HONOLULU (KHON2) — Tens of thousands of needy Hawaii residents have experienced long wait times in person and over the phone at state benefits offices.
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At the SNAP benefit office in Waipahu, the line on Tuesday, Dec. 3 is less than 10 deep.
“This is not long right now,” said Dyana Mondo, Honolulu resident. “This is lucky if you come here and the line is like this. You’re good.”
Why your SNAP benefits may be delayed
Viewers have been contacting KHON2, saying wait times in line and on the phone have been four hours plus.
State officials said the federal government allowed the state to conduct desk reviews for recertification, anyone reapplying for aid, because of COVID.
New applicants and those reapplying must now be interviewed due to desk reviews ending in October.
“So that change has really resulted in a dramatic increase in calls coming into our call center,” said Scott Morishige, DHS Benefits, Employment & Support Services Division administrator.