Support for Working Kamaʻāina

You Work Hard. You Deserve Support.

Maui United Way’s Kamaʻāina Credit for ALICE Households Pilot Program provides financial support and guidance to help eligible Maui Nui households navigate times of financial strain. The program combines monthly assistance with connections to resources that can help address immediate needs and build greater stability over time.

$9,600

annual funding for ohana of 4+

Working hard doesn’t always mean making ends meet. For many Maui County residents, earning an income is not enough to keep pace with the high cost of housing, food, child care, transportation and other essentials. An unexpected expense can make an already difficult situation even harder.

Through monthly financial assistance, care coordination and connections to trusted local resources, the Kamaʻāina Credit for ALICE Households Pilot Program helps eligible residents navigate financial challenges and find support that fits their individual circumstances.

You don’t have to navigate it alone. See if you qualify and take the next step today.

What the Program Provides

Eligible households receive monthly financial assistance for up to 12 months. A household of one to three people may receive a total of $500 per month, while a household of four or more may receive $800 per month.

This assistance is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. Participants also receive ongoing support from a care coordinator who checks in monthly and helps connect them with resources.

Ready to Apply?

Applications open in October 2026. Deadline to apply is November 2026. Exact dates will be announced. All application information is confidential and used only for program administration. Since funding is limited, applying does not guarantee assistance. Selection is based on a random drawing of eligible applicants and is not first-come, first-served. Questions? CONTACT INFO NEEDED.

Eligibility

  • Meet the program’s income guidelines. Household income must fall within the program’s eligibility range.

  • Not Receiving Government Assistance. Households must not be receiving any government assistance. That includes: Social Security, military disability, SNAP, TANF, housing subsidies or funds of any kind from the government.

  • Have Earned Income. Be employed or have qualifying earned income.

  • Facing Hardship. You are experiencing a financial challenge that could disrupt your housing, employment or finances.

  • Live in Maui County. The program is available to permanent, full-time residents of Maui, Molokai and Lānaʻi.

What You Need to Apply

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Apply Today

Complete and submit the online application with required documents.

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Application Review

Your eligibility is based on program criteria, including total household income.

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Notification

Selected applicants will be notified in December 2026. A care coordinator will be provided.

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Monthly Assistance

Approved participants will receive monthly financial assistance beginning in January 2027 for 12 months.

Income Guidelines

Income guidelines are based on household size, location and local economic conditions. These guidelines are intended to help determine eligibility and are not strict income limits. Applicants will be asked to provide documentation of household income as part of the application process.

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An individual
An individual

$xx,000 – $xx,000

Hawaiʻi Family with mom and two daughters laughing in a yard.
`Ohana up to 3 people
`Ohana up to 3 people

$xx,000 – $xx,000

Hawaii family poses in front of their home
Ohana with 4+ people
Ohana with 4+ people

$xx,000 – $xx,000

Care home nurse aide

What Can the Support Help With?

Financial assistance can help ease the pressure of essential household expenses, including housing, food, child care, transportation, health care and other basic needs.

Where Does the Funding Come From?

This initiative is made possible through the generosity of the County of Maui, community partners and supporters who believe in creating greater financial stability for ALICE Maui County households.

What Does ALICE Mean?

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE households are working, but their income may not stretch far enough to cover the actual cost of living in their community. They may earn too much to qualify for traditional assistance programs while still experiencing financial hardship. A single unexpected expense can quickly create a larger financial setback.

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Hawaiʻi Family with mom and two daughters in a yard.
Community for Change

You Don’t Have to Navigate it Alone

A care coordinator is your point of connection throughout the program, helping you identify resources, understand your options and connect with the right people and organizations based on your individual circumstances.

  • Expert Navigation. Care coordinators connect participants with relevant community resources and support based on their individual circumstances, including budgeting, health care, employment opportunities and other needs.
  • Monthly Check-in. Participants check in with their care coordinator each month to talk through current or emerging needs, identify resources and stay connected throughout the program.To continuously improve the program, this pilot may require a periodic survey for feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. It describes working households whose income may not be enough to cover the cost of living in their community, even if they earn too much to qualify for some traditional assistance programs.

Eligibility is based on several factors, including household income, household size, Maui County residency and financial hardship. Review the income guidelines and eligibility requirements before applying.

Income limits vary based on household size and location. Rural communities may have slightly higher income limits to account for local economic conditions.

Yes. It may affect receiving assistance as it’s considered income. If you are receiving other benefits, you are not eligible for this program. Applicants should consult the appropriate agency or benefits administrator regarding their individual circumstances.

This is not taxable. Participants should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their specific situation.

With limited funding, not every eligible applicant may be selected. If you are not selected, Maui United Way can help connect you with other community resources that may be available.

Yes. The program is available to eligible permanent, full-time residents throughout Maui County, including Maui, Molokai and Lānaʻi. Income eligibility may vary based on location.

Selected applicants will be notified in December 2026. Approved participants will begin receiving monthly assistance in January 2027.

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