January 2, 2023, 3:04 PM HST<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n This month, households receiving Social Security and\/or Supplemental Security Income will begin receiving a benefits increase of 8.7% due to cost-of-living adjustments.\u00a0It\u2019s the largest increase in more than 40 years. <\/p>\n The average retiree benefit is increasing by $146 per month, to $1,827. The average disability benefit is going up by $119 per month, to $1,483.\u00a0<\/p>\n But for some people, the benefit increases will impact eligibility and benefit amounts for SNAP, the federal government\u02bbs Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.<\/p>\n SNAP eligibility and benefit amounts are based on income limits set by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Nutrition Services.<\/p>\n If you are concerned the cost-of-living adjustments will impact your SNAP benefits, or have received a notice that they will, call the Public Assistance Toll Free Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.\u00a0\u00a0Do not try to determine eligibility on your own.<\/p>\n The Hawai\u02bbi State Department of Human Services said it is helpful to share information about your monthly expenses \u2013\u00a0such as rent and medical expenses.\u00a0Seniors age 60 or over, or people with disabilities, can report medical expenses.<\/p>\n Examples of expenses that may be reported include:<\/p>\n If you have questions about SNAP or Department of Human Services benefits, visit https:\/\/pais.dhs.hawaii.gov<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0 At this website, you may apply for benefits online, view information about your case, or learn more about DHS financial assistance, SNAP and child care programs.<\/p>\n In addition, DHS contracts with the following seven SNAP Outreach providers statewide to provide information and provide basic assistance with SNAP applications:<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.bigislandnow.com\/file\/bigislandnow\/2023\/01\/Snap.jpg\")
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