This page will be updated continuously to reflect the most recent information. This page was last updated on September 17, 2020.
Hawaii’s Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program assists renters and homeowners who have lost income due to COVID-19 and are at risk of eviction or foreclosure. This program can currently cover rent payments due between August 1, 2020 to December 15, 2020. Details for a second phase are being finalized, which will cover rent and mortgages starting from March 1, 2020.
Who is eligible?
Renters or homeowners who meet these requirements can apply:
- Are a full-time Hawaii resident.
- Have proof of valid and current tenancy for a primary residence in the State of Hawaii.
- Are 18 years of age or older.
- Can demonstrate a loss of income directly resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Can demonstrate that your current household income does not exceed 100% Area Median Income, as defined by Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2020 Income Limits (see below).
- Are not in HPHA public housing or Section 8 program
| Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $88,200 | $100,800 | $113,400 | $125,900 | $136,000 | $146,100 | $156,200 | $166,200 | $176,300 | $186,400 |
| Hawaii Island | $58,400 | $66,700 | $75,000 | $83,300 | $90,000 | $96,700 | $103,300 | $110,000 | $116,700 | $123,300 |
| Kauai | $68,000 | $77,700 | $87,400 | $97,100 | $104,900 | $112,700 | $120,500 | $128,200 | $136,000 | $143,800 |
| Maui | $71,800 | $82,000 | $92,300 | $102,500 | $110,700 | $118,900 | $127,100 | $135,300 | $143,500 | $151,700 |
Are my disability benefits counted as income?
Almost all forms of recurring income are counted, including SSDI, SSI, Unemployment Insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. SNAP (food stamp) benefits are not counted.
What assistance can I receive?
Monthly payments of up to $2,000 per household residing in the City and County of Honolulu, or $1,500 per household residing in the Counties of Hawaii, Maui or Kauai.
Assistance in financial counseling and loan modification is also provided.
How can I apply?
An application can be filed through either Catholic Charities or Aloha United Way:
What can I do to delay eviction while I am waiting for assistance?
Added 9/17/20
On September 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an emergency order to help protect an estimated 40 million renters nationwide from threat of eviction until the end of the year. You could be eligible if you meet any of these conditions:
- Individual earning less than $99,000 a year or couple earning less than $198,000 a year;
- or you were not required to pay income taxes in 2019;
- or you received an Economic Impact Payment.
You will need to attest on a declaration that you were unable to afford your rent despite seeking rental assistance and due to substantial loss of household income. You will also need to promise to make partial payments to the best of your ability. You must provide a signed copy of the declaration to your landlord. The CDC has created a template that renters can use which is linked below: