Money Assistance Utah – Help paying bills, rent, loans & more

The state of Utah ranks at number 2 for lowest unemployment rates at 3.6 percent. The state ranks at 15 for poverty level with just over 12 percent of residents considered at or below poverty level. Even with a fairly healthy job market, there are families in need. If you require assistance with your bills, there are a lot of options for low-income and unemployed families.

Below are multiple ways to get financial help in Utah. Services that include help paying bills, rent, food/groceries, personal loans, debt relief and as mentioned various government benefits and support agencies across Salt Lake City and Utah.

Assistance with utilities: Utah is famous for its snow with good reason. With winter temperatures dipping in the 20s, it’s important to have access to a reliable heating source. If you are struggling to make your utility payments, you may be able to get help through the Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) program. If you sit at 150 percent of poverty level you can qualify for assistance with your monthly bills. You may also qualify for help through the Home Electric Lifeline Program or the Energy Assistance Fund. If you need help with a telephone, you may be able to receive discounts on a landline through the UTAP program.

Food Assistance: Residents in Utah can qualify for assistance through the state food stamp program offered through the Department of Health and Welfare. To qualify you must fill out an application, submit to an interview and undergo reviews every 6 months to maintain eligibility. The Women Infants and Children (WIC) program provides food vouchers for qualified individuals. Additionally The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a storehouse that supplies foods and goods to needy families. To get food you will need to meet with a local leader and place a food order. Additionally there are many food pantries throughout the state.

Social Security Loans (SSI)
Many residents living in Utah collecting Social Security may qualify for more financial assistance through SSI. For those whose only income is Social Security and you are in need of a loan, there may be specialist lenders who will assist. Learn more about SSI and other social security loan options here.

Personal Loan: When on a lower income it can be difficult to qualify for a loan. If you are in need of cash assistance, visit our section on responsible lending options. Getting the right help for your specific situation can be the difference between getting in to debt and a troublesome financial situation.

Rent and Mortgage: If you need assistance paying your rent or mortgage you can apply for section 8 housing which provides affordable housing for tenants. Additionally, residents can apply for emergency help from the state through the Homeless Prevention Program. Residents can qualify for help once a year for up to $450 to help cover the cost of rent. You may also qualify for help through the Utah Housing Authority which helps people find affordable housing options.

Medical Assistance: If you are unable to afford medical attention you may qualify for assistance through the state Medicaid or Medicare program. Additionally, Utah provides low-cost coverage to children under 18 through the CHIP program. Additionally some area medical networks provide assistance to low income families.

These programs require individuals to provide financial information and provide healthcare coverage on a sliding scale based on income. There are several free and low-cost clinics through Utah as well.

Educational Assistance: If you are interested in receiving financial assistance for education expenses you can apply for a low-interest loan through UHEAA (Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority). The non-profit organization also provides access to grants and scholarships. Students may also qualify for Federal Pell Grants.

Community Action Centers: The Community Action Services and Foodbank provide assistance in most communities throughout the Utah. Residents can access this service to find help with rent, utilities, food and other necessitates. The program relies heavily on volunteers and also provides educational resources and information to individual families. Utah residents can get help finding work through Workforce Services or through the LDS Employment Center.

Charities: Utah is ranked as the most charitable state in the country. The state is well-known for its high population of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) who frequently donate 10 percent of their income in tithes. In addition to LDS services and charities throughout the state, residents can access private charities like Goodwill and the Salvation Army.

Learn more about free items and other money assistance services in Utah, including: Free clothes, furniture, car, school accessories, help with fines, seasonal items & more!
The below services are in general and may not be available in Utah. However, if not available, many may have partnerships with other organizations through out the state that they can connect you with.

Free Hotel or Motel Vouchers for the Homeless or Emergencies
Those experiencing hardship and are without a roof over their head can access different types of short and possibly longer term accommodation throughout Utah. Learn more about accommodation assistance in here.

Dealing with tickets or fines
If you have unpaid tickers or fines, avoiding them will only create further financial and credit problems. Learn about ways to get assistance with dealing with fines in Utah, from requesting a waiver or challenging inaccurate fines. Get the information you need to tackle fines here.

How to get a free laptop or computer
Low income families have a range of organizations that provide free technology assistance such as computers and laptops throughout the country including Utah. Learn about what free computers and laptop organizations are near you and how to apply here.

Getting a free or low cost car
At any given time there are different organizations that assist low income earners with transportation. Across the country and in Utah there are different services that assist people with getting a vehicle. Learn more about free cars, how to get one and where to apply.

How to get free gas for emergencies
Gas prices in Utah like most of the country are extremely high. This can put serious strange on the family budget. For those dealing with cashflow issues and finding it hard to put fuel in the car, there is help. Learn how to get free gas for emergencies through free gas vouchers.