Benefits Enrollment Center
The Benefits Enrollment Center:
Helping Kūpuna Access the Support They Need and Deserve
Navigating public benefits can feel overwhelming—especially when applications are long, documents are hard to find, or everything has moved online. That’s why Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi’s Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) exists: to make sure seniors don’t have to figure it out alone.
For many kūpuna, benefits like SNAP (EBT), Medicare assistance, or help with prescription drug costs can make a meaningful difference in daily life. The BEC provides free, one-on-one assistance to help seniors understand, apply for, and maintain access to these critical supports.
What the Benefits Enrollment Center Does
The BEC works closely with seniors, caregivers, and family members to simplify complex benefit systems. Staff take the time to walk through each step with care, patience, and respect.
Through the Benefits Enrollment Center, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi helps seniors:
- Apply for SNAP (EBT) food assistance
- Apply for Medicare Savings Programs that help pay Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs
- Apply for Medicare Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) to reduce prescription drug costs
- Receive assistance with Medicaid and other health-related benefits
- Apply for energy and utility assistance programs, such as LIHEAP
- Apply for other benefits like prescription drug benefits, housing subsidies, home internet, other food benefits, and other means-tested benefit programs.
- Understand renewal requirements and reapply when benefits must be recertified
Support From Start to Finish
BEC staff do more than just fill out forms. They:
- Help gather and organize required documents
- Assist with online, faxed, or in-person submissions
- Explain what to expect after an application is submitted
- Follow up if interviews are missed or documents are requested
- Encourage seniors to return each year for reapplication support
While the BEC does not determine eligibility, the team ensures applications are complete, accurate, and submitted correctly—reducing delays and unnecessary denials.
A Trusted Resource for Seniors and Families
The Benefits Enrollment Center serves seniors across Hawaiʻi, regardless of religious affiliation. Many referrals come from caring neighbors, adult children, or caregivers who want to help a senior access support. With the senior’s consent, BEC staff are happy to guide families through the process.
How to Get Help
Call the Community Senior Services Intake Helpline: 808-527-4777
Ask for the Benefits Enrollment Center.
A staff member will listen, assess your needs, and connect you to the right support—at no cost.
At Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, the Benefits Enrollment Center is about more than benefits. It’s about dignity, stability, and making sure kūpuna get the help they deserve.
Contact Our Senior Help Line
Phone
(808) 527-4777
