Section 17-803-5 - NRST benefits(a) An eligible family unit may receive one or more of the following NRST benefits: (1) Housing deposit, as incurred, to secure long-term housing for the family unit. The NRST housing deposit shall be the actual housing deposit amount up to the maximum amount of $4,000.(2) Housing payments for no more than four months, to maintain the family unit's long-term housing. The NRST housing payments shall be the actual monthly cost up to the maximum amount of $4,000 per month.(3) Short-term housing payments for no more than four months, to maintain the family unit's temporary housing arrangement. The NRST short-term housing payments shall be the actual cost each month up to the maximum amount of $18,000 each month.(4) Automobile downpayment, as incurred, to secure a reliable automobile for the family unit. The NRST automobile downpayment amount shall be the actual downpayment up to the maximum amount of $5,000.(5) Automobile payments for no more than four months, to maintain the family unit's mode of transportation. The NRST automobile payments shall be the actual monthly cost up to the maximum amount of $500 per month.(6) One-time utility deposit, as incurred, to connect a family unit's electricity, gas, and water source. The NRST utility deposit may be applied to one or more utility source. The total NRST utility deposit amount shall be the actual utility deposit expense up to $2,000.(7) Utility payments for no more than four months, to maintain the family unit's utility sources. The NRST utility payments may be applied to one or more utility sources. The total NRST utility payment amount shall be the combined monthly cost for all utility sources up to the maximum amount of $750 each month.(8) Clothing allowance for each eligible family member. The NRST clothing allowance shall not exceed $350 for each dependent child under the age of eighteen years, and $500 for each dependent child aged eighteen years and older and each adult in the family unit. Each family member must meet all eligibility requirements in section 17-803-3 to receive the NRST clothing allowance.(9) School supply allowance of $300 for each school-aged dependent child. Each dependent child must meet all eligibility requirements in section 17-803-3 to receive the NRST school supply allowance.(b) Each NRST benefit listed in subsection (a), paragraphs (1) through (7), shall be limited to once in the lifetime of the family unit.(c) Each NRST benefit listed in subsection (a), paragraphs (8) and (9), shall be limited to once in the lifetime of each family member.(d) The family unit shall have a signed rental or lease contract or other formal and binding agreement, provided that any specified costs shall not include maintenance, repairs, remodeling, insurance, property tax fees, or other costs not related to immediate housing needs or the automobile purchase, to qualify for any NRST benefits listed in subsection (a), paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5).(e) The family unit shall have accounts with the utility companies to qualify for each NRST benefit listed in subsection (a), paragraphs (6) and (7).(f) NRST benefits may be paid to the family unit or directly to a vendor or a payee other than the family unit at the discretion of the department or the department's designee.[Eff 9/19/2023] (Auth: HRS §§ 91-3, 91-4, and 346-14; 42 U.S.C. §§ 601, et seq.) (Imp: HRS § 346-14; 45 C.F.R. § 260.31)