Benefits and Resources for Disabled Seniors in Hawaii

Written & Reviewed by

Analic Mata-Murray

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Yolanda Taylor

Yolanda Taylor

Senior Healthcare Editor

Last updated: August 2025

This is a practical, state-specific guide for disabled seniors in Hawai‘i. It focuses on programs you can actually use, where to apply, what to expect, and where to get help if things go wrong. Links go directly to official government or well-established organizations.

Quick Help Box (keep this handy)

Tip: If you are in danger or at risk of losing essential care, call first. Then ask ADRC or 211 to help you line up ongoing services.

How to Use This Guide

  • Start with your immediate need (health care, food, housing, transportation).
  • Use the tables to find the right program and application link.
  • If you get stuck on paperwork, call the ADRC in your county. They can walk you through steps and connect you with case management.

Reality check: Many programs have waitlists or strict rules. Applications may be slow, especially for housing. Apply as early as you can, keep copies of everything, and follow up.

What Counts as “Disabled” and “Senior” in Hawai‘i?

  • For Social Security benefits, “disability” means a medically determinable condition that keeps you from substantial work for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. See: Social Security disability definition.
  • For ADA access (like paratransit or parking placards), disability is broader and focuses on major life activities and mobility. See: ADA basics from the U.S. DOJ.
  • Many Hawai‘i programs use “kupuna” or “senior” at age 60+ (for aging services) or 65+ (for Medicare and some tax exemptions). Details vary by program; check the links as you apply.

Note: Program rules change. Always verify on the official page we link to.

Health Coverage and Long-Term Care (Medicaid, Medicare, VA)

Hawai‘i’s Medicaid program (Med-QUEST) and county aging agencies are the main doors into home care, long-term care, and support services. Medicare covers hospital and medical care but not most long-term personal care without special circumstances.

Table: Health Coverage and Care Coordination

Program What it does Who it’s for Where to apply / learn more
Med-QUEST (Hawai‘i Medicaid) / QUEST Integration Medical coverage, long-term services and supports (home/community-based services, nursing facility), Medicare Savings Programs Low-income adults and people who are aged, blind, or disabled (income/assets rules apply) Apply online at medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov. Program info: Med-QUEST (MQD)
Medicare Hospital (Part A), medical (Part B), drug coverage (Part D), Medicare Advantage plans Most people 65+, some under 65 with SSDI General info: Medicare.gov. Local counseling (free): Hawai‘i SHIP – Sage PLUS
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) Help pay Medicare premiums (and in some cases deductibles/coinsurance) Low-income Medicare beneficiaries Apply through Med-QUEST: MQD eligibility and contact
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System VA primary/specialty care, mental health, home and community services (based on eligibility) Eligible veterans Learn more and enroll: VA Pacific Islands Health Care
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Protects rights of residents in nursing homes, adult residential care homes, and assisted living Long-term care residents and families File a concern or get help: Hawai‘i LTC Ombudsman Program

Key steps and tips:

  • If you need home care or nursing home coverage and have limited income/resources, start with Med-QUEST. They can assess for home-and-community-based services (HCBS).
  • If you have Medicare, ask Sage PLUS (Hawai‘i SHIP) to check if a Medicare Advantage plan or a Special Needs Plan would better fit your situation.
  • Veterans: Check for VA “Aid and Attendance” or “Housebound” benefits if you need help with daily activities. Details: VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound.

Reality check: Medicaid long-term care applications can be detailed. Be ready with ID, proof of income, bank statements, and medical information. Ask ADRC or a case manager for help if paperwork is overwhelming.

Home and Community Supports (Stay Independent, Safely)

Hawai‘i funds state and county services to help kupuna remain at home. Expect waiting lists in some areas.

Programs to know

  • Kupuna Care (KC): State-funded home services like personal care, homemaker/chore, respite, transportation, and home-delivered meals for adults 60+ who do not qualify for Medicaid HCBS. Learn more at the Executive Office on Aging: Kupuna Care program overview. Apply through your county ADRC (see Resources by Region below).
  • Kupuna Caregivers Program (KCGP): Helps working family caregivers pay for services for their loved one. Program details (including current benefit amounts and rules): Kupuna Caregivers Program.
  • Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRC): One-stop entry into county services, caregiver support, case management, and options counseling. Statewide portal: Hawai‘i ADRC.

Assistive technology and equipment:

  • Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawai‘i (ATRC) offers device loans, demonstrations, and reuse of medical equipment. Details: ATRC of Hawai‘i.
  • Hearing/communication access devices: The Hawai‘i Telecommunication Access Program (HTAP) provides free specialized phones and devices for qualified residents. Learn more: HTAP (DCAB).

Accessible parking and communication access:

  • Disability parking placards and plates: Applications and rules are handled by the Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB). See forms and instructions: Accessible Parking (DCAB).
  • Sign language interpreter resources and communication access: DCAB Communication Access.

Reality check: County programs use assessments to match services to need, and hours can be limited. If you’re on a waitlist, ask about short-term respite, meal delivery, or volunteer-friendly visits as stopgaps.

Food, Money, and Utility Help

Keeping up with groceries, rent, and utilities is hard on a fixed income. These programs can help.

Table: Food and Money Programs

Program What it does Who it’s for Apply / info
SNAP (food assistance) Monthly benefits on an EBT card to buy groceries Low-income individuals and households Apply with DHS BESSD: SNAP in Hawai‘i
SSI and SSDI (Social Security) Monthly cash benefits for low-income seniors (SSI) or those with qualifying work history and disability (SSDI) Seniors and adults with disabilities Apply/manage at SSA.gov
LIHEAP (energy bill help) Help with electric/gas bills or energy crisis once per year (application window is usually limited) Low-income households Learn requirements: Hawai‘i LIHEAP (DHS)
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) Seasonal produce vouchers for eligible seniors Income-eligible older adults Check your county Office on Aging for local distribution: Hawai‘i ADRC
Low-Income Household Renters Credit (State tax) Refundable state tax credit for eligible renters Income-eligible Hawai‘i renters See credits list: Hawai‘i Department of Taxation – Tax Credits

Notes and cautions:

  • SNAP and LIHEAP require proof of income and identity. Keep letters from SSA, pension statements, and utility bills in a folder.
  • The Federal Affordable Connectivity Program (discounted internet) ended in 2024 due to lack of funding; see FCC status updates here: FCC – ACP. Ask your internet or phone provider if they offer low-income discounts or Lifeline: Lifeline phone/internet program.

Housing: Affordable, Accessible, and Safer Homes

Affordable housing is tight statewide. Start early and apply to multiple options.

Table: Housing Programs and Fix-It Help

Program What it does Who it’s for Where to start
Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority (HPHA) Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (when lists are open) Low-income households Info and applications: HPHA official site
HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Affordable housing with supportive services for older adults Seniors with low income Search properties: HUD Resource Locator
USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504) Grants/loans to fix health/safety issues or make accessibility improvements in rural areas Low-income homeowners; grants for age 62+ Hawai‘i program page: USDA 504 in Hawai‘i
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Energy-saving repairs (lighting, insulation, appliances) Income-eligible households Administered by the Office of Community Services: WAP in Hawai‘i

Fair housing and tenant rights:

Reality check: Many waiting lists are closed or reopen briefly. Sign up for alerts at HPHA, check county listings often, and keep your contact information updated with every housing office.

Transportation (Paratransit, Reduced Fares, Medical Rides)

If you cannot use regular bus service due to a disability, you may qualify for ADA paratransit on your island. Each county has its own application.

Table: Paratransit by Island

Island ADA Paratransit Service Learn more / Apply
O‘ahu TheHandi-Van Service info and eligibility: TheHandi-Van (TheBus)
Hawai‘i Island Hele-On Kāko‘o Paratransit Program details and application: Hele-On Paratransit
Maui County MEO ADA Paratransit Learn more: MEO Transportation
Kaua‘i The Kaua‘i Bus Paratransit Service info: Kaua‘i Paratransit

Other help:

  • Senior and disability reduced fares exist on island bus systems (e.g., O‘ahu’s Senior Card). Start at the operator’s “fares” page, like TheBus fares for seniors on O‘ahu.
  • For non-emergency medical rides under Medicaid, ask your Med-QUEST health plan about transportation benefits.

Tip: Paratransit eligibility requires a separate assessment. Apply early, and keep a temporary mobility aid handy while you await approval.

Civil Rights and Disability Protections in Hawai‘i

If you believe your ADA rights were violated in transportation or a public service, you can file a grievance with the agency and/or a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice. For housing, see HUD fair housing link above.

Veterans, LGBTQ+ Seniors, Native Hawaiian Kānaka Maoli, and Rural Kupuna

Inclusive help matters. These resources address added barriers some seniors face.

Veteran seniors

Tip: Coordinate VA care with county ADRC services; you may be able to combine VA home services with county meal delivery or caregiver support.

LGBTQ+ seniors

Tip: If you face discrimination in housing or services, use the HUD fair housing complaint process and DCAB resources listed above.

Native Hawaiian kūpuna and ‘ohana caregivers

  • Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA): community grants, advocacy, and referrals: Office of Hawaiian Affairs
  • Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems (via Papa Ola Lōkahi): culturally grounded health services across islands: Papa Ola Lōkahi
  • ALU LIKE, Inc. – Kūpuna Services (meals, classes, support): ALU LIKE Kūpuna Services
  • Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL): services for beneficiaries on Hawaiian Home Lands (housing and infrastructure programs): DHHL

Reality check: Funding cycles and program availability can change year to year. Check each site or call before visiting.

Rural seniors and families

  • Telehealth: Many providers and Med-QUEST plans support telehealth visits. Ask your clinic or plan about phone or video visits. MQD program info: Med-QUEST
  • Transportation gaps: If paratransit coverage is limited where you live, ask your county ADRC about volunteer driver programs, mileage reimbursement, or MEO/Hele-On extended routes.
  • Home repairs: Rural homeowners may be good candidates for USDA Section 504 grants/loans: USDA 504 Hawai‘i

Legal, Safety, and Consumer Protection

Scam warning: Be wary of anyone charging you upfront to “guarantee” benefits. Free help is available from county ADRC offices and Legal Aid.

Assistive Tech, Communication, and Accessibility

  • Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawai‘i (device demos, loans, and reuse): ATRC
  • Hawai‘i Telecommunication Access Program (free specialized phones for qualified residents): HTAP
  • Hawai‘i Telecommunications Relay Service (711): Hawai‘i Relay info (PUC)
  • Disability parking placards, service animal and interpreter resources: DCAB programs

Finances, Estate Recovery, and ABLE Accounts

  • Medicaid estate recovery: Like other states, Hawai‘i may seek to recover certain Medicaid long-term care costs from estates after a member’s death. For details and counseling, contact Med-QUEST and consider speaking with Legal Aid. Program info: Med-QUEST.
  • ABLE savings accounts (for disability-related expenses): As of our latest verification, Hawai‘i residents can open ABLE accounts through out-of-state programs. Compare plans via the national resource center: ABLE NRC – Hawai‘i.
  • State tax credits (including renters credit): Hawai‘i Department of Taxation – Credits.

Tip: Before moving assets or changing ownership, get advice from a trusted benefits counselor or attorney to avoid harming your eligibility.

Resources by Region (County Contact Hubs)

These county agencies are your main entry points for home services, meals, caregiver help, and local referrals.

Other essential county links:

Step-by-Step: Applying Without the Headache

  1. Gather documents:
    • Photo ID, Social Security card, proof of Hawai‘i address
    • Income proof (SSA award letter, pension, pay stubs), bank statements
    • Health insurance cards (Medicare/Medicaid), list of doctors and medicines
    • For disability-based programs: any medical summaries or mobility evaluations
  2. Pick your “front door”:
    • Health coverage or long-term care: Med-QUEST
    • Medicare plan questions: Hawai‘i SHIP – Sage PLUS
    • Home supports, meals, caregiver help: Your county’s ADRC (see Resources by Region)
  3. Apply and follow up:
    • Submit online if possible; keep a copy of confirmation.
    • If you don’t hear back by the stated time, call to check status.
    • Ask for language access or disability accommodations when needed (it’s your right under ADA and state law).
  4. If denied:

Table: Quick-Access Program Directory

Need Program Contact / Apply
Home care, meals, caregiver support Kupuna Care; County ADRC Hawai‘i ADRC portal
Financial help for working caregivers Kupuna Caregivers Program Program details (EOA)
Medicaid and long-term services Med-QUEST (MQD) Apply: medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov
Medicare counseling Sage PLUS (Hawai‘i SHIP) hawaiiship.org
Food assistance SNAP (DHS BESSD) humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/snap
Utility assistance LIHEAP (DHS) humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/liheap
Affordable housing HPHA; HUD Section 202 HPHA, HUD Resource Locator
Home repairs/Accessibility USDA 504; WAP USDA 504 Hawai‘i, WAP (OCS)
Paratransit Island-specific services TheHandi-Van, Hele-On Paratransit, MEO, Kaua‘i Paratransit
Disability rights DCAB; HDRC DCAB, Hawai‘i Disability Rights Center

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where do I start if I need help staying at home but don’t qualify for Medicaid?

  • A: Call your county ADRC and ask about Kupuna Care for personal care, homemaker help, respite, and meal delivery. Start at the statewide portal: Hawai‘i ADRC.

Q: How do I get an ADA paratransit card on my island?

Q: What is the difference between Kupuna Care and Medicaid home care?

  • A: Kupuna Care is state-funded help for adults 60+ who don’t qualify for Medicaid HCBS. Medicaid (through Med-QUEST) covers more if you qualify financially and medically. Check program details here: Kupuna Care and Med-QUEST.

Q: Can I get help paying my Medicare Part B premium?

Q: How do I apply for food stamps (SNAP) in Hawai‘i?

  • A: Apply with DHS BESSD. You can start online and upload documents: SNAP in Hawai‘i. If you have trouble with the online system, call your local BESSD office or ask your county ADRC for help.

Q: I’m a renter on a fixed income. Is there any state tax relief?

  • A: Check the Low-Income Household Renters Credit from the Hawai‘i Department of Taxation. Details and forms are listed here: State Tax Credits. Local property tax exemptions apply only to homeowners.

Q: Where can I get a disability parking placard?

  • A: Through DCAB. See the application, renewal, and physician certification requirements here: DCAB Accessible Parking. You can apply by mail or through your county process as instructed.

Q: Are there special resources for Native Hawaiian kūpuna?

Q: Does Medicaid take my house after I pass away?

  • A: Hawai‘i follows federal estate recovery rules for certain Medicaid long-term care costs. There are protections for surviving spouses and others. Discuss your situation with Med-QUEST and consult Legal Aid: Med-QUEST, Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i.

Q: Is discounted internet still available since ACP ended?

  • A: The federal Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting new applications and ended due to lack of funding in 2024. See updates at the FCC: FCC – ACP. Ask your provider about Lifeline or their own low-income plans: Lifeline program.

Extra Tables You Can Print

Table: County ADRC and Aging Offices at a Glance

County Main Page Notes
Honolulu (O‘ahu) Honolulu Elderly Affairs Division Use for O‘ahu services, caregiver help, and local referrals
Hawai‘i (Big Island) Hawai‘i County Office of Aging Hilo and Kona offices; ask about meal delivery and transportation
Maui County (Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i) Maui County Office on Aging Check for in-home help, respite, and caregiver classes
Kaua‘i County Kaua‘i ADRC ADRC portal tailored to Kaua‘i services

Table: Property Tax Exemptions (Homeowners)

County Exemptions Page Common Exemptions
O‘ahu Honolulu Real Property – Exemptions Homeowner, age-based, disability, and veteran exemptions (rules vary)
Hawai‘i County RPT – Exemptions Homeowner, disability, and veteran exemptions
Maui County Real Property – Exemptions Homeowner, age, disability, and veteran categories
Kaua‘i County Real Property – Exemptions Homeowner, disability, and veteran exemptions

Always check forms and deadlines on your county site. You usually need to apply by a specific date for the next tax year.

What to Do if You Hit a Roadblock

  • Can’t reach an office: Try 211 or your county ADRC to find a backup contact.
  • Denied benefits: You have appeal rights. Mark the deadline on your calendar and request help from Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i or the ADRC.
  • In a facility and worried about care: Call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
  • Accessibility problem with a public agency: Contact DCAB for guidance and complaint options.

Sources and Useful Links (Quick List)

Disclaimer

Programs, eligibility, and benefit amounts can change. Always verify details with the official agency using the links provided here. This guide is for general information and is not legal, financial, or medical advice.

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: August 2025
  • Sources Verified: August 2025
  • Next Review: February 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.

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About the Authors

Analic Mata-Murray

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Analic Mata-Murray holds a Communications degree with a focus on Journalism and Advertising from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. With over 11 years of experience as a volunteer translator for The Salvation Army, she has helped Spanish-speaking communities access critical resources and navigate poverty alleviation programs.

As Managing Editor at Grants for Seniors, Analic oversees all content to ensure accuracy and accessibility. Her bilingual expertise allows her to create and review content in both English and Spanish, specializing in community resources, housing assistance, and emergency aid programs.

Yolanda Taylor

Yolanda Taylor, BA Psychology

Senior Healthcare Editor

Yolanda Taylor is a Senior Healthcare Editor with over six years of clinical experience as a medical assistant in diverse healthcare settings, including OB/GYN, family medicine, and specialty clinics. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento.

At Grants for Seniors, Yolanda oversees healthcare-related content, ensuring medical accuracy and accessibility. Her clinical background allows her to translate complex medical terminology into clear guidance for seniors navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and dental care options. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and holds Lay Counselor certification and CPR/BLS certification.