Utah Family Employment Program

Utah's Family Employment Program (FEP) is the TANF funded cash assistance program in Utah that provides up to 36 months of financial support to a family within a lifetime.

The purpose is to offer unemployed and underemployed families, opportunities to increase their income through employment and cash support.

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

The law requires all FEP recipients to participate in employment related activities, usually 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 a net 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 net countable income is equal to or less than $568 for a family of three. Resources are excluded in determining eligibility.

  • Family Size Income Limit
  • 1 $329
  • 2 $456
  • 3 $568
  • 4 $665
  • 5 $757
  • 6 $834
  • 7 $873
  • 8 $914

How much cash assistance will I get in Utah? #

How much cash assistance you'll get in Utah largely depends upon your family’s income and size. For example, a single mother of two with little or no income is eligible for $498 a month in cash assistance.

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.

If you live in Utah, use this pre-screening tool to determine if you qualify for cash, food, medical and child care assistance programs.

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
1-866-435-7414

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