Support for Working Kamaʻāina
Financial Support for Working Households
Maui United Way’s Kamaʻāina Credit for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Households Pilot Program provides monthly financial assistance and care coordination to eligible Maui County households whose income falls within the program’s approved ALICE range. The program is designed for working households that may earn too much to qualify for certain income-based, government assistance yet still struggle to afford basic living expenses.
$9,600
annual assistance for `ohana of 4+
The high cost of living can leave working households caught in a difficult gap. Many Maui County households work and earn an income but still struggle to cover housing, food, child care, transportation and other essentials. Some may earn too much to qualify for certain income-based assistance programs while still not earning enough to achieve financial stability.
The Kamaʻāina Credit is designed to help eligible households navigate that gap with predictable monthly financial assistance and connections to local resources.
You don’t have to face that gap 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 three people or fewer may receive $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 receive monthly support from a care coordinator who helps connect them with resources. Payments are provided on a debit card that must be picked up in person and can be used for purchases anywhere the card is accepted. Cash withdrawals are not permitted.
Who is Part of a Household?
A household includes everyone who lives together in the same home and shares financial responsibility. This may include spouses or partners, children, adult children and other family members. All household members who earn income must be included in the application, and their income must be reported regardless of age or whether they are considered financially dependent.
Roommates or tenants who maintain a separate household and are financially independent should not be included.
When to Apply
Applications will open in October 2026 with a deadline to apply in November 2026. Exact dates will be announced. Because funding is limited, meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. Eligible applicants will be selected through a random drawing after applications close. Selection is not first-come, first-served. All application information is confidential and will be used only for program administration. Potential applicants with additional questions can email the program’s support specialists here.
Eligibility
What You’ll Need to Apply
Eligibility Review
Applications are reviewed based on the program’s eligibility requirements, including total household income and size.
Notification
Eligible applicants will be entered into a random selection process after applications close. Selected applicants will be notified in December 2026.
Monthly Assistance
Approved participants will begin receiving monthly assistance in January 2027 for 12 months.
Income Guidelines
These general income guidelines are based on household size, location and local economic conditions. They are intended to help determine eligibility and are not strict income limits. Income limits may be higher in rural areas. Applicants will be asked to provide documentation of household income as part of the application process.
An individual
An individual
up to $89,585
`Ohana of up to 3 people
`Ohana up to 3 people
up to $139,380 for the household
Ohana with 4+ people
Ohana with up to 8 people
up to $239,895 for the household
What Does ALICE Mean?
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE describes households that are working and earning income but do not earn enough to comfortably afford the basic cost of living in their community. Some ALICE households earn too much to qualify for certain income-based assistance programs while still struggling to cover essential expenses. The Kamaʻāina Credit is designed to help eligible households in this gap.
What Can the Support Help With?
Monthly assistance can help households manage essential 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 committed to creating greater financial stability for Maui County households.
Care Coordination
Participants will have access to a care coordinator who provides monthly check-ins and connects them with resources based on their individual needs, such as budgeting, health care, employment and other community services.
