$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Hawaii Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Hawaii
SSDI in Hawaii - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Hawaii - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition. It is federal, so the rules are the same in Hawaii as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA, 2026
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in Hawaii?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. Because Hawaii expanded Medicaid (Med-QUEST), some people also qualify for coverage while they wait out that 24-month period.
How long does SSDI take in Hawaii?
Hawaii reviews the medical part of your claim through its Disability Determination Branch. An initial decision commonly takes several months, and appeals can take a year or more. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity, which is $1,690 in 2026. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Hawaii - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Hawaii - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In Hawaii, getting SSI usually opens the door to Med-QUEST, the state's Medicaid program.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. Hawaii does not add a general state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit for one person. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hawaii add to my SSI payment?
Generally no. Hawaii pays a state supplement only to SSI recipients who live in foster or domiciliary care, so most people get just the federal amount. If you live in one of those special arrangements, your combined payment is higher.
Will I get Med-QUEST with SSI in Hawaii?
Usually yes, but it is not always automatic. SSI approval makes you eligible for Med-QUEST, Hawaii's Medicaid program, and you may need to apply at your local human services office to start coverage.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Hawaii
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Hawaii
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS
HAWAII PROPERTY TAX
Exempt
Veterans rated 100% totally disabled are exempt from county real property tax on their home, minus a small minimum
City & County of Honolulu, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does Hawaii offer any extra benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Veterans rated 100% totally disabled can be exempt from county real property tax on their home (a small minimum tax may still apply), and Hawaii exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. The Hawaii Office of Veterans Services can help you file.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Hawaii
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Hawaii
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Hawaii?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Med-QUEST?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Med-QUEST is Hawaii's Medicaid program, based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Where can I get free Medicare counseling in Hawaii?
Hawaii SHIP, also known as Sage PLUS, offers free and unbiased Medicare counseling through the Executive Office on Aging. It is a good complement to a Turnout advocate, especially during open enrollment.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Hawaii
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Hawaii
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed
HOW COMMON IT IS
1 in 7
About 15 percent of public school students receive special education under federal law
NCES, 2024
EVALUATION DEADLINE
60 days
Hawaii must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of your written consent
Hawaii Admin. Rules Ch. 60, 2024
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Hawaii public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in Hawaii?
Hawaii schools must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of getting your written consent. Because Hawaii is a single statewide school district, the same timelines apply on every island.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Med-QUEST (Medicaid) in Hawaii
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Hawaii residents.
Med-QUEST (Medicaid) in Hawaii
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Hawaii residents.
Med-QUEST is Hawaii's Medicaid program, a joint federal and state program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more for those who qualify, usually at no cost. Hawaii expanded Medicaid, so adults with low income can qualify even without children. Coverage is delivered through QUEST Integration health plans.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~390,000
Hawaii residents enrolled in Med-QUEST/CHIP (approximate; per Medicaid.gov via KFF)
Medicaid.gov / KFF, 2025 (approx.)
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
Hawaii Med-QUEST, 2026
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
138% FPL
Because Hawaii expanded Medicaid, adults up to 138% of the (higher) Hawaii poverty level can qualify
Hawaii Med-QUEST / KFF, 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults 19 to 64 with income up to 138% of the Hawaii federal poverty level
- Pregnant women at higher income levels, with 12 months of postpartum coverage
- Children, who qualify at much higher income limits through Med-QUEST and CHIP
- SSI recipients, seniors, and people with disabilities
How to apply
Apply online through the Med-QUEST portal at medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov, or call Med-QUEST at 1-800-316-8005. Have proof of income, identity, and Hawaii residency ready. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii calls its Medicaid program Med-QUEST, and coverage is delivered through QUEST Integration health plans. It's the same federal Medicaid program, run by the Hawaii Department of Human Services.
What's the difference between Med-QUEST and Medicare?
Med-QUEST is Hawaii's Medicaid, based on income. Medicare is federal insurance based mainly on age or disability. Some people qualify for both.
Did Hawaii expand Medicaid?
Yes. Hawaii expanded Medicaid, so adults up to 138% of the Hawaii poverty level can qualify, including adults without children. Hawaii also uses higher poverty guidelines than the mainland, so the dollar limits are higher here.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Hawaii
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Hawaii
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP helps qualifying households in Hawaii buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto an EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores and many farmers markets. Because food costs more in Hawaii, SNAP benefits here are set higher than in the mainland states. The program is run by the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS).
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$1,689/mo
Maximum monthly SNAP allotment for a family of four in Hawaii for FY2026, higher than the mainland
USDA FNS, FY2026
INCOME LIMIT
200% FPL
Hawaii uses broad-based categorical eligibility, raising the gross income limit to 200% of the Hawaii poverty level
Hawaii DHS BESSD, 2026
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~161,400
Hawaii residents who received SNAP benefits on average each month in 2025
State of Hawaii Governor's Office, 2025
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 200% of the Hawaii federal poverty level under broad-based categorical eligibility
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Hawaii
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through the Hawaii benefits portal at mybenefits.hawaii.gov, or in person at your local DHS office. An interview is required, but it can usually be done by phone. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Hawaii SNAP benefits higher than the mainland?
Because food costs more in Hawaii. The USDA sets higher maximum SNAP allotments for Hawaii, so a family of four can receive up to $1,689 a month in 2026, more than in the 48 contiguous states.
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in Hawaii?
Yes. Many working households qualify. Hawaii uses broad-based categorical eligibility, which raises the gross income limit to 200% of the Hawaii poverty level, so more working families are eligible than people expect.
How long does SNAP approval take in Hawaii?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. An interview is required but can usually be done by phone.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Hawaii
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Hawaii
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on Med-QUEST, SNAP, or TANF usually qualifies you automatically.
INCOME LIMIT
185% FPL
Households at or below 185% of the Hawaii poverty level can qualify, higher in dollars than the mainland
Hawaii DOH WIC, 2026
ON MED-QUEST OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on Med-QUEST, SNAP, or TANF automatically meets WIC's income test
USDA / Hawaii DOH
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the Hawaii federal poverty level
- Families already receiving SNAP, Med-QUEST, or TANF are automatically income-eligible
- Hawaii residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call 1-888-820-6425 or your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment, or pre-screen online at health.hawaii.gov/wic. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of Hawaii residency, and proof of household income or proof of Med-QUEST, SNAP, or TANF enrollment. If approved, you receive your Hawaii eWIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by Hawaii's WIC food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limit is 185% of the Hawaii poverty level, which is higher in dollars than the mainland, and being on Med-QUEST or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in Hawaii (H-HEAP)
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in Hawaii (H-HEAP)
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
The Hawai'i Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP) helps qualifying households pay their electric bills, with payments made directly to the utility company. It is federally funded and administered by the Hawaii Department of Human Services through local community action agencies on each island. This matters in Hawaii, which has the highest electricity prices in the nation.
INCOME LIMIT
150% FPL
Households at or below 150% of the Hawaii poverty level can qualify, or automatically if on SNAP, TANF, or SSI
Hawaii DHS / community action agencies, 2026
CREDIT SIGN-UP WINDOW
June 1 to 30
The one-time Energy Credit is accepted only during June each year, so apply in that window
Hawaii community action agencies, 2026
PAID DIRECTLY
To your utility
The benefit is credited to your energy account, not paid to you as cash
Hawaii DHS
Who qualifies
- Hawaii households with income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level
- Renters and homeowners responsible for a home electric bill
- Households facing a disconnection or shutoff, who can apply for crisis help year-round
- Households on SNAP, TANF, or SSI, who are automatically income-eligible
How to apply
Apply through your island community action agency, not DHS directly. The one-time Energy Credit is accepted only in June, while Energy Crisis Intervention for a shutoff is accepted year-round while funds last. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID, and proof of income. If approved, the benefit is credited to your utility account.
Frequently asked questions
When can I apply for H-HEAP in Hawaii?
The one-time Energy Credit is accepted only during June each year. If you are facing a shutoff, the Energy Crisis Intervention component is accepted year-round while funds last. You can receive one type of help per program year.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. H-HEAP payments go directly to your electric company. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
Can renters apply, or only homeowners?
Both renters and homeowners can apply, as long as you are responsible for a home electric bill. Your island community action agency can confirm how the benefit applies to your situation.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in Hawaii
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying residents.
ACA Subsidies in Hawaii
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying residents.
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan bought through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. Hawaii uses HealthCare.gov rather than running its own marketplace. Hawaii also has a unique Prepaid Health Care Act that requires most employers to cover employees who work 20 or more hours a week.
HOW MANY ENROLLED
~23,400
Hawaii residents who selected an ACA marketplace plan for 2026
CMS, 2026
LOW UNINSURED RATE
4.3%
Hawaii has one of the lowest uninsured rates in the country, helped by its employer coverage law
U.S. Census, 2022
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 -- Jan 15
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage. Special enrollment available year-round for qualifying life events
HealthCare.gov
Who qualifies
- Hawaii residents without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning at or above 100% of the federal poverty level
- Those not eligible for Med-QUEST, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Hawaii
How to apply
Apply online at HealthCare.gov. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free local enrollment help is available.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hawaii run its own health insurance marketplace?
No. Hawaii once ran the Hawaii Health Connector, but it closed in 2015. Hawaii now uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov for individual and family coverage.
What is the Prepaid Health Care Act?
It is a Hawaii law from 1974 that requires most employers to provide health coverage to employees who work 20 or more hours a week. It is one reason Hawaii has such a low uninsured rate, and it is separate from the ACA marketplace.
How much can I save with subsidies?
It depends on your income, household size, and plan. Subsidies are applied automatically when you enroll through HealthCare.gov, though the enhanced credits available in recent years changed for 2026, so it is worth comparing plans carefully.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Hawaii
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in Hawaii
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF gives short-term cash to Hawaii families with children who have very limited income. The cash can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, food, and transportation. The program is run by the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) and comes with a federal 60-month lifetime limit and a work requirement through the First-To-Work program.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$610/mo
The ongoing maximum cash grant for a family of three, after $763 for the first two months
CBPP TANF benefit report, 2024
LIFETIME LIMIT
60 months
The federal lifetime cap on cash assistance for adults
Hawaii DHS, 2026
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
$2,941/mo
To qualify, a family of three must have gross income below this limit, which is separate from the benefit amount
Hawaii DHS BESSD, 2026
Who qualifies
- Hawaii residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 19 and still in secondary school)
- Families with gross income below the state limit (about $2,941/mo for a family of three)
- Adults must participate in the First-To-Work program unless deferred
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online through the Hawaii benefits portal at mybenefits.hawaii.gov, or in person at your local DHS office. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying online also screens you for SNAP. If approved, benefits are provided monthly.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the TANF benefit and the income limit in Hawaii?
They are two different numbers. The maximum benefit is what you receive, up to $610 a month for a family of three. The income limit, about $2,941 a month for a family of three, is the most you can earn and still qualify.
How long can I receive TANF in Hawaii?
A federal 60-month lifetime cap applies to adults. Some cases become child-only, where the grant covers the children after the adult has reached the limit.
Can I receive TANF and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. TANF recipients are generally categorically eligible for SNAP and Med-QUEST. Applying online screens you for SNAP at the same time.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Hawaii (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Hawaii (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. The amount depends on your income and family size, and you have to file a tax return to claim it. Hawaii also has its own state EITC on top of the federal one.
FEDERAL WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 federal maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
HAWAII STATE EITC
40% of federal
Hawaii adds a refundable state credit worth 40 percent of your federal EITC
Hawaii Dept. of Taxation, 2026
OWE NO TAX?
Still get cash back
Both the federal and Hawaii EITC are refundable, so you receive the full amount even if you owe nothing
IRS / Hawaii Dept. of Taxation
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any children
- Hawaii residents who file a state return also get the 40 percent state credit
How to apply
You claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file. When you file your Hawaii state return, you also claim the 40 percent state EITC. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hawaii have its own state EITC?
Yes. Hawaii offers a state earned income tax credit worth 40 percent of your federal EITC, and it is refundable, so you can receive it as cash back even if you owe no state tax.
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller credit, and having children increases the amount.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Med-QUEST, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Hawaii
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Hawaii
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to Hawaii families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. Hawaii does not have a separate state child tax credit, but it does offer other family tax credits.
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return. You can claim it even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through it and fill in the right forms (Schedule 8812) for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. You, your spouse if filing jointly, and each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date.
Does Hawaii have a state Child Tax Credit?
No. Hawaii does not have a state Child Tax Credit, but it does offer a refundable food/excise tax credit and a child and dependent care tax credit, so it is worth checking those when you file your state return.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to claim it on Schedule 8812.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Hawaii
Subsidized child care for working Hawaii families.
Child Care Assistance in Hawaii
Subsidized child care for working Hawaii families.
Hawaii's Child Care Subsidy program helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run by the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) through contracted agencies. The program pays providers, with families paying a share based on income. Hawaii also runs Preschool Open Doors for children in the two years before kindergarten.
PARENT SHARE
Sliding scale
Families pay a co-pay based on income and family size; lower-income families pay little to nothing
Hawaii DHS, 2026
INCOME LIMIT (FAMILY OF 3)
$6,202/mo
A family of three can enter at income up to 85% of the state median, about $6,202 a month
ACF/OCC CCDF income table, 2025
PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS
Ages 3 to 5
A separate program helps pay for preschool in the two years before kindergarten, with limited enrollment windows
Hawaii DHS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Hawaii residents with a child under 13, or older with a disability who cannot care for themselves
- Parents who are working, attending school, or in job training
- Families with income up to 85% of the state median (about $6,202/mo for a family of three)
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has qualified immigration status
How to apply
Apply online through the Hawaii child care subsidy portal at childcaresubsidyapplication.dhs.hawaii.gov, or contact a contracted agency listed on the DHS site. You will need proof of income, identity for parent and child, and documentation of your work or training schedule. Preschool Open Doors has separate, limited enrollment windows, so apply as soon as you know you need care.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. You can choose from providers registered with the program, including licensed centers and licensed family child care homes.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
A sliding-scale co-pay applies based on your income and family size. Lower-income families may pay little to nothing, while families near the income limit pay more.
What's the difference between the Child Care Subsidy and Preschool Open Doors?
The Child Care Subsidy helps working families pay for care year-round for children under 13. Preschool Open Doors helps pay for preschool for 3- to 5-year-olds in the two years before kindergarten, and it has limited enrollment windows.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
