Hawaii Disability and Community Resources

Hawaii residents may need a statewide benefit application and a separate county contact for care or housing. Identify the island and county where the person lives before arranging assistance. Honolulu programs on Oʻahu and Hawaii County programs on Hawaii Island have different service areas.

Apply for Medical Coverage

Hawaii Med-QUEST: Apply For Medicaid accepts applications online, by telephone, mail or fax. Its instructions identify additional forms for applicants with disabilities and people requesting long-term care services. Start with the current application page and select the information matching your needs. If the division requests more information, retain the notice and respond using the stated submission route. Applying and selecting a health plan are separate steps.

Find the Correct County Resource Center

Hawaii Aging And Disability Resource Center helps older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers explore long-term services and supports. Its county directory distinguishes Honolulu, Hawaii, Kauai and Maui contacts. The help-request form asks where the person needing assistance resides so the inquiry can reach the appropriate resource. Explain the support needed rather than assuming that a statewide referral makes every county service available.

Ask About AABD Assistance

Hawaii DHS: Aid To The Aged, Blind, And Disabled describes a state cash program for a limited group of older adults and people who are blind or disabled. Financial and other eligibility rules apply, and the program is not targeted to households with dependent children. It also describes interim assistance for some people awaiting a federal benefit decision. Ask DHS about your circumstances instead of treating this as a benefit automatically added to SSI or SSDI.

Before You Contact a Program

• Identify the island, county and person who needs help.
• List medical coverage, income support and care needs separately.
• For an existing case, keep the latest notice and any requested forms available.
• Ask which application route accommodates communication or mobility needs.
• Keep a record of submissions and the next action for each agency.

Federal Benefits and Next Steps

Apply for SSDI^[1] or SSI^[2] through the Social Security Administration. Local resource programs have separate applications and do not decide federal disability benefits.

For the federal process, read our Disability Application Guide and Document Preparation Checklist.

Explore Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua-Kona, or return to the State Resource Directory.

Educational directory. Not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or listed organizations. Inclusion is not an endorsement. Eligibility and availability are determined by each program; no result is promised.

Official Sources and References

These SSA.gov links support the explanations above. Official applications, account services, and agency forms are completed through SSA.

1. SSDI — SSA.gov
2. SSI — SSA.gov