RESOURCES FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CLAIMANTS WITH EXHAUSTED BENEFITS

The following is a list of resources that may be available to you as the COVID-19 Pandemic continues:

News Release from DLIR, Nov 16, 2020

DLIR Workforce Development Division
Get job-ready and prepare for your future with jobseeker services provided by the Workforce Development Division (WDD) http://labor.hawaii.gov/wdd/home/job-seekers/:

• Job Search Assistance and Workshops to help you find and keep a job
• Resume Preparation and Interview Skills Workshops
• Career Guidance and Labor Market Information Services to identify transferrable skills for career opportunities and advancement
• Job referral and placement services to link qualified job seekers with employers.
• Referral to Education and Training Opportunities and other services
• Employment and Training opportunities for workers interested in improving their employability by upgrading their basic skills or training for a new occupation.
• Apprenticeship Programs

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT (808)586-8822 wdd@dlir.state.hi.us

Aloha United Way 211
2-1-1 is Aloha United Way’s free and confidential statewide helpline connecting individuals and families with resources and information. 2-1-1 specialists can search through over 4,000 government and nonprofit services and programs to find the information and resources you need. Requests include finding food, shelter, clothing, financial assistance, childcare, parenting support, elderly care, disability services and more! You may also do a direct search of the service categories in our online database. Call 211.

Food Assistance (SNAP)
The State of Hawaii SNAP program provides crucial food and nutritional support to qualifying low-income and households in need. The average processing time for the online application is 2 days. You may learn more about the program here and apply online here: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/snap/ or call 855-643-1643

Health Insurance (Med-QUEST)
The State of Hawaii Med-QUEST Division (MQD) provides eligible low-income adults and children access to health and medical coverage through managed care plans. Applications for Health Care Coverage are accepted online at www.mybenefits.hawaii.gov, over the phone at 1-877-628-5076, or mail delivered to Med-QUEST Division Eligibility Offices. You may learn more about the program and apply online here: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/mqd/

City & County of Honolulu Household Hardship Relief Fund
City & County of Honolulu – Household Hardship Relief Fund provides assistance for Oahu residents who have experienced a loss of income and/or increased financial need directly resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more and apply here: https://www.auw.org/covid-19-assistance-programs

COVID-19 Renter & Homeowner Guidance (Legal Aid Hawaii)
If you rent, your landlord cannot change the locks or otherwise lock you out of your rental unit without a court order, even if you have not paid your rent. A landlord is subject to paying you damages of up to 2 months’ rent, costs, and attorney fees if the landlord is found to have illegally locked out a tenant. If you are paying a mortgage, the Hawaii State eviction moratorium ending on November 30, 2020 (as of now) overlaps the Federal Eviction Moratorium protections. Access more guidance here: https://www.legalaidhawaii.org/housing-covid-19.html.

Rent Relief & Housing Assistance (State of Hawaii with Aloha United Way and Catholic Charities Hawaii)
The purpose of the State of Hawaii’s Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program is to provide assistance to renters who have experienced or are facing a reduction in income because of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and are at risk of eviction. Monthly rent payments of up to $2,000 per household residing in the City and County of Honolulu. Info and FAQs here: https://www.hihousinghelp.com/faqs/

Serving the Native Hawaiian Community – please also note that if you are unable to work due to the inability to afford childcare, the Hawai’i Early Learning Partnerships (HELP) for Child Care Team may be able to assist you. Visit www.koka.org to complete the pre-application, or directly at https://www.koka.org/help-for-childcare. If you are eligible, the Keiki O Ka ‘Aina Family Learning Center will email you a full application form and request for documentation.  This program is available on a first-come-first-serve basis as funding is available. Feel free to email help@koka.org or call 808-670-2061 with any questions.