Utah Family Employment Program

As Utah’s version of TANF, the Family Employment Program (FEP) serves as the state’s primary cash assistance program, helping low-income families work toward self-sufficiency through employment services, training, and temporary cash support.

The FEP is designed to serve both single-parent and two-parent families with children under 18 living with them, ¹ as well as pregnant women in their third trimester who meet income guidelines .

As a condition of eligibility, all FEP participants who aren’t exempt are required to take part in employment related activities for at least 30 hours a week or 20 hours per week if the parent has a child under age 6.

FAQ

Who qualifies for TANF in Utah?

To be eligible for TANF in Utah, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien, or permanent resident.
Be a resident of the state of Utah.
Be responsible for a child age 18 and younger.
Be unemployed or under employed with very low wages.
Have an income less than Utah’s “Standard Needs Budget ” (SNB).

What is the income limit for TANF in Utah?

In Utah, a family is considered “needy” when their gross countable income is less than or equal to $1,050 for a family of three. Resources are excluded in determining eligibility.

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$608
2	$843
3	$1,050
4	$1,230
5	$1,400
6	$1,542
7	$1,615
8	$1,690

The amounts shown represent income eligibility thresholds by household size. Families with income at or below these limits may be eligible for TANF benefits.

How much cash assistance will I get in Utah?

Cash assistance amounts in Utah vary based on a family’s income and size. A family of three with minimal or no income may qualify for up to $662 per month. Utah limits cash assistance to 36 months in a lifetime, although families may apply for an extension.

Household Size	Payment
1	$383
2	$531
3	$662
4	$775
5	$882
6	$972
7	$1,017
8	$1,065

The amounts shown represent the maximum cash benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

How do I apply for TANF in Utah?

Download a copy of the TANF eligibility form and submit it to the nearest DWS employment center . A face-to-face interview will then be scheduled to screen your eligibility. ²

For those who are eligible for FEP may request for one-time emergency assistance instead of receiving monthly cash assistance. This type of “diversion” payment, however, can only be made once in any 12-month period.

Does Utah drug test for welfare?

Utah is one of more than a dozen states with laws requiring welfare applicants to undergo drug testing or screening as part of the application process.

FEP applicants must complete a written questionnaire designed to screen for substance abuse. Drugs tests are then performed on those rated as having a high probability of using drugs.

Utah’s law, however, doesn’t disqualify people who test positive from receiving benefits. Instead, it requires them to enroll in drug treatment.

To learn more about the Utah Family Employment Program, please call
Department of Workforce Services
(866) 435-7414

If there are two parents living in the household, and both are able to work, you may qualify for the Family Employment Two-Parent program (FEP-TP ) where cash assistance is limited to 7 months in any 13 month period ↩
If you live in Utah, use this pre-screening tool to determine if you qualify for cash, food, medical and child care assistance programs. ↩