Rent and Utility Relief Program
Hawai‘i Relief Program (TANF Support for Housing and Utility Payments)
Program Overview
Eligible applicants may receive up to four months of financial assistance, including:
Rent/mortgage: up to $6,000/month
Security deposit: actual housing deposit amount up to the maximum of $6,000
Utility assistance: $2,000/month per utility source
Utility deposit: up to $3,000 / per utility source
Payments are made directly to landlords, mortgage lenders, or utility providers.
Application Information
Applications are now being accepted.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you:
Are experiencing a financial hardship (e.g., behind on rent, job loss, utility shut-off notice)
Have a household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level
Have immediate family members who are Hawai’i residents
Have at least one family member who is a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
Have a dependent child or is someone in their third trimester of pregnancy
Have a valid lease or mortgage for a primary residence on O’ahu, Kaua’i, or Hawai’i Island
More Help for Renters
There are more programs to help eligible families with their rent and utility bills, provide legal advice or mediation services, job training, or find a full or part-time job. Click the flyer to learn more.
Renters with questions can contact Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi at RURPHelp@catholiccharitieshawaii.org or (808) 521-4357 or the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement at RURP@hawaiiancouncil.org or (808) 596-8155.
Renters who have received an eviction notice are urged to immediately contact The Mediation Center of the Pacific at (808) 521-6767, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on State holidays.
The Center can hold mediation sessions with renters and landlords to help find common ground and agreement on payment plans.
Preventing Evictions
