HB 479 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Human Services to provide general assistance to eligible residents during a governor-declared state of emergency under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 346.

• Requires applicants to be bona fide Hawaii residents, provide Social Security account numbers or documentation of application, and meet income criteria set by the department.

• Limits eligibility to persons ages 18-65 who are needy, unable to qualify for federal Supplemental Security Income, and unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to the emergency.

• Caps monthly general assistance payments at the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit payment amount for Hawaii.

• Allows the department to establish rules regarding allowance amounts, determination methods, and implementation details, with recipients subject to a 12-month exclusion for non-compliance.