Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) has adopted emergency rules to establish a new statewide “non-assistance program” offering crucial short-term housing and utility payments for families with dependent children facing an immediate crisis. These emergency rules, Chapter 17-796, became effective on June 3, 2025, and will remain in effect for 120 days.
The new program, known as Non-Recurring Short-Term (NRST) payments, is designed to assist families experiencing a temporary “episode of need” – such as a job furlough or layoff, a medical emergency, or a natural disaster. It’s specifically not intended to address recurring financial needs, and payments will not extend beyond four months.
The emergency rules outline comprehensive criteria for families to be eligible for and receive these NRST housing or utility payments. They also detail the process for handling applications, establish due process procedures for families disputing eligibility or payment amounts, and describe how fraud referrals and repayment processes will be handled in cases of overpayments.
Key provisions of the new emergency rules include:
- Purpose (§17-796-1): States the program’s goal and effective date.
- Definitions (§17-796-2): Clarifies terms used throughout the chapter, such as “episode of need,” “family unit,” “NRST payments,” and “utility expense.”
- General Requirements (§17-796-3): To qualify, families must include a dependent child residing with an adult specified relative, or a pregnant woman in her third trimester. At least one family member must meet U.S. citizenship or qualified immigrant status, and all members must be Hawaiʻi residents. The family’s total gross income must not exceed an established threshold, and they must demonstrate a qualifying “episode of need.” Importantly, NRST benefits cannot duplicate or replace other housing or utility payments the family receives or expects to receive from other government entities, private organizations, or individuals.
- Application Processing (§17-796-4): Outlines requirements for providing information and verification, how gross income is calculated, and the timeframe for application disposition.
- Payment Details (§17-796-5): Specifies maximum payment amounts for housing and utilities, how expenses are prorated if shared, provisions for receiving payments, and how benefits are issued.
- Payee Compliance (§17-796-6): Sets requirements for payees (third parties receiving payments on behalf of families), including compliance with federal, state, and county laws.
- Application Disposition (§17-796-7): Defines eligibility dates, outlines adjustments for duplicative payments, establishes timelines for benefit issuance, and describes notification requirements for application outcomes.
- Review and Due Process (§17-796-8): Describes the process for applicants to dispute ineligibility determinations or payment amounts, ensuring due process.
- Overpayment and Fraud (§17-796-9): Explains reasons for overpayments, notification procedures, repayment methods (including via tax setoff), and penalties for fraud.
- Insufficient Funds (§17-796-10): Outlines the department’s options if funds become insufficient to continue NRST payments.
A copy of the emergency rules can be obtained at no cost by calling (808) 586-0975 or by writing to the Department of Human Services, Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division, Attention: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program Office, 1010 Richards Street, Room 512, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
The emergency rules are also publicly available for viewing online at the Department of Human Services website: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/admin-rules-2/admin-rules-for-programs/. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.