Emergency Assistance for Single Mothers in Utah

Last updated: August 2025 | Contact information verified: August 24, 2025
Sources: Utah Department of Workforce Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Utah WIC Program

⚠️ Important: Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. Federal programs typically update in October (SNAP) and April (HUD limits). State programs may change with legislative sessions. Always verify current information with the specific agency before making decisions based on this guide.

Quick Help – Need Assistance Today?

• Life-threatening emergency: Call 911 • Need shelter tonight: Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 • Out of food: Apply for SNAP at Utah MyCase – emergency benefits in 7 days • Power being shut off: Call HEAT Program at 1-866-205-4357 immediately • Eviction notice: Call Utah Legal Services at 1-800-662-4245 right now • Lost your job: File unemployment at jobs.utah.gov/ui or 801-526-4400 • Need health coverage: Apply at mydhr.utah.gov or call 1-866-435-7414 • Pregnant or have kids under 5: Call WIC at 1-877-942-3678 for food help • Domestic violence: Call Utah LINKLine at 1-800-897-5465 (24/7 confidential hotline)

If nothing above works: Call 211 and ask for a “warm handoff” to another agency that can help today.

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If You Need Help Today

Get Food Within 24 Hours

Apply for SNAP benefits online at Utah MyCase. If your income is under $150 this month and you have less than $100 in cash, ask for “expedited SNAP” – you can get benefits within 7 days.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under 5, call WIC at 1-877-942-3678. You can often get a same-day appointment and immediate food benefits if you qualify.

Stop a Utility Shutoff Right Now

• Call your power company and ask for a “hardship extension” – many give you 10-30 days • Call 1-866-205-4357 immediately for HEAT crisis assistance • Bring your shutoff notice to the appointment

Keep Your Housing

• Call 211 for emergency shelter and rental assistance programs • If you received an eviction notice, call Utah Legal Services at 1-800-662-4245 for emergency legal help • Ask about “rapid rehousing” programs that pay first month’s rent and deposits

Get Cash Quickly

Apply for Family Employment Program (FEP) at Utah MyCase. Utah pays up to $498 monthly for a family of three.

If you lost your job, file for unemployment benefits immediately at jobs.utah.gov/ui or 801-526-4400. Utah pays up to $777 per week for up to 26 weeks.

Reality Check: Getting help isn’t instant. SNAP takes 7-30 days. FEP takes 2-6 weeks. Plan for this delay and ask every agency about emergency funds while you wait.

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Main Points You Need to Know

• Apply the same day for multiple programs – SNAP, WIC, FEP, and Medicaid use overlapping income rules • Ask specifically for expedited processing when your situation is urgent • Keep copies of everything – take photos of documents with your phone as backup • Report changes immediately – income, address, or household changes within 10 days to avoid problems • Most programs have work requirements – understand them before you apply • Utah expanded Medicaid – adults earning up to 138% of poverty level can qualify for health coverage • Apply to multiple housing lists – Section 8 waiting lists are 12-18+ months in most areas

Utah has better benefits than many states: Medicaid expansion means more adults qualify for health coverage, and unemployment benefits are higher than the national average.

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Emergency Cash and Food Programs

SNAP (Food Assistance) (Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, FY 2025)

What it is: Monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to buy groceries. Utah follows federal SNAP rules – no state supplements.

How much you can get: Maximum benefits for October 2024 – September 2025:

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, as of October 2024

How to apply:

1. Go to Utah MyCase
2. Complete application online (takes 20-30 minutes)
3. Upload photos of your ID, pay stubs, rent receipt, and utility bills
4. Answer the phone when they call for your interview (usually within 1-2 weeks)

Timeline: Regular SNAP takes up to 30 days. Emergency SNAP takes 7 days if you qualify.

Documents needed: • Photo ID for adults • Social Security cards for everyone • Last 30 days of pay stubs (if working) • Rent receipt or lease • Recent utility bills

Reality check: Most families don’t get the maximum amount. If you work, expect roughly $250-500/month for a family of three.

Family Employment Program (FEP) – Utah’s TANF (Source: Utah Department of Workforce Services, 2025)

What it is: Monthly cash assistance for families with children under 18. You must participate in work activities once approved.

How much you can get: Utah pays higher amounts than most states – maximum approximately $498 monthly for a family of three as of 2025.

FEP Payment Schedule (Utah Department of Workforce Services, estimated 2025)

Income limits: Your net monthly income must be less than the maximum benefit amount. For a family of three, you must earn less than $498/month total to qualify.

How to apply:

1. Apply at Utah MyCase (same application as SNAP)
2. Attend required interview
3. Agree to participate in work activities (up to 30 hours/week)

Timeline: Interview within 1-2 weeks, decision within 2-4 weeks, first payment the following month if approved.

Reality check: Utah has a 36-month lifetime limit on FEP. You must participate in work activities or risk benefit reduction.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

What it is: Special food packages for pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5. Includes formula, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and cereal.

How much you can get: Cash value benefits for fresh produce vary by category. Typical amounts include produce vouchers plus specific food packages.

Income limits: Up to 185% of federal poverty level. For a family of three, that’s about $4,255/month as of 2025.

WIC Income Limits (2025):

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, July 2024-June 2025

How to apply: Call 1-877-942-3678 or contact your county health department. You’ll need an appointment for a health screening.

Timeline: Often same week if appointments are available.

Automatic qualification: If you already get SNAP, Medicaid, or FEP, you automatically meet WIC’s income requirements.

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Health Coverage Options

Medicaid for Different Groups (Utah Department of Health and Human Services, 2025)

Adults (19-64): Income limit: 138% of federal poverty level (about $1,732/month for one person, $2,351 for two people as of 2025). Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, so most working adults now qualify.

Pregnant Women: Income limit: 144% of federal poverty level. Covers prenatal care, delivery, and 12 months of postpartum coverage.

Children: Medicaid covers children up to 144% of poverty level (under 5) and 138% (ages 6-18). If income is too high for Medicaid, children may qualify for CHIP up to 205% of poverty level.

How to apply: Apply at Utah MyCase or call 1-866-435-7414.

CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance)

Covers children when family income is too high for Medicaid but under 205% of poverty level. Has small monthly premiums and copays.

Reality check: A single mother earning $2,000/month would qualify for Medicaid herself, and her children would definitely be covered.

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Housing Assistance Programs

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

What it is: Federal rental assistance where you pay 30% of your income toward rent and the program covers the rest, up to local payment standards.

Income limits: Must be “very low income” – typically 50% of area median income. In Salt Lake County, that’s about $41,400/year for a family of three as of 2025.

How much help: You typically pay 30% of your income toward rent. For example, if you earn $2,000/month, you’d pay about $600 and the program covers the rest.

Reality check: Waiting lists are extremely long – 12-18+ months in Salt Lake County, 8-12 months in smaller counties. Many lists are closed.

How to apply:

1. Find your local Public Housing Authority using HUD’s directory
2. Apply when waiting lists open (they announce this on their websites)
3. Apply to multiple PHAs to improve your chances

Major Utah Housing Authorities: • Housing Connect (Salt Lake County): 801-284-4400, housingconnect.org • Housing Authority of Salt Lake City: 801-487-2161, haslcutah.org • Ogden Housing Authority: 801-627-5851 • Utah County Housing Authority: 801-344-7700

Emergency Housing Assistance

Call 211 for: • Emergency shelter placement • Rapid rehousing (short-term rent assistance)
• Deposit and utility connection assistance • Homeless prevention programs

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Work and Training Support

Unemployment Benefits

How much you can get: Utah pays up to $777 per week based on your past earnings (as of January 2025). Your weekly benefit is calculated by dividing your highest quarter earnings by 26, then subtracting $5.

How long: Up to 26 weeks in most cases.

How to apply:

1. File online at jobs.utah.gov/ui
2. Call 801-526-4400 if you can’t apply online
3. You must contact at least 3 employers per week to maintain benefits

Timeline: First payment typically comes 2-3 weeks after filing. There’s a one-week waiting period.

Tax note: Unemployment benefits are taxable income federally and for Utah state taxes.

Job Training and Support

If you’re on FEP, you must participate in work activities – up to 30 hours per week of work activities, job training, or education.

DWS Employment Centers: • Free job search assistance • Skills training programs
• Help with resumes and interviews • Find locations at jobs.utah.gov

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Real-World Examples

Example 1: Single Mom, Two Kids, Earning $2,200/Month

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: About $300-400/month (reduced due to income) • WIC: Food benefits if kids under 5 • Medicaid for whole family: Yes (under 138% FPL) • FEP: No (income too high) • Section 8: Yes, but long waiting list

Reality: She’d get food help and health coverage but would struggle with rent costs.

Example 2: Pregnant Woman, No Job, Living with Family

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: Expedited processing, up to $291/month • WIC: Food benefits immediately
• Medicaid pregnancy coverage: Yes (144% FPL) • FEP: Depends on family income and living situation • Section 8: Could apply but long waiting lists

Timeline: SNAP in 7 days, WIC same week, Medicaid in 1-2 weeks.

Example 3: Recently Lost Job, One Child, Was Earning $3,500/Month

What she could qualify for: • Unemployment: $600-777/week for 26 weeks • SNAP: About $400-500/month initially • Medicaid for both: Yes (under 138% FPL when unemployed) • Emergency rent assistance: Maybe through local programs

Key: File for unemployment immediately – it’s based on when you file, not when you lost the job.

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Specific Resources for Different Situations

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

• Apply for all programs normally – sexual orientation and gender identity don’t affect eligibility • If you face discrimination, document it (worker name, date, time) and request a supervisor • Contact Utah Pride Center at 801-539-8800 for support and resources

Single Mothers with Disabilities or Disabled Children

• If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid • SNAP has special rules for households with disabled members – higher income limits possible • Ask about “child-only” FEP if your child gets SSI • Priority for housing assistance may be available

Veteran Single Mothers

• Ask about HUD-VASH vouchers (housing for homeless veterans) through VA and local housing authorities • Contact Salt Lake City VA at 801-582-1565 for veteran-specific programs • May qualify for expedited services through some programs

Immigrant/Refugee Single Mothers

• Qualified immigrants may be eligible after 5-year waiting period • Refugees, asylees, and trafficking victims often qualify immediately • Emergency services (like emergency Medicaid) may be available regardless of status • Contact local refugee resettlement agencies for guidance

Tribal Members

• Can use both state programs and tribal-specific resources • Contact your tribal housing office in addition to applying to state housing authorities
• Indian Health Service facilities may be available for healthcare

Rural Single Mothers

• Use 211 to find traveling WIC clinics and DWS office schedules • Some programs have mobile services that visit rural areas monthly • Transportation may be provided for required appointments • Internet access required for many applications – check public libraries

Single Fathers

• All programs listed here are available to single fathers with custody • “Caretaker relative” includes fathers, grandparents, guardians • Don’t be discouraged if staff seem surprised – you have the same rights

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Utah Resources by Region

Salt Lake County/Greater Salt Lake Area

• DWS Eligibility: 1-866-435-7414, apply at mydhr.utah.gov • Housing Connect: 801-284-4400, housingconnect.org • Housing Authority of Salt Lake City: 801-487-2161 • Community Action: Salt Lake Community Action Program – 801-359-2444 • Legal Services: Utah Legal Services – 1-800-662-4245

Davis County

• DWS Clearfield Office: jobs.utah.gov/geo/ • Davis County Housing Authority: 801-451-3721 • Community Action: Davis Community Action – 801-544-3572

Weber County (Ogden Area)

• DWS Ogden Office: jobs.utah.gov/geo/ • Ogden Housing Authority: 801-627-5851 • Community Action: Community Action Partnership – 801-794-9471

Utah County (Provo/Orem Area)

• DWS Provo Office: jobs.utah.gov/geo/ • Utah County Housing Authority: 801-344-7700 • Community Action: Mountainland Community Action – 801-229-3800

Washington County (St. George Area)

• DWS St. George Office: jobs.utah.gov/geo/ • Dixie Metropolitan Housing Authority: 435-674-5799 • Community Action: Five County Association – 435-673-3548

Cache County (Logan Area)

• DWS Logan Office: jobs.utah.gov/geo/ • Cache County Housing Authority: 435-752-2616 • Community Action: Bear River Association – 435-752-7242

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Program Comparison Table

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Income Limits Quick Reference

Medicaid Income Limits (2025 estimates):

Note: These are estimates based on 2024 Federal Poverty Level guidelines. Check mydhr.utah.gov for current amounts as of August 2025.

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Common Mistakes That Delay Your Benefits

SNAP/FEP Mistakes

• Not answering unknown calls: DWS often calls from blocked numbers for interviews • Missing the interview: Reschedule immediately if you can’t make it • Not reporting expedited need: Specifically ask for “expedited SNAP” if you qualify • Incomplete documents: Take photos of everything as backup

Housing Mistakes

• Applying to only one housing authority: Apply everywhere you’re willing to live • Not updating contact information: You’ll lose your place if they can’t reach you • Waiting for “perfect” timing: Apply even if lists are closed – they’ll put you on the next opening

General Mistakes

• Not keeping copies: Always save confirmation numbers and emails • Not reporting changes: Income or address changes must be reported within 10 days • Giving up too quickly: If denied, you can often appeal or reapply with more documentation

What to Do If You’re Denied

1. Request written reason for denial
2. File appeal within 10 days if you disagree (90 days for SNAP)
3. Ask for “aid pending” to continue benefits during appeal when allowed
4. Get help from Utah Legal Services: 1-800-662-4245

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When Programs Don’t Work – Plan B Options

If SNAP is denied or delayed:

• Contact Utah Food Bank locations through utahfoodbank.org • Ask churches about emergency food assistance • Look into Salvation Army and local soup kitchens

If housing assistance isn’t available:

• Negotiate payment plan with landlord in writing • Ask family/friends about temporary housing • Contact domestic violence shelters if that applies (they help all women in crisis) • Look into transitional housing programs

If utilities are being shut off:

• Ask utility company for budget billing plan
• Get doctor’s note for medical necessity extension if anyone has health conditions • Contact churches and local charities for one-time bill assistance

If you can’t find work:

• Consider gig work (Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit) for immediate income • Ask current/former employers about temporary or part-time positions • Check with temp agencies for same-week work

Emergency mindset: When you’re in crisis, accept help that gets you through today. You can make longer-term plans once you’re stable.

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Timeline Expectations – Be Realistic

Week 1

• Apply for SNAP, FEP, Medicaid online • Call WIC for appointment
• File unemployment if applicable • Contact 211 for emergency assistance

Week 2-3

• Attend SNAP/FEP interview • WIC appointment and first benefits • First unemployment payment (if approved) • Emergency assistance decisions

Month 2-3

• Regular SNAP benefits begin • FEP decision and first payment • Medicaid coverage starts • Begin required work activities

Month 6+

• Review and recertify for ongoing programs • Housing assistance applications may start moving • Job training programs may be available

Managing expectations: Getting stable takes months, not days. Focus on immediate needs first (food, shelter) then work on longer-term stability.

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Common Questions Single Moms Ask

“Can I get help if I work?”

Yes, income limits are more generous in Utah than many states. SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid have reasonable income limits. Working actually helps you qualify for some programs like child care assistance.

“What if I don’t have all the documents?”

Apply anyway with what you have. Upload or bring additional documents later. Ask about “good cause” exceptions if you’re fleeing domestic violence or other crisis situations.

“How much can I earn and keep benefits?”

Each program is different. SNAP reduces gradually as income increases. FEP has strict limits. WIC and Medicaid income limits are more generous. Report all changes within 10 days to avoid overpayments.

“Can I get help if I live with family?”

Depends on whether you buy and prepare food together. If you’re a separate “household” for food purposes, you can often apply independently. Housing programs look at your individual income.

“What if I have a car payment or debt?”

Car payments don’t usually count as allowable deductions for SNAP. Student loans in deferment don’t count. Child support payments you make DO count as deductions.

“How long can I get help?”

• SNAP: As long as you meet requirements (recertify every 6-12 months) • FEP: 36-month lifetime limit
• WIC: Until child turns 5, or 1 year postpartum • Unemployment: 26 weeks maximum • Section 8: No time limit if you follow program rules

“What if I’m denied?”

You can appeal most decisions within 10 days (90 days for SNAP). Get help from Utah Legal Services (1-800-662-4245). Sometimes it’s just missing paperwork or a misunderstanding.

“Can I apply if I’m undocumented?”

Emergency services are available regardless of immigration status. Your U.S. citizen children can get benefits even if you can’t. Some local charities don’t check immigration status. For SNAP and FEP, only qualified immigrants and U.S. citizens can apply, but emergency Medicaid covers childbirth and emergency medical care.

Language assistance: Utah DWS provides interpreters and translated documents for major programs. Call 1-866-435-7414 and ask for language assistance in your preferred language.

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Resources Directory

Statewide Helplines

• 211 Utah: Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898211 • Utah DWS: 1-866-435-7414 • Utah Medicaid: 1-866-435-7414 (same as DWS) • WIC: 1-877-942-3678 • Unemployment: 801-526-4400 • Utah Legal Services: 1-800-662-4245

Crisis Support

• Utah LINKLine (Domestic Violence): 1-800-897-5465 • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 • Utah Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255

Online Applications

• SNAP/FEP/Medicaid: mydhr.utah.gov • Unemployment: jobs.utah.gov/ui • Housing Authorities: Contact individual PHAs listed above

Document Help

• Vital Records (Birth Certificates): health.utah.gov • Social Security Cards: ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213 • Utah ID/Driver’s License: dps.utah.gov

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Important Warnings and Reality Checks

About Benefit Amounts

Utah has better benefits than many states thanks to Medicaid expansion and higher unemployment payments. However, FEP amounts are still limited and haven’t increased significantly in recent years.

About Waiting Times

Everything takes longer than you want. Section 8 waiting lists are 12-18+ months. Even SNAP can take 30 days. Plan accordingly and don’t rely on just one program.

About Work Requirements

Most programs require you to work or participate in job training. Utah takes these requirements seriously and will cut benefits if you don’t comply. Understand what’s expected before you apply.

About Fraud Consequences

All programs monitor for fraud aggressively. Report income changes immediately. Never lie on applications. The penalties include permanent disqualification and having to pay money back.

About Income Reporting

Report ALL income – cash jobs, child support, help from family, unemployment benefits. Programs share information with each other. What looks like unreported income to one program can get you in trouble with all of them.

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Disclaimer

Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. This guide provides general information as of August 2025, but you should always verify current requirements with the specific agency before applying. Contact information and program availability can change without notice.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For legal questions about benefits, appeals, or eligibility, contact Utah Legal Services at 1-800-662-4245.

The information in this guide comes from official government sources, but errors can occur. Always check with the agency directly for the most current and accurate information about your specific situation.

When in doubt, apply anyway. It’s better to try and be denied than to assume you don’t qualify and miss out on help you need.

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Resumen en Español – Ayuda de Emergencia para Madres Solteras en Utah

Ayuda Inmediata (Llame Hoy)

• Emergencia: Llame 911 • Necesita refugio: Llame 211 o envíe su código postal al 898211 • Sin comida: Solicite SNAP en mydhr.utah.gov – beneficios en 7 días • Van a cortar la luz: Llame HEAT al 1-866-205-4357 • Perdió su trabajo: Solicite desempleo en jobs.utah.gov/ui o 801-526-4400 • Embarazada o niños menores de 5 años: Llame WIC al 1-877-942-3678

Programas Principales

SNAP (Cupones de Comida): Hasta $975/mes para familia de 4. Solicite en mydhr.utah.gov FEP (Ayuda en Efectivo): Hasta $498/mes para familia de 3. Límites de ingresos muy bajos requeridos. WIC (Mujeres, Bebés, Niños): Comida especial para embarazadas y niños menores de 5. Medicaid: Cobertura médica para adultos hasta 138% del nivel de pobreza, embarazadas y niños. Desempleo: Hasta $777/semana por hasta 26 semanas. Sección 8: Ayuda con la renta (listas de espera de 12-18+ meses).

Números Importantes

• DWS Utah: 1-866-435-7414 (servicios de traducción disponibles) • WIC: 1-877-942-3678 • Desempleo: 801-526-4400 • Servicios Legales: 1-800-662-4245

Nota: Todos estos programas requieren documentos. Los niños ciudadanos estadounidenses pueden calificar aunque los padres sean indocumentados.

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About This Guide

Compiled by ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Utah Department of Workforce Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, and Utah WIC Program.

This comprehensive resource is produced following our editorial standards using only official government sources and established nonprofit organizations. While carefully researched and regularly updated, this guide is not affiliated with any government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed as program rules and funding availability change frequently.

Last verified: August 2025
Next review: February 2026

Despite our careful verification process, errors may occur. Email corrections to info@asinglemother.org and we respond within 48 hours to serve Utah families better.

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Official Sources

This guide references current policies and benefit amounts from:

• Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS) – jobs.utah.gov • USDA Food and Nutrition Service – fns.usda.gov • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – hud.gov • Utah Department of Health and Human Services – dhhs.utah.gov • Utah WIC Program – wic.utah.gov • Utah Legal Services – utahlegalservices.org • Utah 211 – 211utah.org • Housing Connect – housingconnect.org • Utah Food Bank – utahfoodbank.org