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 program serves both single-parent and two-parent families with children under 18 living with them, ¹ including 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:

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

What is the income limit for TANF in Utah?

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

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.

How do I apply for TANF in Utah?

Applicants in Utah may apply for cash assistance online through MyCase  or submit the TANF eligibility form  to the nearest DWS employment center . A face-to-face interview will then be scheduled to screen 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.

Utah Department of Workforce Services
Customer Service Center
(866) 435-7414

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Utah?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Utah, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

• A valid photo ID
• Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
• Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
• Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
• Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
• Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
• Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
• Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact Utah DWS (DWS) at (866) 435-7414 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

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.