Hawaii assistance programs

In Hawaii, one department carries most of the load: the Department of Human Services' Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) runs TANF and TAONF cash aid, the statewide Child Care Subsidy and Preschool Open Doors, and H-HEAP energy credits. Homebuying runs through HHFDC and the counties, business capital through HTDC and the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, and state student grants sit inside the University of Hawaiʻi system.

Where you hand in the application depends on the program, not the agency. TANF and TAONF go through the PAIS portal or one of 46 DHS processing centers; the Child Care Subsidy goes to a single statewide unit in Waipahu; and H-HEAP goes only to your island's community action agency (HCAP on Oʻahu, MEO in Maui County, KEO on Kauaʻi, HCEOC on Hawaii Island), because DHS offices do not accept it. The Energy Credit is taken only June 1 to 30; crisis help runs year-round. See the Hawaii energy guide.

Homebuyer help is split between the state and the counties. HHFDC's Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program sells below-market bond mortgages through 15 approved lenders, but its 4% down payment loan is paused until HHFDC rewrites its rules under Act 214 (2026). On Oʻahu, Honolulu's Down Payment Loan still lends up to $40,000 at 0%. The Hawaii homebuyer guide compares them.

Hawaii has no general startup grant: its $62 million SSBCI share reaches businesses as HI-CAP loans, collateral and venture capital, and its grants are tied to manufacturing, SBIR matching, exports or storm recovery (small business guide). For college, the FAFSA is the only form for Hawaiʻi Promise, the Mānoa Opportunity Grant and B Plus, which UH campus financial aid offices award (student grants guide).