Assistance for Single Moms in Hawaii

Single moms can receive aid and assistance in all cities and counties across the state of Hawaii. Assistance programs help with free food, housing costs, rent, energy bills, mortgages, free health care, and more.

Hawaii Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Low income families and single moms, people with disabilities, qualified seniors, and people on public assistance, may receive food through this program. Vouchers that can be later used by individuals to purchase food at their local grocery store or retailer are being provided by the SNAP program. 808-643-1643.

Food Pantries and Distribution Centers
Groceries, canned goods, and other supplies are offered by food banks to single moms across Hawaii. Aside from information on longer term food programs, the centers can also provide assistance in an emergency. 808-933-6030 to contact The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s Food Bank administrative office.

Food and Nutrition Education
WIC represents another government program destined for pregnant women or low income single moms with children up to the age of five. For those who would otherwise be at risk, this program can provide perishable food, meals, and other support.

General Assistance
This program is destined only for women and single moms who have young children or are currently pregnant. In order to apply for this government program the female needs to meet the following requirements: pregnant, currently breastfeeding or postpartum, has an infant or child who is under the age of five. Income levels must be met or the applicant needs to represent a health/nutrition risk. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Stamps, or Medicaid are partner programs with which this form of aid is usually offered. 888-820-6425 for more information on the program.

Hawaii Financial Assistance Program
Being the state’s version of TANF, those who can benefit from this program are families with children or families that are expecting one. Aside from offering parents work opportunities, job preparation, training and other support services, through the First-to-Work (FTW) program, it also offers cash assistance for basic needs such as housing, rent and food. 808-643-1643.

Head Start
Head Start is a Federal program that aims to enhance the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children from birth to age five from low income families making sure they are school ready. Language, literacy, and social and emotional development are some area where the program can support a child’s growth. The role of parents is emphasized by the program as their child’s first and most important teacher. To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, call 866-763-6481.

Free or Low Cost Medical Care
The low income and uninsured are provided with medical and/or dental care by the numerous clinics, community health care centers and other facilities in Hawaii. While some services are provided on a sliding fee scale, some of them are offered at absolutely no cost. Many of these health centers have received federal government qualification.
The government and non-profit sponsored programs offer free or low cost care to families that do not have insurance, or that have limited coverage from their policy. Among other services, check ups, cancer screenings, medications, and medical care for children may also be offered.

Medicaid in Hawaii and Fee-For-Service
Single moms, low-income families, pregnant women, disabled, seniors, and the blind can all receive health care. 800-316-8005

Medical Bill and Health Care Assistance
The low income Medicaid Fee-For-Service and Hawaii QUEST programs can provide health care coverage and possible support for medical and dental expenses to qualified residents. QUEST offers both medical and mental health services, while dental care can be provided under Medicaid. 800-316-8005. Medicare Part D prescription drugs can be paid for with the help of a pharmacy program. 866-878-9769

Children with Special Health Needs Program
This program offers assistance for children that require specialized medical care, who have chronic or long-term health conditions. 808-733-9055.

Resources for Under and Uninsured
Free or low cost medical assistance is offered by the government to patients who have limited health insurance or who do not have any insurance at all as long as they qualify for it. Check ups, screenings, prescription medication, and other aid is offered to qualified individuals through this program. 800-933-4832 to contact the Vaccines for Children program in Hawaii.

Legal Aid
Low to moderate income single mothers, the elderly and the disabled can receive free legal assistance from the numerous non-profit law firms that operate across the state of Hawaii. 808-536-4302 to contact the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii for help.

Employment Programs, Self-Sufficiency, and Government Grants
In Hawaii, community action agencies administer numerous resources. Through education and job training the centers will help single moms gain stability while programs such as LIHEAP or Head Start may offer short term financial assistance and grants. 808-521-4531 to contact the Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc.

Hawaii Energy Bill Programs
The two main federal government funded programs are listed below yet you will be able to get financial help from local utility providers, such as Hawaiian Electric Company.
Weatherization Assistance Program
With a focus on seniors, the disabled, and families with children, this program helps low income families save money on their utility and cooling bills by offering free energy conservation updates in the form of insulation, timers on water heaters, caulking, and more.
LIHEAP
This program may provide financial assistance so that you will be able to pay for your utility bills. A crisis component of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program may help with bills is an emergency in case you are faced with a disconnection or you may just receive funds that can help you pay for regular, ongoing bills. 808-586-5740.