HI HR140

Request the Department of Human Services to apply for and implement the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) in Hawaii.

ESAP is a federal demonstration project designed to increase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment among low-income adults ages 60 and older by reducing barriers to participation.

ESAP simplifies the application and certification processes, waives recertification interviews, allows flexible verification, and extends certification periods to 36 months for eligible households.

Hawaii currently does not participate in ESAP; implementation could increase SNAP enrollment among seniors and improve food security and health outcomes for low-income older adults.

Request the Department of Human Services to seek necessary federal approvals, waivers, and amendments to rules, policies, and procedures to implement ESAP in the state.