While the overall poverty rate for the state of Utah is lower than most other states, some of the larger cities have a higher than average poverty rate. Whether seniors living in Utah are in the rural areas of the state or in the cities, there are some that will struggle financially. These challenges arise because of their limited income level and the high cost of goods and services. There are numerous programs that will provide financial assistance for seniors in Utah, ensuring that their basic need are being met.
Being able to meet one’s basic needs will help ensure that people don’t become homeless, go hungry, or not have heat during the winter. These things are essential and obtaining them may require relying on some programs to make ends meet each month. There are programs provided by the federal and state government that will help, along with some provided by organizations.
The programs provided by organizations tend to be less strict and want to help anyone in the community who needs assistance. The ones provided by the federal and state government often have strict rules regarding who can get the assistance and for how long. Seniors can apply for all of the programs to see which ones they can get financial assistance from.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – The federal government created this program to help people who have a low income be able to pay for food. Those who are approved for SNAP will be able to get help paying for groceries when they go shopping. The debit-style payment source is accepted at grocery stores, convenient stores, and some farmers markets. It cannot be used to prepared foods, such as meals that are ready to eat from fast food restaurants or the deli counter in the grocery store. To qualify for SNAP, seniors will need to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. Those approved for the benefit will be able to get it for as long as they continue to qualify for it, as there is no time limit. The monthly amount that a senior will receive depends on if there are other dependents in the home. To get more information and apply, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based charity will help seniors and others in the community who are experiencing financial difficulties. They provide a range of services, including free food, clothing, and shelter. They have locations around the state. To find a location near you, click here.
Utah Food Bank – This organization will provide seniors in Utah with free food supplies. They have food pantries, where seniors can pick up the food, and they offer a mobile food pantry, which will deliver the food to the seniors who need it. To get more information and find a food bank or pantry near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) –To obtain help paying the rent or finding affordable housing options, seniors in Utah can contact HUD. This federal agency focuses on helping people with their housing needs. They will also provide people with a government owned housing unit to live in, help them avoid foreclosure, pay for house repairs, and provide weatherization services, which will reduce monthly energy bills. To get assistance through this agency, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no time limit on how long you can get help through this program. As long as you continue to meet the qualifications you will be able to get the financial assistance. To get more information and apply, click here.
Utah Community Action – This organization will help seniors in Utah with paying for their rent, preventing homelessness, and helping to find affordable housing options. They will also help with rent deposits. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Home Energy Assistant Target (HEAT) Program – This program will help seniors in Utah to pay for their energy bills, including for heating and cooling. The program begins on October 1st each year. You can print the application, fill it out, and send it in. Those who are approved will have their bill paid and their account credited. To get more information about the program, click here.
211 – To find local programs that will help with paying for utilities, as well as rent, food, and other things, seniors can call this number. It is a free referral service that is offered by the United Way organization. The service is open to everyone who needs assistance. They will help seniors find the resources they need. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – This federally funded program aims to help those under the age of 65 pay for their medical bills if they have a low income. To qualify for the program you also have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The program will pay for most medical bills, including from hospitals, doctors offices, medical specialists, and for prescription drugs. There is no time limit on how long someone can get assistance through this program. As long as you meet the qualifications you can still get help paying for medical bills. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to Medicaid, listed above, but there are some differences. To qualify for Medicare you have to be over the age of 65 and you have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen, but your income level does not matter. The program will help everyone pay for their medical bills, regardless of their income, if they meet the other qualifications. The program will help cover most of the cost of medical bills, including if you are in a hospital, see a primary care doctor, go to a medical specialist, have surgery, and obtain prescription drugs. To get more information and apply, click here.
