Help is out there, and much of it starts in one place. Utah has benefits programs for Medicaid, SNAP, cash help through the Family Employment Program, and heating help through HEAT, and many start at myCase, the Department of Workforce Services application. SSDI and SSI go through Social Security, and VA disability goes through the VA.
Utah benefits programs at a glance
Program | What it helps with | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) | Monthly income when a health condition stops you from working | Social Security Administration (SSA), or with Turnout |
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) | Monthly income for people with disabilities or older adults with very limited income | SSA, or with Turnout |
VA Disability | Tax-free monthly payments for conditions connected to military service | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
Medicaid | Free or low-cost health coverage | myCase |
ACA Subsidies (Affordable Care Act) | Lower monthly costs for marketplace health plans | HealthCare.gov |
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy | Health insurance for older adults and some people with disabilities, plus help using it | SSA to enroll, Turnout for advocacy |
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) | Money for groceries | myCase |
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) | Healthy food and nutrition support for families with young children | A local WIC clinic |
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) | Help paying heating bills | Utah's HEAT program |
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) | Cash help and job support for families with children | myCase |
EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) | A bigger tax refund for working people | Your federal and Utah tax returns |
Child Tax Credit | Lower taxes for families with children | Your federal and Utah tax returns |
Child Care Assistance (CCAP, Child Care Assistance Program) | Help paying for child care | myCase |
IEP (Individualized Education Program) / Education Advocacy | Special education support at school | Your child's school, or with Turnout |
Disability and income
SSDI
SSDI pays monthly benefits to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes but can't work now because of a serious medical condition. In Utah, Disability Determination Services (DDS), part of the Department of Workforce Services, reviews medical evidence and helps SSA decide whether you meet its disability rules. You apply through SSA online, by phone, or at a Social Security office. If you'd like one-on-one help, you can apply for SSDI with Turnout.
Official resources: SSA's disability benefits page and Utah Disability Determination Services.
SSI
SSI is a monthly payment for people with very limited income and savings who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. In Utah, DDS also reviews SSI disability claims. The Department of Workforce Services handles other help many people on SSI use, like Medicaid and SNAP, through its myCase portal. You apply for SSI through SSA online, by phone, or at a local office. Keep your medical records and a list of your doctors handy when you apply. For one-on-one help, you can apply for SSI with Turnout.
Official resources: SSA's SSI page.
VA Disability
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with illnesses or injuries connected to their military service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decides claims and assigns a disability rating. In Utah, the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs is the state agency that serves veterans and can connect you with state benefits and claims help. You can also work with a VA-accredited representative when you file. Turnout doesn't represent veterans in VA claims, but you can learn more on Turnout's veterans benefits page.
Official resources: VA's disability compensation rates and the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs.
Health coverage
Medicaid
Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income. In Utah, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) runs Medicaid, and the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) handles applications through myCase. You can apply at myCase, DWS's online portal for Medicaid, SNAP, cash help, and child care. If you'd rather talk to someone, you can call or visit a DWS office for help. Medicaid pays for doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions.
Official resources: Utah Medicaid from DHHS and the federal Medicaid program at Medicaid.gov.
ACA Subsidies
ACA subsidies are tax credits that lower what you pay each month for a health plan you buy on the marketplace. Utah uses the federal marketplace, so residents shop and enroll at HealthCare.gov. You can enroll at HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596. The Utah Insurance Department can answer questions about health insurance in Utah. Most people enroll during the yearly open enrollment period, but life changes like losing coverage can let you enroll at other times. If you might qualify for Medicaid, apply through myCase too.
Official resources: the Utah Insurance Department's health insurance information.
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities, and you enroll through SSA. In Utah, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling, and the Utah Insurance Department has resources for seniors. SHIP counselors can help you compare plans and look into programs that lower costs. When coverage isn't working, like a denial or a confusing bill, you can get one-on-one help from Turnout's healthcare advocacy team.
Official resources: Medicare.gov and the Utah Insurance Department's resources for seniors.
Food and nutrition
SNAP
SNAP gives households money each month to buy groceries. In Utah, the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) runs SNAP, and benefits come on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card. You can apply at myCase, the same portal used for Medicaid, cash help, and child care. After you apply, DWS will contact you for an interview. You'll need to share information about your household's income and expenses. You can also check your case and report changes in myCase.
Official resources: DWS SNAP information and the federal SNAP program.
WIC
WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new moms, infants, and children under five. In Utah, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) runs WIC through local clinics. WIC staff can also connect you with other health and community services. To start, find a WIC clinic and see how to apply, then set up an appointment. At your appointment, staff will check whether you qualify and explain how to use your benefits. You don't need to be on another program to apply.
Official resources: Utah WIC from DHHS and the federal WIC program from USDA.
Home and cash help
LIHEAP
LIHEAP helps households with limited income pay home heating bills. In Utah, this help is called HEAT, and the Department of Workforce Services runs it through its State Community Services Office and local HEAT offices across the state. DWS also has programs for shut-off protection and energy tips. Help depends on your household's income and available funding. To start, apply for HEAT through DWS, where you can find your local HEAT office. Ask your local office what to bring, like proof of income and a recent energy bill.
Official resources: the federal LIHEAP program and Utah's Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) Program.
TANF
TANF gives temporary cash help and job support to families with children who have little or no income. In Utah, TANF is called the Family Employment Program (FEP), and the Department of Workforce Services runs it. FEP pairs cash help with support to help parents find work. You can apply at myCase, the same portal used for SNAP and Medicaid. After you apply, DWS will contact you to talk through your situation and next steps.
Official resources: DWS's Family Employment Program page and the federal TANF program.
Tax credits
EITC
The EITC is a federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can lower what you owe or increase your refund. Utah adds its own state earned income tax credit, which builds on the federal credit. If you qualify for the federal EITC, you may also be able to claim the Utah credit on your state return. You claim the federal credit on your federal return, and you can see Utah's EITC rules from the State Tax Commission. DWS also funds partners that help Utah families claim the EITC.
Official resources: the IRS EITC page.
Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit lowers federal taxes for families raising qualifying children, and part of it can come back as a refund. Utah also has its own nonrefundable child tax credit for young children who qualify for the federal credit, which you claim on your Utah return. A nonrefundable credit can lower your state tax, but it won't add to your refund beyond what you owe. You can learn about the federal Child Tax Credit from the IRS. Check the State Tax Commission's credits page for the current age and income rules for the Utah credit.
Official resources: the Utah State Tax Commission's list of income tax credits.
Children and education
Child Care Assistance (CCAP)
Child Care Assistance helps families with limited income pay for child care. In Utah, the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) runs Child Care Assistance. It helps eligible parents pay for care so they can work or prepare for work. You can apply at myCase, the same portal used for SNAP and Medicaid. DWS may ask for proof of income, work or school schedules, and your child care provider's information. Check the DWS child care page for current eligibility rules.
Official resources: DWS Child Care Assistance and the federal Office of Child Care.
IEP / Education Advocacy
An IEP is a written plan for a child with a disability that spells out the special education services the school will provide. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) gives your child this right. In Utah, the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) oversees special education in public schools. Ask your child's school for an evaluation in writing. If you'd like someone in the meeting with you, Turnout's education advocacy team starts with a free case review.
Official resources: the federal IDEA website and USBE special education.
What this means for you
- Start with myCase for Medicaid, SNAP, the Family Employment Program, or child care help.
- Gather your papers before you apply: ID, proof of address, recent pay stubs, and any medical or school records.
- Apply for HEAT through your local office if heating bills are a worry.
- Don't skip your Utah tax return. It's how you claim the Utah EITC and the Utah child tax credit if you qualify.
FAQ
Where do I apply for most Utah programs?
Medicaid, SNAP, the Family Employment Program, and child care help all go through myCase, run by the Department of Workforce Services. You can apply online and check your case there later.
Does Utah have its own tax credits for families?
Yes. Utah has a state earned income tax credit and a nonrefundable child tax credit for young children, both claimed on your Utah return. The State Tax Commission's credits page has the current rules.
What is HEAT in Utah?
HEAT is Utah's name for LIHEAP, the program that helps households with limited income pay heating bills. The Department of Workforce Services runs it through local HEAT offices and also offers help with shut-off protection.
Turnout is not a law firm and does not provide legal or tax advice
It's your turn
You don't have to sort through all 14 programs on your own. Turnout's free Utah benefits scan asks a few plain-language questions about your household and income, then shows which programs you may qualify for. It takes about three minutes and gives you a clear place to start today.