In a Nutshell

Utah is known for its breathtaking landscape, booming tech industry, and close-knit community spirit. While the state’s poverty rate of 9.0% is below the national average of 11.1%, rising living expenses continue to squeeze household budgets, leaving many Utahans struggling to make ends meet.

To address these challenges, Utah offers a range of financial assistance programs to provide relief for those struggling to stay afloat. From cash aid to healthcare services, these initiatives support residents across the Beehive State.

Discover how Utah’s financial assistance programs can help you regain control and build a more secure future for you and your family.

Government Assistance Programs in Utah

Utah provides several government assistance programs to help residents overcome financial hardships. From cash assistance to healthcare and housing, Utahans can access crucial resources that could ease their economic strain and enhance their quality of life.

Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance programs in Utah offer individuals and families temporary financial support during challenging times. These initiatives help them cover day-to-day expenses while working toward self-sufficiency.

Residents participating in these financial aid programs can purchase essential items using their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card at authorized stores. They can also use it to withdraw cash at most ATMs, ensuring easy access to their benefits when needed.

  • Funded by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant
  • Short-term cash aid for parents who are unemployed or underemployed, offering up to 36 months of financial support
  • Pay-after-performance program that assists pregnant women and two-parent families in increasing their income through employment
  • Financial assistance is limited to 7 months in any 13-month period, requiring participation in job counseling and employment activities
  • Formerly known as food stamps
  • Cash aid to low- and no-income individuals, helping them buy healthy food

Utah Stimulus Checks

  • There are no new stimulus check updates in Utah for 2024 
  • Residents can still apply for state tax credits to lower their tax bill and potentially increase their refund  
  • Although Utah doesn’t offer a Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), residents can claim the State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) for tax relief

Medical Assistance

Utah’s medical assistance programs help individuals and families with limited income and resources access healthcare services, ensuring that essential needs are met.

  • Covers medical expenses for low-income individuals, including pregnant women, children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities
  • Medical benefits include hospital services, prescriptions, maternity care, mental health services, and more
  • State health insurance plan for children without other coverage
  • Provides essential services like well-child exams, immunizations, emergency care, doctor visits, mental health, and dental care
  • Breast and cervical cancer screenings for low-income, uninsured, or underinsured women aged 40-64
  • Facilitates access to diagnostic and treatment services, along with patient navigation support

Pregnant and Single Mother Programs

Assistance programs for pregnant and single mothers in Utah offer support and key resources to promote healthy pregnancies and family well-being.

  • Temporary Medicaid coverage for low-income pregnant women, covering pregnancy-related outpatient services from any Utah Medicaid provider
  • Provides various free or low-cost services throughout Utah for women during pregnancy and early parenting
  • Supplemental nutrition program offering healthy foods and nutrition services to eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as children up to age five
  • Includes one-on-one counseling, online and group nutrition classes, and educational materials

Child Care Services

Utah’s child care programs help cover the cost of care, allowing parents to focus on their work or scholastic pursuits.

  • Helps parents cover child care costs and support the well-being of their child
  • Once approved, payments are made directly to the provider chosen by the parents
  • Child care assistance for eligible unemployed parents to help them with job search activities
  • Available once every six months for parents not receiving Employment Support or FEP childcare

Food Assistance

  • The Summer EBT program for 2024 is unavailable. Check with your school district for updates for 2025
  • Call 211 or visit the 211 website for help with food resources and other government services, including housing, transportation, and utility assistance

Assistance for Veterans

Veterans who have served in the U.S. military and reside in Utah may qualify for federal and state benefits. The Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs offers support services that help veterans access these essential resources, easing the transition into civilian life.

Services and benefits include:

  • Employment
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • VA Claims Assistance
  • Legal Assistance
  • Housing
  • Business Resources
  • Tax Abatement

Elderly and Disabled Adult Programs

Utah's programs for elderly and disabled adults focus on helping individuals live more independently and engage with their communities through various supportive services.

  • Helps individuals with disabilities manage daily tasks, participate in activities, and receive personalized care
  • Resources include behavior supports, chore services, day services, and environmental adaptations to enhance accessibility in homes

The Utah Division of Aging & Adult Services (DAAS) provides a broad range of home and community-based services to support residents aged 60 and older. These programs offer essential resources and assistance, such as:

  • Alternatives Program / Home and Community-Based Services: Individualized in-home services for seniors to maintain their independence and remain in their homes
  • Health, Wellness, and Nutrition Programs: Offers healthy meals, social engagement, and access to community resources
  • Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP): Job training and employment assistance, helping seniors gain new skills and find employment
  • State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP): Provides counseling on Medicare and insurance for seniors and their caregivers, helping them navigate their healthcare options
  • Legal Services: Free or low-cost legal assistance for seniors

Utility Bill Assistance

Residents facing financial challenges can access several programs to ease the burden of utility costs, especially during Utah’s colder months.

  • Year-round energy assistance to reduce heating bills among low-income and vulnerable households
  • Program starts October 1st through the following September 30th of each year (or until federal LIHEAP funds run out)
  • Assists low-income families in improving energy efficiency and safety in their homes
  • Prioritizes elderly, disabled, and high-energy consumption households, offering upgrades to reduce utility costs

Assistance for Unemployment

Utah’s unemployment assistance programs support residents who are actively seeking employment but have temporarily lost their jobs. These programs offer financial relief and job placement resources to help individuals get back on their feet.

  • Temporary financial assistance for those unemployed through no fault of their own
  • Benefits offer partial wage replacement for eligible claimants while they seek new employment opportunities
  • Offers job search tools, workshops, and career guidance through the Utah Department of Workforce Services
  • Grants access to educational opportunities and Pell Grant scholarships to improve career prospects

Housing and Homelessness Assistance

Utah offers a number of programs to support residents facing housing insecurity and homelessness, providing immediate relief and long-term solutions to families in need.

  • Coordinates resources for homelessness prevention through partnerships with the government, private industry, and nonprofits
  • Provides support, resources, and services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Utah who may be eligible for funding
  • Offers payments for rent, mortgage, security deposits, and utilities to prevent homelessness
  • Facilitates referrals to legal services, budget counseling, and mediation with landlords or mortgage companies to resolve housing crises

Transportation Assistance

  • Transportation for Medicaid-supported care includes coverage for emergency ambulance services to the nearest qualified hospital
  • ModivCare offers non-emergency door-to-door transportation services for eligible Medicaid members who may not have access to a vehicle or have physical or mental disabilities preventing them from using public transportation

Divorce and Other Legal Assistance

  • Utah’s State Courts provide legal assistance to individuals without a lawyer, with several agencies and organizations offering free representation
  • Utah Legal Services offers free legal advice and advocacy in civil matters related to housing, family safety, and income security

Nonprofit Assistance Programs in Utah

The Beehive State is home to a vast network of nonprofit organizations that help residents navigate financial challenges. These nonprofits address immediate needs and provide long-term solutions to support Utahans and help their communities thrive.

  • Supports the well-being of children through services like adoption, childcare, and kinship care  
  • Develops programs for families and caregivers, including home visitation and grandfamilies support
  • Distributes food through a statewide network of emergency pantries and agencies to combat hunger
  • Establishes programs targeting childhood hunger, providing essential nutrition to vulnerable children across Utah
  • Focuses on empowering individuals, strengthening families, and fostering self-reliance through education and community-building initiatives
  • Provides six core programs: Case Management & Housing, HEAT Utility Assistance, Head Start Preschool, Nutrition, Weatherization for Homes, and Workforce Development

How Do You Get Financial Help in Utah?

While Utah offers many financial assistance programs, sometimes they’re not enough to address significant financial burdens like mounting credit card debt or medical bills. If you’re feeling buried under debt, partnering with a trusted debt relief company like TurboDebt could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

TurboDebt provides effective Utah debt relief programs to help residents find tailored solutions for debt relief. In 2023 alone, we’ve assisted countless customers in saving a staggering average of 56% on their total debt before fees.

Here’s why TurboDebt stands out:

  • No upfront fees to get started
  • Potential savings of 50% or more on your total debt (before fees) with our debt settlement program
  • Become debt-free in as little as 12–48 months
  • Top-rated customer service, backed up by over 15,000+ 5-star TurboDebt reviews from satisfied clients

Take the first step toward a debt-free life today! Contact us for a free consultation and discover how TurboDebt can help you achieve lasting financial freedom.