide shows where seniors and caregivers can get urgent help today and ongoing support next. It focuses on official programs and trusted local agencies. All key claims link to sources so you can verify details quickly.

Quick Help Box (print or save this section)

Use these numbers when time matters. If you’re not sure which one fits, call 211 or 643-ADRC for guidance.

Tip: Keep these numbers on your fridge or phone. If you have hearing loss, you can use text for 911 in many areas and use 988 via text or chat.

How to use this guide if you need help today

1. Call 211 for the nearest food pantry, shelter, or emergency help.
2. If you’re a caregiver or need home help, call 643-ADRC to get assessed for services like meals or respite.
3. If you’re in crisis, call 988 or Hawaiʻi CARES anytime.
4. For Medicaid (Med-QUEST), SNAP (food stamps), or LIHEAP (energy), follow the “Programs” sections below for steps and links to apply.
5. If your home or job was affected by a disaster, check HI-EMA and DisasterAssistance.gov and your county emergency page for current programs.

Reality check: Many programs have waitlists, set application windows, and documents you must gather. Don’t give up if you hear “no” at first—ask what else is open now and when to try again.

Emergency help first: safety, shelter, and rapid food support

• Shelters and urgent needs: Call Hawaii 211 to find the closest shelter, day center, or outreach provider.
• Disaster response and recovery: For current incidents, see HI-EMA and your county emergency site:
  • O‘ahu: Honolulu Department of Emergency Management
  • Maui County: Maui Emergency Management Agency
  • Hawaiʻi County: Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense
  • Kauaʻi: Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency
    After a federally declared disaster, apply for aid at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• D-SNAP (Disaster SNAP): Only opens when USDA approves it for a specific disaster. Watch announcements via USDA D‑SNAP and HI-EMA.
• Report suspected elder abuse: Use the DHS APS contacts at Hawaii APS. If in immediate danger, call 911.
• Mental health/substance use: Call or text 988. Hawaiʻi’s 24/7 local line is Hawaiʻi CARES.

Example: After the 2023 Maui wildfires, recovery information and resources were coordinated through state, county, and federal partners; Maui residents could track updates at Maui Recovers and apply for federal aid at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Food and nutrition programs seniors use most

These programs help with groceries, farmer’s market produce, and prepared meals. Use ADRC (643-ADRC) if you need help picking the right one.

• SNAP facts and figures: SNAP is the nation’s largest nutrition program. State program page and forms at Hawaii SNAP (DHS BESSD).
• SFMNP is funded by USDA and administered by the Executive Office on Aging—see HI SFMNP.
• CSFP availability varies by island and partner food bank; check sites above for current pickup rules. CSFP is a USDA program described here: USDA CSFP.

Reality check: Summer and disaster seasons can strain pantry supplies. If one site is out, ask 211 about another location or delivery options.

Health coverage, care, and caregiving

Use Medicare and Medicaid together if you qualify. Hawaiʻi’s Medicaid program is called Med‑QUEST.

• Med‑QUEST coverage and how to apply: Med‑QUEST.
• Medicare plan comparisons and preventive benefits: Medicare.gov.
• For mental health and substance use, use 988 or Hawaiʻi CARES.

Reality check: Switching Medicare or Med‑QUEST plans can affect your doctors and copays. Before changing, call Sage PLUS and ask, “Will I be able to keep my current doctors and medications?”

Caregiver support:

• Kupuna Care: State-funded in-home services (e.g., personal care, chore, meals) based on need and county funding; access via the Hawaiʻi ADRC and county aging offices. Program overview at EOA Kupuna Care.
• Kupuna Caregivers Program: Helps employed family caregivers with funding for respite and supports; see DLIR Kupuna Caregivers Program.
• Adult day care/day health: Available via county agencies and non-profits; ask ADRC for current providers and subsidies.

Housing, utilities, and bills

Notes:

• Many rent/utility relief programs depend on federal or county funding and may pause when funds run out. Always check the agency page or call 211 for current status.
• The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped accepting new enrollments and ended due to lack of funds in 2024. See wind‑down updates: FCC ACP. Lifeline is still active.

Legal help and tenant rights:

• Eviction, landlord/tenant, benefits denials: Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi.
• Consumer complaints and scams: HI Office of Consumer Protection (DCCA).

Transportation (medical, errands, and paratransit)

• Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): If you have Med‑QUEST and need rides to covered appointments, see Med‑QUEST NEMT. Check your plan for how to book.
• O‘ahu:
  • TheHandi-Van (ADA paratransit): TheHandi-Van.
  • Senior HOLO Card fares and eligibility: HOLO Card Seniors.
• Maui County:
  • Maui Bus, paratransit, and ADA eligibility: Maui Bus Paratransit.
• Hawaiʻi Island:
  • Hele-On routes and paratransit/senior options: Hele-On Bus.
• Kauaʻi:
  • The Kauaʻi Bus and paratransit: Kauaʻi Transportation.

Tip: Ask your county aging office about escorted rides or volunteer driver programs. Availability varies by island and funding.

Money, benefits, and taxes

• Social Security retirement, survivors, and SSI:
  • Apply for or manage benefits at Social Security Administration. Find local offices: SSA Office Locator.
  • Some SSI recipients in Hawaiʻi may receive a small state supplementary payment; for current details by state, see SSA’s page on state supplements: SSI State Supplements.
• Veterans benefits: See “Veteran seniors” below.
• State taxes and credits:
  • Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation info on credits (e.g., food/excise and renters credits): Hawaii Tax Credits.
  • Real property tax relief (county):
    • O‘ahu: exemptions/credits: Honolulu Real Property Tax Relief.
    • Maui County: Exemptions & Relief.
    • Hawaiʻi County: Real Property Tax.
    • Kauaʻi County: Real Property Assessment.

Reality check: Credits and exemptions have deadlines and paperwork (proof of income, residency, age, disability). Mark your calendar ahead of the application window.

State-specific aging programs (how to access services)

• Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC): The front door for in-home help, meals, respite, and caregiver support. Call 643‑ADRC or visit Hawaii ADRC.
• Kupuna Care: State-funded services to help you live at home (personal care, chore, respite, meals), based on assessed need and funding. Overview: EOA Kupuna Care.
• Kupuna Caregivers Program: Support for employed family caregivers. Info and application guidance: DLIR Kupuna Caregivers.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Help solving problems in care homes and nursing facilities: HI Ombudsman.
• Medicare counseling: Sage PLUS (SHIP).

Tip: Start with an ADRC options counselor. Ask for a “person-centered intake” and a copy of your assessment—this helps when reapplying or appealing.

Consumer protection and elder safety

• Elder abuse, neglect, exploitation: Report to Hawaii APS.
• Scams and fraud (including disaster-related): File complaints with HI Office of Consumer Protection.
• Securities/financial scams: HI Securities Enforcement (DCCA).
• Health care fraud: HHS OIG Tips.
• Identity theft recovery: FTC IdentityTheft.gov.

Reality check: If someone pressures you to sign something today, or asks for gift cards/wire transfers, stop and call a trusted family member or 211 before you pay.

Inclusive resources: support tailored to specific communities

Veteran seniors

• Hawaiʻi Office of Veterans’ Services (OVS): State advocacy and help accessing VA benefits: HI OVS.
• VA Pacific Islands Health Care System: Clinics and services across the islands: VA Pacific Islands.
• VA benefits (pensions, Aid & Attendance, health, burial): VA.gov.
• Veterans experiencing homelessness: VA Homeless Programs.

Tip: Ask about VA Aid & Attendance if you need help with daily activities—it can boost your monthly pension if you qualify.

Native Hawaiian kūpuna

• Executive Office on Aging and ADRC: County programs often include Native Hawaiian–focused providers. Start at Hawaii ADRC.
• Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA): Advocacy, grants, and community services: OHA.
• Papa Ola Lōkahi: Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems network and resources: Papa Ola Lōkahi.
• Community providers may offer cultural health services and navigation—ask ADRC for Native Hawaiian health system clinics in your area.

LGBTQ+ seniors

• SAGE (national): LGBTQ+ elder resources, caregiver guides, and support: SAGE USA.
• Local community connections: Hawaiʻi LGBTQ organizations may offer support groups and referrals; for up-to-date contacts, call 211 or check the Hawaii 211 directory.
• Medicare and Med‑QUEST are required to cover you equally. If you face discrimination, request help from Sage PLUS or legal aid.

Rural seniors and families with limited access

• Telehealth: Many clinics and health plans support phone or video visits. Check your plan’s telehealth coverage at Med‑QUEST or Medicare telehealth info.
• Mobile services: Ask your county aging office about mobile food drops, home-delivered meals, and visiting nurses.
• Transportation: Use NEMT if you have Med‑QUEST for medical appointments. For errands, ask ADRC about volunteer driver programs or escorted transportation in your district.

Reality check: Cell coverage and broadband can be spotty on some parts of each island. Ask your clinic if they offer phone-only visits when video isn’t possible.

Resources by region (island-by-island contacts)

Use these local agencies to get services started near you.

O‘ahu (City & County of Honolulu)

• Elderly Affairs Division (EAD), Honolulu: EAD
  • Main connection to meals, homemaker, respite, and caregiver support on O‘ahu.
• Section 8 vouchers (Honolulu): Honolulu Section 8
• Emergency management: Honolulu DEM
• Water bill help: BWS Customer Assistance
• Food boxes for seniors (CSFP): Hawai‘i Foodbank CSFP

Maui County (Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i)

• Maui County Office on Aging: Office on Aging
• Section 8 vouchers: Maui County Section 8
• Emergency management: Maui Emergency Management Agency
• Energy help: MEO LIHEAP
• Recovery info (as applicable): Maui Recovers

Hawaiʻi County (Hawaiʻi Island)

• Hawaiʻi County Office of Aging: Office of Aging
• Office of Housing & Community Development: Housing Programs
• Emergency management: Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense
• Energy help: HCEOC Energy Assistance
• Food resources: The Food Basket

Kauaʻi County

• Agency on Elderly Affairs: Kauaʻi AEA
• Housing: Kauaʻi Housing Agency
• Emergency management: Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency
• Energy help: KEO LIHEAP
• Senior food boxes: Hawai‘i Foodbank (Kauaʻi)

Step-by-step: applying for common programs

1. SNAP (food stamps)
   • Check program info at Hawai‘i SNAP.
   • Gather ID, proof of residence, and income.
   • Apply online (if available) or by paper through DHS BESSD. Call 211 if you need help finding the right office.
2. Med‑QUEST (Medicaid)
   • Review eligibility and create an account at Med‑QUEST.
   • Apply online at Medical Benefits Portal.
   • If approved, you’ll choose a health plan. Ask about NEMT if you need rides.
3. Kupuna Care / In-Home Services
   • Call 643‑ADRC. Ask for an assessment for meals, homemaker, or respite.
   • Keep notes about your needs (e.g., bathing, cooking, cleaning) to share with the assessor.
4. LIHEAP (energy bill help)
   • Check the DHS LIHEAP page and your county agency for application month and documents.
   • Apply during the window (often June). Ask about crisis assistance if you have a shut-off notice.
5. Housing vouchers/public housing
   • Check HPHA and your county housing agency for waitlist status. Sites: HPHA, Honolulu, Maui, Kaua‘i, Hawaiʻi Island.
   • If waitlists are closed, sign up for email alerts and call 211 for short-term help.

Tip: Make copies of your ID, Social Security card, lease, utility bills, pay stubs, award letters, and medical documents. Keep them in a folder for quick applications.

Program snapshots (what they are and how they help)

• SNAP: Monthly EBT benefits to buy groceries at approved stores and some farmers’ markets. Helps stretch budgets as food prices rise. See Hawai‘i SNAP.
• Med‑QUEST: Hawaiʻi’s Medicaid program covering doctor visits, hospital care, behavioral health, prescriptions, and some transportation. It pairs with Medicare for “dual eligibles.” Apply at Med‑QUEST.
• Kupuna Care: State funds through county aging offices for services like personal care, meal delivery, homemaker, and respite—aimed at keeping you at home safely. Details at EOA Kupuna Care.
• LIHEAP: Annual grant paid to your utility to lower energy costs; crisis help may be available if you’re facing a shutoff. Start at DHS LIHEAP.
• SFMNP: Seasonal vouchers redeemable with participating farmers for fresh produce, supporting both nutrition and local agriculture. Learn more at HI SFMNP.

If you’re helping a loved one (caregiver corner)

• Use 643‑ADRC to request a caregiving assessment and respite options.
• Ask your employer about Hawaiʻi’s Kupuna Caregivers Program: DLIR Kupuna Caregivers.
• For nursing home or care home concerns, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
• Medicare choices affect drug costs and provider access—get unbiased help from Sage PLUS.

Reality check: Caring for someone can be exhausting. Put respite on your plan early. Short, regular breaks often prevent burnout better than waiting for a crisis.

County aging office contacts (one-page directory)

For statewide navigation, call 643‑ADRC or visit the Hawaii ADRC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: I need food this week. What is the fastest option?
A: Call 211 for the nearest food pantry schedule. If you qualify for SNAP, apply at Hawai‘i SNAP. Ask your county aging office via Hawaii ADRC about home-delivered meals if you’re homebound.

Q: When is LIHEAP open in Hawaiʻi?
A: LIHEAP applications are typically accepted once a year, often in June, but check the official page for current dates: DHS LIHEAP and your county agency links on that page.

Q: Can I get a ride to my doctor appointments?
A: If you have Med‑QUEST, you may qualify for non-emergency medical transportation. See Med‑QUEST NEMT. Counties also offer paratransit and senior fare programs (see Transportation section).

Q: I think my neighbor is being financially exploited. What should I do?
A: If it’s urgent, call 911. Otherwise, report to Hawaii APS. You can report anonymously.

Q: I’m a veteran. Where do I start for health care and benefits?
A: Contact the Hawaiʻi Office of Veterans’ Services and the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System. For pensions and Aid & Attendance info, see VA.gov.

Q: How do I get help comparing Medicare plans?
A: Call Sage PLUS (HI SHIP) for free counseling. Bring your medication list and doctors’ names.

Q: Is there help if I need a caregiver so I can keep working?
A: Ask about the Kupuna Caregivers Program and respite options via the Hawaii ADRC.

Q: I lost my home or job after a disaster. Where can I apply for federal help?
A: Go to DisasterAssistance.gov for available programs, and check HI-EMA plus your county emergency site for local support.

Q: I can’t afford my water bill on O‘ahu. Any help?
A: See Honolulu BWS Customer Assistance for payment plans and low‑income options.

Q: I’m worried about scams targeting kūpuna. Where can I report this?
A: Start with the HI Office of Consumer Protection. If your identity was stolen, use IdentityTheft.gov.

Q: Are there culturally specific services for Native Hawaiian kūpuna?
A: Yes—ask ADRC for referrals and see Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Papa Ola Lōkahi for Native Hawaiian health and support resources.

Q: Is there help with property taxes for seniors?
A: Counties offer exemptions and credits. Start at your county’s real property tax page: Honolulu, Maui, Hawaiʻi County, Kauaʻi.

Common documents checklist

• State ID or driver’s license
• Social Security card or proof of SSN
• Proof of Hawaiʻi residency (lease, utility bill)
• Income proof (SSA award letter, pay stubs, pension statements)
• Bank statements (if required)
• Medical coverage cards (Medicare, Med‑QUEST)
• Utility bills (for LIHEAP)
• Doctor list and medications (for service assessments)

Tip: Keep a file folder (paper and digital photos) so you can reapply faster next year.

More helpful tables (quick reference)

Food and nutrition at a glance

Health coverage and care

Housing and utilities

Reality checks, warnings, and practical tips

• Waitlists happen. Put your name on them, ask for interim help, and note who you spoke with and when.
• Scams spike after disasters. No agency will demand gift cards or ask for your full Social Security number by text. Verify caller ID and call the agency back using its website number.
• Missed deadlines can cost you benefits. Put LIHEAP, property tax, and farmers’ market voucher dates on your calendar and ask 211 or ADRC to confirm.
• Keep your contact info updated with every agency. If they can’t reach you, you may lose your spot or benefits.

Resources (official links, all in one place)

• Statewide navigation: Hawaii ADRC (643‑ADRC)
• Executive Office on Aging: EOA
• Med‑QUEST (Medicaid): Med‑QUEST | Apply: Medical Benefits Portal
• Medicare: Medicare.gov
• Sage PLUS (HI SHIP): Sage PLUS
• SNAP (food stamps): Hawai‘i SNAP
• SFMNP: HI SFMNP
• CSFP (Senior Food Box): Hawai‘i Foodbank CSFP | Maui Food Bank | The Food Basket
• LIHEAP (energy): DHS LIHEAP
• APS (report elder abuse): Hawaii APS
• Mental health crisis: 988 Lifeline | Hawaiʻi CARES
• Disaster info: HI‑EMA | DisasterAssistance.gov
• Housing: HPHA | O‘ahu Section 8 | Maui Section 8 | Kauaʻi Housing | Hawaiʻi Island Housing
• Legal help: Legal Aid Hawaii
• Consumer protection: DCCA OCP
• Veterans: HI OVS | VA Pacific Islands
• Native Hawaiian health: Papa Ola Lōkahi
• Real property tax relief: Honolulu | Maui | Hawaiʻi County | Kauaʻi
• 211 statewide directory: Hawaii 211

Disclaimer

Programs, amounts, application windows, and eligibility rules can change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program website linked in this guide. If you find an error or a broken link, please let us know.

About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: May 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.