Maui and its residents are rising from the ashes, and they are stronger than ever. Maui Economic Opportunity has been inundated with an overwhelming response, surpassing 1,000 applications for the Maui Relief TANF Program. This initiative, designed to extend financial support to families with dependent children affected directly and indirectly by the wildfires that struck on August 8, has proven to be a beacon of hope.
Since its launch on October 20, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) continues to embrace applications through both online submissions and in-person visits. MEO is proud to collaborate on this meaningful endeavor with the esteemed partnership of the state Department of Human Services and Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
Maui’s TANF Program For Families in Need
The assistance provided under the Maui Relief TANF Program encompasses a broad spectrum, addressing the diverse needs of the community. From rental and mortgage support to aiding with utility bills, and even offering assistance with auto down payments on new vehicles and loan payments, the program stands as a comprehensive pillar of aid. Additionally, families can find relief through gift cards for clothing and essential school supplies.
Families with dependent children in their household, directly and indirectly impacted by the wildfires and earning less than 350% of the poverty level (which for a family of four is $120,750 annually) are eligible for the benefits.
Providing a proof of United States citizenship is not a requirement, so the program encourages all those individuals and families affected by the Maui fires to apply as soon as possible.
To apply for the Maui Relief TANF Program, go to www.meoinc.org and go to the Maui Relief TANF program under “Quick Links” or open this website.
Maui Relief TANF Program — Required Documentation
In order to facilitate assistance through the Maui Relief TANF Program, they’ll request the following documents to ensure the efficient processing of your application:
1. Identification and Residency Verification for Adult Family Members (at least one required):
a) Driver’s License
b) Passport
c) State ID
d) Employee ID
e) Club membership card with photo (e.g. wholesale clubs, gym or health clubs, etc.)
f) Other forms of identification
2. Proof of a Dependent Child in the Family Unit (at least one for each child):
a) Lease (if all children are listed)
b) Birth Certificate for the child reflecting the relationship to the adult (DOH or hospital-issued)
c) Tax document
d) School document
e) Health record
f) Collateral Contact (written statement from a reliable source familiar with the family unit)
g) Other supporting documents
3. Proof of a Dependent Child’s Age (at least one for each child):
a) Birth Certificate (DOH or hospital-issued)
b) Tax document
c) Health record
d) School document
e) Collateral Contact (written statement from a reliable source familiar with the family unit)
f) Other supporting documents
4. Proof of Loss or Damaged Property or Reduction in Earnings or Employment Loss (at least one required):
a) Union Letter, email, or text
b) Employer’s letter or email
c) Document from FEMA, American Red Cross, or other disaster assistance organization
d) Collateral Contact (written statement from a reliable source familiar with the family unit’s circumstances)
e) Receipt of unemployment insurance benefits
f) Insurance claim
g) Self-Attestation
5. Proof of Income for All Members in the Family Unit Receiving Income (at least one for each income source):
a) Paystubs
b) Tax Forms
c) Unemployment Insurance
d) Statement from Social Security Administration or SSA (for Social Security Disability, Retirement, or Survivors Benefits, SSI Benefits)
e) Written statement from the source of income (e.g., employer, community-based organization, individual)
f) Collateral Contact (written statement from a reliable source familiar with the family unit’s financial status)
g) Self-Attestation
6. Status of Citizenship for Everyone in the Family Unit (at least one from each member):
a) Passport
b) Birth Certificate
c) Naturalization Certificate
d) Certificate of Citizenship
e) Immigration card
f) Collateral Contact (written statement from a reliable source familiar with the family unit and its members)
g) Self-Attestation
7. Assistance Request Documents (specific to your request):
a) Utility Bill
b) Lease
c) Mortgage Statement
d) Car Loan Statement
e) W-9s for Landlord