Hawaii General Assistance (GA)
Last updated August 2026
General Assistance (GA) is Hawaii's state cash program for adults ages 18 through 64 who have little or no income and no minor children at home. It gives cash for food, clothing, shelter, and other essentials to people who are temporarily disabled and do not qualify for Social Security. The program sets the amount. Apply through the Department of Human Services, and call the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643 for information.
The disability test is specific. A DHS medical board must certify that you cannot do any substantial work of at least 30 hours a week for a period of at least 60 days. GA is aimed at a temporary disability, not a permanent one, so it is a bridge, not a long-term program.
You also must not fit a federal category of aid. If you might qualify for Social Security or another federal program, GA is not the right door. The program is for people who fall between the cracks of federal help while a short-term disability keeps them from working.
There is an asset test. Countable assets cannot be more than $2,000 for a single person or $3,000 for a couple. You also must have little or no income, so this is help for people with very few resources.
One thing to plan around: the benefit amount can change during the year. GA is paid from a fixed block grant set by the State Legislature. To stay within that budget, DHS may raise or lower the monthly payment based on how many people are enrolled.
You apply the same way as other DHS cash aid, using the DHS 1240 application, online through pais.dhs.hawaii.gov, or at a Benefit Processing Center. Benefits load on the Hawaii EBT card. While your case is reviewed, dial 2-1-1 for local food and rent help, and apply for SNAP and Med-QUEST at the same time.
Phone 1-855-643-1643
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Adults 18 through 64 with no minor dependents, little or no income, certified by a DHS medical board as temporarily unable to work, and who do not qualify for a federal category of assistance
- Assets cannot exceed $2,000 for a single person or $3,000 for a couple. The monthly benefit amount can change during the year based on the state's block-grant funding
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at pais.dhs.hawaii.gov, or file the DHS 1240 form at a Benefit Processing Center.
- 2
Ask about the DHS medical board review that certifies a temporary disability.
- 3
Show you have little or no income and no minor children at home.
- 4
Confirm your countable assets are within $2,000 single or $3,000 for a couple.
- 5
Apply for SNAP and Med-QUEST at the same time, and call 1-855-643-1643 for help.
What to have ready
- Photo ID and proof of your income and assets
- Medical records for the DHS medical board review
- Proof that you do not qualify for Social Security or other federal aid, where it applies. Your processing center confirms the full list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for Hawaii General Assistance?
Adults ages 18 through 64 with little or no income and no minor children, who are certified by a DHS medical board as temporarily unable to work, and who do not qualify for federal aid like Social Security.
What is the disability rule?
A DHS medical board must certify that you cannot do any substantial work of at least 30 hours a week for a period of at least 60 days.
Is there an asset limit?
Yes. Countable assets cannot be more than $2,000 for a single person or $3,000 for a couple.
Can the payment change?
Yes. GA is paid from a fixed block grant, so the monthly amount can be raised or lowered during the year based on how many people are enrolled.
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