The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued guidance to households affected by the temporary suspension of November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The suspension is a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has halted funding for the program.
According to DHS, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) informed states that all November SNAP benefit allotments are suspended starting November 1, 2025. This action follows federal regulation and will remain in effect until Congress appropriates sufficient funds or FNS provides updated instructions. DHS must implement this suspension immediately and notify those impacted.
Households can still use any EBT benefits issued before November 1 at SNAP-authorized retailers. The current suspension only affects new issuances for November and does not impact access to previously loaded benefits.
“We stand with the thousands of Hawaiʻi residents who rely on these benefits,” said Gov. Josh Green. “Our state will move forward with urgency and aloha to support those impacted. DHS will share more information about the Hawai‘i Relief Program on October 29, 2025. This program will provide eligible families with dependent children the opportunity to receive payment support for housing and utilities.”
Ryan Yamane, director of DHS, stated: “As a department, our responsibility is to ensure every eligible household remains supported, informed, and treated with dignity. Our teams are working quickly to provide timely information, answer questions, and coordinate local community food resources. We will be ready to resume issuances as soon as the federal government allows.”
Applicants who qualified after October 15 will receive a combined October/November issuance limited to a prorated amount for October; remaining benefits will be provided retroactively when funding resumes.
DHS encourages residents seeking more information or assistance during this period to visit its website at https://humanservices.hawaii.gov or call the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.
