Category: Programs & Services

SSA Benefits Toolkits Explained
Losing a spouse is difficult emotionally and financially. The Social Security Administration (SSA) can help during this time. When your spouse passes away, you may be able to get benefits as a surviving spouse — even if you’re divorced.

You may be eligible for survivor benefits if:

You are age 60 or older (or 50-plus, if disabled).

You are caring for your deceased spouse’s child under 16 or with a disability.

Children and some divorced spouses may also qualify.

Working and benefits: You can work and receive survivor benefits, but earnings limits apply if you’re under full retirement age.

How much can you get as a surviving spouse?

Survivor benefits range from 71.5% to 100% of your spouse’s benefit, depending on your age when you apply. When your spouse dies, we recommend you call SSA right away at 1-800-772-1213 about our $255 lump sum death payment. You’ll also want to discuss monthly benefits for you and your family.

Call us to apply for benefits:

You can apply for both the lump sum death payment and monthly benefits at the same time by calling 1-800-772-1213. You cannot apply for survivor benefits online. If you already receive spouse benefits, you’ll be automatically converted to survivor benefits, but you should still call us for the lump sum payment.

If your former spouse dies…

You may qualify as a surviving divorced spouse if:

You were married at least 10 years, even if your spouse remarried.

You are at least age 60 (or 50, if disabled).

You are single, unless your remarriage occurred after age 60.

You must also keep in mind:

You may be able to work and get survivor benefits. It depends on your age and how much you’re earning. If you’re younger than full retirement age, you’re subject to an earnings limit.

If you already receive retirement or disability benefits on your own work record, you may be due survivor benefits if they’re greater than your own. You won’t receive both — you’ll get the higher amount.

Check out our Survivors Benefits publication and page at ssa.gov/survivor.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084.pdf. Call SSA if you have questions or to schedule an appointment for yourself or a child. Share this information with your family, friends and on social media.

For more information on SSA benefits, including who is eligible and how to apply, visit ssa.gov/benefits. To make an appointment, call between 7am and 5pm, Mon–Fri: 1-800-772-1213 | socialsecurity.gov
Losing a spouse is difficult emotionally and financially. The Social Security Administration (SSA) can help during this time. When your spouse passes away, you may be able to get benefits as a surviving spouse — even if you’re divorced. You may be eligible for survivor benefits if: How much can you get as a surviving…
Aging in Place Doesn’t Mean Aging Alone

Many kūpuna find that aging at home can become increasingly difficult. Transportation becomes a challenge. Technology feels overwhelming. Friends move away or pass on. Sometimes the greatest challenge isn’t a lack of help — it’s a lack of connection.

Mālama Village was created to address exactly these concerns. Members connect through a robust calendar of social gatherings and events. Both members and community volunteers offer assistance with transportation, technology support and practical help at home. Some members receive help. Others offer help. Most do both.

Aging brings challenges, but rather than focus on what we lose as we age, Mālama Village focuses on what we have to offer one another. Each member brings a lifetime of experience, wisdom, talents and gifts to the community. Come discover how a village works — and how it might enhance your life, because aging in place doesn’t have to mean aging alone.

Learn more at one of Mālama Village’s upcoming orientation sessions. Sessions take place every third Tuesday of each month from 3:30 to 4:15pm.

MĀLAMA VILLAGE HAWAI‘I (nonprofit)
Mālama Village is a nonprofit charitable organization that operates as a volunteer-powered, intergenerational community network.
808-221-6649 | skye.malamavillage@gmail.com
malamavillagehawaii.org
Volunteer: tinyurl.com/MalamaVillage-Volunteer
Donate: tinyurl.com/MalamaVillage-Donate

Many kūpuna find that aging at home can become increasingly difficult. Transportation becomes a challenge. Technology feels overwhelming. Friends move away or pass on. Sometimes the greatest challenge isn’t a lack of help — it’s a lack of connection. Mālama Village was created to address exactly these concerns. Members connect through a robust calendar of…
Fresh Food, Stronger Communities

Food security is about more than having enough to eat. It is about having consistent access to fresh, nutritious food that supports the health and well-being of our community — from keiki to kūpuna — and helps families thrive. Through its Fresh 4 All and Go Fresh initiatives, the Maui Food Bank connects local agriculture with community needs while making healthy food more accessible.

Fresh 4 All addresses a major barrier to healthy eating: affordable access to fresh produce. Maui Food Bank purchases and collects donated fruits and vegetables from 30 local farmers, plus wholesalers and farmers markets, then distributes them to neighbors in need. These direct connections support Maui’s agricultural economy while helping families obtain high-quality, locally sourced food.

Fresh 4 All also reflects a broader commitment to building a stronger local food system. When Maui farmers have additional opportunities to share their harvests, the community benefits twice — farmers gain support and families gain access to nutritious options that might otherwise remain out of reach. The initiative helps ensure that fresh produce becomes a regular part of food assistance rather than a rare resource.

The Go Fresh initiative expands this mission by delivering fresh food directly to families and seniors through convenient community distribution points. Through Go Fresh ‘Ohana Drops, Maui Food Bank provides nutritious food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, to over 1,300 residents monthly experiencing food insecurity. The program also supports our kūpuna through the Senior Mobile Pantry, which delivers supplemental food resources and fresh produce to over 1,600 older adults throughout Maui County.

These programs allow Maui Food Bank to address hunger while promoting health and dignity. Instead of focusing only on emergency food supplies, Fresh 4 All and Go Fresh help families access foods that support long-term wellness. The initiatives recognize that ending hunger requires more than providing calories — it requires providing nourishing choices that help people thrive.

Maui Food Bank continues to rely on partnerships with farmers, volunteers, donors and community organizations to expand its impact. Through programs like Fresh 4 All and Go Fresh, the organization creates a stronger connection between Maui’s agricultural resources and the people who need them most. Together, these efforts are building a more resilient Maui Nui where every resident can access safe, healthy and nutritious food.

MAUI FOOD BANK (nonprofit)
760 Kolu St., Wailuku, HI 96793
808-243-9500 | info@mauifoodbank.org
MauiFoodBank.org

Food security is about more than having enough to eat. It is about having consistent access to fresh, nutritious food that supports the health and well-being of our community — from keiki to kūpuna — and helps families thrive. Through its Fresh 4 All and Go Fresh initiatives, the Maui Food Bank connects local agriculture…
Protect Your Medicare

Older adults in Hawai‘i face many challenges today and protecting your Medicare number is more important than ever. The high cost of living, fewer healthcare workers and rising Medicare scams put kūpuna at real risk for losing money or getting the wrong medical care.

Hawai‘i is one of the most expensive places to live and many kūpuna depend on fixed incomes. Housing, food, medicine and doctor visits continue to cost more each year. When someone charges your Medicare for care you didn’t receive or for services you didn’t need, those extra costs can be very hard to manage. Even small mistakes or false charges can add up and cause stress.

There are also not enough healthcare workers in many hospitals, clinics and homecare agencies, meaning longer wait times and rushed visits. Busy doctors and staff may make coding or billing mistakes. High turnover can also lead to confusion or poor communication, which can affect your care and your wallet.

Across the country, Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion every year due to fraud and abuse. This money is lost because of false billing, scams and dishonest actions — not clerical mistakes. Scammers may try to steal your identity, offer fake medical equipment or “upcode,” which means billing Medicare for a more expensive service than what you received. Many older adults do not report suspicious activity because they feel embarrassed or worry about causing trouble. But reporting helps protect everyone.

Medical identity theft is one of the most serious problems. If someone uses your Medicare number, false information — like wrong diagnoses or treatments you never had — can be added to your medical record. This can lead to unsafe care in the future. Medicare may also deny real services if it thinks care was already provided.

However, there are easy steps you can take.

Treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Never share your Medicare or Social Security number with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Medicare will not call you to ask for your number or send a new card. Read your Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits often and make sure the charges match the care you received. If something looks wrong, or if you need help, contact Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Hawai‘i at 1-800-296-9422 or visit smphawaii.org. SMP Hawai‘i can help you understand your benefits, report possible fraud and protect your identity. You can also ask about volunteer opportunities to help protect yourself and others.

Contact Hawai‘i State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free help with yourMedicare questions as we prepare for the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2026).

SMP HAWAI‘I & HAWAI‘I SHIP
250 South Hotel St., Ste. 406, Honolulu, HI 96813
SMP HAWAI‘I
808-586-7281 | 1-800-296-9422 | smphawaii.org
HAWAI‘I SHIP
808-586-7299 | 1-888-875-9229 | hawaiiship.org

Older adults in Hawai‘i face many challenges today and protecting your Medicare number is more important than ever. The high cost of living, fewer healthcare workers and rising Medicare scams put kūpuna at real risk for losing money or getting the wrong medical care. Hawai‘i is one of the most expensive places to live and…
Nourishing Meals and Mele for Shirley

Shirley’s life has long been guided by music and movement. Raised in Kalihi in a family rooted in hula, she began dancing as a child and later performed across Hawai‘i, the continent and abroad. Recognized as a top Tahitian dancer in the 1950s, she spent decades sharing her artistry while also supporting her family as a nurse aide.

Now 88, Shirley remains sharp and spirited, though chronic pain and limited mobility make daily tasks such as cooking difficult. Before receiving support from Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels (HMoW), her simple meals did not meet her nutritional needs. Today, home-delivered meals help sustain her independence while ensuring she remains safe and well-nourished at home.

“I’m so thankful for the meals,” Shirley shared. “I love the beef stew, and they bring milk, pudding and cookies. The meals are a big help for me.” Through HMoW’s new Mele Meals Program, musician/meal delivery drivers brought live music to her doorstep. Shirley danced hula to her favorite, “Hanalei Moon.”

To learn more about home-delivered meals, contact Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels using the information provided below.

HAWAI‘I MEALS ON WHEELS (nonprofit)
PO Box 236099, Honolulu, HI 96823
808-988-6747 | hmow.org

Shirley’s life has long been guided by music and movement. Raised in Kalihi in a family rooted in hula, she began dancing as a child and later performed across Hawai‘i, the continent and abroad. Recognized as a top Tahitian dancer in the 1950s, she spent decades sharing her artistry while also supporting her family as…
Project Maka‘ala Helps Kūpuna Avoid Fraud
Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA), a statewide nonprofit dedicated to building economic self-sufficiency and housing stability for low- and moderate-income communities, recently launched Project Maka‘ala (to be alert, vigilant and aware), a culturally grounded community initiative designed to help kūpuna recognize, avoid and respond to financial scams and fraud. The program is rooted in Hawaiian values: When something feels wrong — pause, kāhea (reach out), then decide. Kūpuna are encouraged to kāhea to a trusted person/resource before acting, to enhance clarity, protection and support.

This spring, kūpuna gathered for a lunch-and learn event, fraud/scam awareness and protection seminar, community resource fairs, a film event and a workshop. Participants learned valuable skills, such as how to recognize, avoid and report potential fraud and scams. Guests shared real world mo‘olelo (stories) about how they identified and avoided fraud.

Project Maka‘ala works with numerous community partners, including local law enforcement, the Kualoa-He‘eia Ecumenical Youth (KEY) Project and the multi-agency Kūpuna Alert Partners (KAP) program. The program provides free presentations on fraud, scams and prescription drug misuse to communities statewide. Project Maka‘ala also collaborates with Windward O‘ahu communities and Hawaiian Homestead residents.

To protect yourself and your loved ones from an “under-the-radar” fraud epidemic, refer to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s free “Smart Money for Older Adults” resource guide. If you suspect you may be a victim of fraud, contact the State of Hawai‘i’s Adult Protective and Community Services Branch Statewide Reporting Line: 808-832-5115.

Help protect yourself by:

Identifying a trusted contact

Reviewing your accounts regularly

Securing personal information

Planning for financial, legal or medical decisions

Stay tuned for future Project Maka‘ala events to
learn more.

HAWAIIAN COMMUNITY ASSETS (nonprofit)
310 Paoakalani Ave., #204e, Honolulu, HI 96815
808-587-7886 | oahufoc@hawaiiancommunity.net
hawaiiancommunity.net
Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA), a statewide nonprofit dedicated to building economic self-sufficiency and housing stability for low- and moderate-income communities, recently launched Project Maka‘ala (to be alert, vigilant and aware), a culturally grounded community initiative designed to help kūpuna recognize, avoid and respond to financial scams and fraud. The program is rooted in Hawaiian values:…
Wellness Beyond the Workout

Wellness for kūpuna is often misunderstood. It is not just about staying physically strong or checking the right boxes at a doctor’s visit. True well-being includes physical health, mental health and something just as important: social connection. One of the greatest risks to health as we age is isolation. One of the greatest protectors at any age is belonging. At the YMCA, we see this every day. Many kūpuna first come to the Y to stay active. What keeps them coming back is connection. The Y offers classes on land and in the pool designed specifically for seniors, including strength, balance, water exercise and evidence-based programs like Enhance Fitness that help manage arthritis and support mobility. But the real magic happens beyond the workout.

Wellness at the Y looks like pickleball games/lessons, hula classes, garden clubs, nutrition workshops and digital classes. It includes celebrating birthdays and holidays, honoring veterans, recognizing achievements and sharing meals. Intergenerational activities include youth and senior hula classes. The impact is real. In our Kūpuna Food & Fun program, 100% of participants say they have met new people, made new friends and feel a sense of belonging. Well-being grows in places where you feel welcomed, valued and at home.

YMCA OF HONOLULU – Metropolitan Office (nonprofit)
1441 Pali Hwy., Honolulu, HI 96813
808-531-9622 | info@ymcahonolulu.org
ymcahonolulu.org

Wellness for kūpuna is often misunderstood. It is not just about staying physically strong or checking the right boxes at a doctor’s visit. True well-being includes physical health, mental health and something just as important: social connection. One of the greatest risks to health as we age is isolation. One of the greatest protectors at…
VoTech Program Opens Career Doors

“They helped me see bigger opportunities,” says Chasthan Hernandez, a 2025 graduate of a Maui vocational technology awareness program that helps qualifying high school students gain high-demand skills in the facilities maintenance and engineering trades.

The Tradewinds VoTech awareness initiative offers
learning in a practical setting, where students can gain
real-world skills that are in high demand on Maui.

For high school seniors who are not college-bound, the nonprofit Maui Facilities and Engineering Leadership Council (MFELC), comprised of members of the island’s major firms and businesses, offers another pathway to success. In this cross-generational education program, working and retired senior volunteers pass their knowledge about the trades to the next generation, helping to build careers through mentorship with qualifying high school seniors through communication, collaboration and education. A very impactful part of this program is the life experience and wisdom imparted by the instructors.

The State of Hawai‘i Alternative Learning Programs, Services and Supports (ALPPS) program and the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kulanihakoi-Maui Complex Area developed a hands-on learning experience tailored to graduating seniors who qualify and enroll in the program. The Tradewinds VoTech awareness initiative is a win-win for students and the community by giving students meaningful pathways to immediate, stable careers while closing the skilled worker gap and helping to ensure Maui’s continued growth and prosperity. The program offers avenues to paid training in construction, tools, blueprints and engineering skills, especially for wildfire survivors, graduates and returning residents to rebuild the island’s infrastructure and economy.

Chasthan Hernandez

Students will gain real-world, practical insights into Maui’s skilled trades, including plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, HVAC and more. Each module builds upon the last, offering students a deeper understanding of how these vital trades are interconnected and essential to Maui’s success. “Our goal is to provide graduating students with an awareness of how, with just a high school degree, they can access immediate opportunities for careers offering salaries that rival and in some cases exceed those of college graduates right here on Maui,” says MFELC Executive Director Rich Sato. “We’re here to open doors to career possibilities that many students may not have known existed.”

Plans are also in the works to launch an online platform to engage more retirees. “We will match retired, skilled trades professionals with opportunities to put their skills to use—at their convenience—to help our member facilities augment their dwindling full-time—and in many cases overworked—teams,” says Rich. They are currently beta-trialing the platform and look to launch it in the first quarter of 2026.

If your teen is not headed for college, help him or her find an alternate pathway to success on Maui. Businesses and retired seniors who are looking to re-engage and can offer their mentorship are also welcome to contact MFELC using the contact information below.

MAUI FACILITIES AND ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP COUNCIL (nonprofit)
95 Mahalani St, Ste. 28-4, Wailuku, HI 96793
808-874-7400 | mauifelc@gmail.com
mfelc.org

“They helped me see bigger opportunities,” says Chasthan Hernandez, a 2025 graduate of a Maui vocational technology awareness program that helps qualifying high school students gain high-demand skills in the facilities maintenance and engineering trades. For high school seniors who are not college-bound, the nonprofit Maui Facilities and Engineering Leadership Council (MFELC), comprised of members…
Bridging Aging & Disability Care on Kaua‘i

In Hawai‘i, many families care for both kūpuna and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But aging and disability systems often operate separately, leaving families with gaps in services, caregiving support and long-term planning.

The Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Council) works to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families. It brings together community members, agencies and advocates to identify needs, shape policy and promote inclusive practices. On Kaua‘i, the local DD Council plays a vital role in connecting partners and ensuring rural areas have access to coordinated support.

Through the Bridging Aging and Disability Networks (BADN) initiative, the DD Council convened aging and disability providers to share information, align resources and strengthen care practices. This collaboration has led to community resource fairs, caregiver training, internship programs to grow the caregiving workforce and practical tools like emergency forms for families and first responders. BADN also emphasizes culturally grounded practices, respect for family caregiving traditions and proactive planning to reduce unnecessary institutionalization.

Bridging these networks strengthens local capacity and supports Hawai‘i’s caregivers.

HAWAI‘I STATE COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
3060 Eiwa St. Rm. 207, Lihue, HI, 96766
808-348-4898 | hiddcouncil.org

In Hawai‘i, many families care for both kūpuna and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But aging and disability systems often operate separately, leaving families with gaps in services, caregiving support and long-term planning. The Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Council) works to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their…
Beware of Medical Identity Theft

When Aunty Lei’s Medicare Summary Notice showed lab test charges she didn’t recognize, she called SMP Hawai‘i, a volunteer-based federal program that helps prevent Medicare fraud through education. The counselor helped her report the fraud, document each detail and understand how scammers target kūpuna through their Medicare numbers.

But Aunty Lei also wondered if these false charges would affect her benefits and future claims, so she was referred to Hawai‘i State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP offers free, confidential and unbiased counseling, outreach and education to help Medicare beneficiaries make informed decisions about their health coverage. A SHIP counselor helped review her Medicare plan and check her claims, and also taught her how to read her statements and understand her rights.

SMP protected her from fraud, while SHIP helped her understand and resolve Medicare issues.

Protect yourself:
❶ Never share your Medicare or Social Security number with unexpected callers;
❷ Review your Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits regularly and
❸ Watch for bills, supplies or services you didn’t request.

SMP HAWAIʻI & HAWAIʻI SHIP
250 South Hotel St., Ste. 406, Honolulu, HI 96813
SMP HAWAIʻI
808-586-7281 | 1-800-296-9422 | smphawaii.org
HAWAIʻI SHIP
808-586-7299 | 1-888-875-9229 | hawaiiship.org

When Aunty Lei’s Medicare Summary Notice showed lab test charges she didn’t recognize, she called SMP Hawai‘i, a volunteer-based federal program that helps prevent Medicare fraud through education. The counselor helped her report the fraud, document each detail and understand how scammers target kūpuna through their Medicare numbers. But Aunty Lei also wondered if these…
Helping to Protect Sea Turtles

Under the cover of a moonlit sky, a familiar hawksbill sea turtle, Orion, hauls herself up the beach with slow, powerful strokes. Now in her fifth nesting season, she begins meticulously carving into the sand, preparing a nest chamber to hold the next generation of hatchlings. One day, they too will repeat this prehistoric cycle.

For nearly three decades, Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund (HWF) has been protecting nesting sea turtles, including the endangered hawksbill, helping to ensure the continuation of this cycle into an uncertain future. As a community-driven nonprofit organization, HWF is dedicated to the conservation of Hawai‘i’s coastal and marine species through research, education, marine debris removal and habitat restoration. On Maui, HWF leads several programs with a strong focus on safeguarding hatchlings and nesting sea turtles, including Dawn Patrol, Night Patrol and Nest Watch.

Dawn Patrol staff and volunteers go out early looking for sea turtle tracks or an indication of a nest that has been laid. The Night Patrol looks for, guards and monitors nesting females. Nest Watch occurs day and night, watching over the nests to keep hatchlings safe from disturbance.

However, the path to stronger sea turtle conservation on Maui has not been without its hardships. In 1993 and 1996, two hawksbill turtles searching for suitable nesting sites at Kealia Beach were tragically drawn off course by artificial lights from the nearby road. Both turtles, laden with eggs, were subsequently struck and killed by passing cars. Though heartbreaking and all too familiar, this incident marked a turning point for sea turtle conservation on Maui. In response, HWF and partnered agencies launched the Sea Turtle Recovery Project to address the many challenges sea turtles face through monitoring, researching, and the protection of nesting hawksbill and green turtles.

Since then, with tireless support from our community, HWF has monitored 154 nests and protected 13,047 hatchlings as they made their way to the ocean. Each nesting season brings stories of resilience and survival, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of this work. Nonetheless, every step forward is only possible through the dedication of our community. Every volunteer, from students to kūpuna, plays a vital role in our efforts. Join us in helping ensure that turtles like Orion—and even her hatchlings, who may now be finding their way back—continue to return and nest on the beaches of Maui for generations. Learn more or get involved on Maui via wildhawaii.org/get-involved/volunteer.

HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND (nonprofit)
PO Box 790637, Paia, HI 96779
719-332-0218 | alex@wildhawaii.org
wildhawaii.org

Under the cover of a moonlit sky, a familiar hawksbill sea turtle, Orion, hauls herself up the beach with slow, powerful strokes. Now in her fifth nesting season, she begins meticulously carving into the sand, preparing a nest chamber to hold the next generation of hatchlings. One day, they too will repeat this prehistoric cycle.…
Akamai Seniors: a Nonprofit for Seniors

I’m honored to share the heart of Akamai Seniors, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving Hawai‘i’s older adults. Our mission is simple: to help you find peace of mind and live healthy, productive lives, ensuring you get more out of life while spreading the aloha spirit in the communities we serve.

We’re educators and a community outreach resource focusing on vital areas. Billions in benefits often go unclaimed because applications are complex. We step in to help. Our team provides crucial Medicare education, assisting with enrollment and ensuring you utilize the plan that best fits your needs. We also specialize in the Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help) program. Half of all seniors qualify for this program that significantly lowers prescription drug costs and covers premiums.

Beyond finances, we champion your overall well-being. Our Senior Wellness Program offers education on everything from fall prevention, nutrition and Alzheimer’s disease to combating social isolation. We also empower you with financial education, covering wills and trusts, Social Security and protection against scams.

Akamai Seniors is your resource for aging and healthy living. We love our seniors and are always striving to best serve your needs. We believe every kupuna deserves to thrive!

AKAMAI SENIORS (nonprofit)
1311 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 508, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-460-4940 | edward@akamaiseniors.org
Akamaiseniors.org

I’m honored to share the heart of Akamai Seniors, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving Hawai‘i’s older adults. Our mission is simple: to help you find peace of mind and live healthy, productive lives, ensuring you get more out of life while spreading the aloha spirit in the communities we serve. We’re educators and…