Tips for upcoming EBT SNAP interview with Hawaii DHS?

I just went through this last month! It's not as scary as it seems. They mostly just want to verify your income and household info. Make sure you have all your documents ready - pay stubs, rent receipts, utility bills, that kinda stuff. Good luck! 🍀

ugh the hawaii DHS is such a mess rn. I've been waiting for my interview for weeks. hope you have better luck than me, OP!

Pro tip: I found a way to actually get someone on the phone at DHS. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Check out this video for more info: https://youtu.be/rqRJnqEdkoI

Make sure you're super clear about your living situation. They asked me a bunch of questions about who lives in my household and how we split expenses. Also, don't forget to mention any special circumstances like medical expenses or child support payments!

Brah, I've been thru this rodeo a few times. Here's the deal: • Be honest. They can smell BS a mile away. • Have ALL your paperwork ready. I mean everything - bank statements, pay stubs, bills, the works. • If you're working part-time or have irregular income, bring proof of that too. • Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand something. • If you have any special circumstances (disabilities, pregnant, caring for elderly), mention it. • They might ask about your job search efforts if you're unemployed. • Be patient. The process can be slow, but stay calm. Remember, the interviewer isn't out to get you. They're just doing their job. Stay cool, be prepared, and you'll be fine. Good luck! 🤙

anyone else think its ridiculous we gotta jump through so many hoops just to get some help with food? smh 🤦‍♂️

Quick question - does anyone know if they're still doing interviews over the phone because of COVID, or are they back to in-person?

Hey Mei! I went through this process about 6 months ago and it was actually pretty straightforward. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - bring multiple copies of everything! They sometimes need to keep documents or make copies, and having extras saved me a trip back. Also, if you're nervous, you can always ask to reschedule if you need more time to gather documents. The caseworkers are usually understanding. You've got this! 💪