Benefits and Resources for Disabled Seniors in Utah

Last updated: August 2025

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Quick Help Box (always at the top)

If you need help now, start here. These are official, 24/7, or statewide services.

Tip: If you are not sure where to start, call 211 or your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Find your AAA: Utah AAAs directory.

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How to use this Utah guide

• This guide focuses on Utah programs, agencies, and steps for disabled older adults and their families.
• You’ll find cash, food, health care, long-term care, housing, utilities, transportation, legal help, and special sections for veterans, LGBTQ+ elders, tribal members, and rural residents.
• Every fact or benefit points to an official source or a well-established organization. Programs can change—always check the linked source.

Reality check:

• Benefits have paperwork. Many have waitlists or deadlines.
• Income and asset rules often apply. Rules differ by program.
• If you’re overwhelmed, ask your AAA, Utah SHIP, or 211 to help you prioritize.

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Table of contents

• Emergency help (above)
• Cash, food, and medical coverage
• Long-term care and caregiver support
• Housing and utilities
• Transportation and mobility
• Taxes and money-saving programs
• Legal help and protection
• Work, technology, and independent living
• Inclusive support: veterans, LGBTQ+, tribal, rural
• Resources by region (Utah AAAs and local contacts)
• FAQs
• Resources list (official links)
• About this guide
• Disclaimer

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Cash, food, and medical coverage

Social Security and disability cash benefits

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • What it is: A monthly benefit if you paid enough into Social Security and now have a qualifying disability.
  • How to apply/appeal: Online or in person. Use the official site or find a local office. Source: SSDI at Social Security; Find your local SSA office.
  • Tip: Keep copies of doctor reports, medications, and a list of treatments. Consider help from a legal aid group for appeals.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • What it is: A needs-based monthly benefit for adults 65+ and people with disabilities with limited income and resources. Utah residents may also qualify for Medicaid with SSI.
  • How to apply: Online or through SSA. Source: SSI at Social Security.

Reality check: Initial SSDI/SSI decisions can take months and are often denied at first. Appeals have deadlines. Keep your mail and respond quickly. Source: SSA Disability process.

Medicaid (health coverage) for disabled seniors in Utah

• Medicaid for the Aged, Blind & Disabled (ABD Medicaid)
  • What it is: Health coverage for eligible seniors and people with disabilities, including doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital care, and more.
  • Where to apply: Through DWS via myCase. Source: Apply for Medicaid (DWS myCase); program info: Utah Medicaid.
  • If you receive SSI, you may be “categorically eligible” for Medicaid. Source: Medicaid basics.
• Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI)
  • What they do: Help pay Medicare Part A and/or Part B premiums, and for QMB, Medicare deductibles and coinsurance.
  • Where to learn/apply: Medicare Savings Programs in Utah and counseling through Utah SHIP.
  • Tip: Income/asset limits change yearly. Get help from Utah SHIP to see what you qualify for.
• Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) for Part D drug costs
  • What it is: Lowers premiums, deductibles, and copays for Medicare drug coverage.
  • Where to apply: Social Security. Source: Apply for Extra Help.
• Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
  • What it is: Rides to covered medical appointments for Medicaid members who can’t drive.
  • Learn more: Utah Medicaid transportation services.

Food assistance

• SNAP (Food Stamps)
  • What it is: Monthly benefit to buy groceries at authorized stores and farmers markets.
  • Where to apply/manage: DWS myCase. Program info: Food Assistance at DWS.
  • Tip: If you are 60+ or disabled, different deductions may apply. Ask DWS/211 for help with the application.
• Meals on Wheels and senior dining
  • What it is: Home-delivered meals for homebound older adults, and group meals at senior centers.
  • Where to start: Your local AAA. Find yours: Utah Area Agencies on Aging.
  • Example: Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services runs Meals on Wheels and senior centers. Source: Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services.
• Farmers markets
  • Some Utah counties offer Senior Farmers’ Market programs when funded. Ask your AAA about current offerings and eligibility.

At-a-glance: Cash, food, and health

Sources: Social Security Administration, Utah Department of Health and Human Services (Utah Medicaid), Utah Department of Workforce Services, Utah SHIP.

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Long-term care and caregiver support

Medicaid waivers and long-term services

Utah Medicaid offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers so eligible people can get care at home or in the community instead of a nursing facility. These programs can have waitlists, assessments, and yearly changes.

• Aging Waiver (for adults 65+)
  • What it does: In-home services such as personal care, homemaker help, meals, emergency response systems, adult day services, respite for caregivers, and more.
  • Where to start: Your local AAA does intake and case management. Find yours: Utah AAAs.
  • Program info: See Utah Medicaid HCBS waivers: Utah Medicaid Waivers overview.
• New Choices Waiver (NCW)
  • What it does: Helps people move from nursing facilities or certain licensed settings back into home- and community-based settings, with supports.
  • Learn more: New Choices Waiver at Utah Medicaid.
• Physical Disabilities Waiver (ages 18–64)
  • Some older adults under 65 with disabilities may qualify. Ask Utah Medicaid or your AAA which waiver best fits. Source: Utah Medicaid Waivers.
• Nursing Facility Medicaid
  • Covers nursing home care for eligible members. Requires a medical level-of-care assessment and financial eligibility. Source: Utah Medicaid Long-Term Care.

Reality check:

• Waivers can be full. Keep calling to check status. Document needs and hospital or rehab discharge dates—they can affect priority.
• Services are tailored. You may not get every service you ask for.
• You may need a safety assessment at home.

Caregiver support

• Family Caregiver Support Program (through AAAs)
  • What it is: Short-term respite, training, support groups, and help finding resources for family caregivers.
  • Start here: Find your AAA. Program is funded under the Older Americans Act.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman (nursing homes and assisted living)
  • What it is: Independent advocates who help residents and families with complaints and quality-of-care issues.
  • Contact: Utah Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
• Office of Public Guardian (OPG)
  • What it is: Provides public guardianship services for adults when no less-restrictive option is available and no one else can serve.
  • Learn more: Utah Office of Public Guardian.
• Adult Protective Services (APS)
  • Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. Phone 1-800-371-7897. Source: Utah APS.

At-a-glance: Long-term care

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Housing and utilities

Affordable housing and rent help

• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and Public Housing
  • What it is: Income-based rent support or units through local public housing authorities (PHAs). Waitlists open and close.
  • Find PHAs: HUD Utah PHA contacts and state info: HUD Utah.
  • Example local PHAs: Salt Lake City Housing Authority, Housing Authority of the County of Salt Lake, Ogden, Provo, Logan, St. George. Check each PHA’s site for waitlist status.
• Landlord/tenant issues and fair housing
  • For discrimination or accessibility issues, see: HUD Fair Housing – File a complaint.
  • For legal help: Utah Legal Services.
• Home repairs and accessibility
  • Weatherization (see below) can improve safety and lower utility costs for eligible households.
  • Ask your AAA about ramps, grab bars, or home safety programs, which vary by county.

Reality check: Emergency Rental Assistance (COVID-era) is largely closed. For current rent help, check your local housing authority, 211 Utah, and county programs.

Utilities and home energy

• HEAT Program (LIHEAP in Utah)
  • What it is: Utility bill assistance and crisis help during heating and cooling seasons for eligible households.
  • Apply/find local providers: Utah HEAT Program (DWS).
  • Tip: Bring ID, proof of household income, recent utility bills, and a disconnect notice if you have one.
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
  • What it is: Free energy-saving improvements for income-eligible households, such as insulation, sealing air leaks, and safety checks.
  • Learn more: Utah Weatherization Assistance (DWS) and ask 211 for your local provider.
• Lifeline phone service
  • What it is: A federal discount on phone or internet for eligible low-income households.
  • Apply: Lifeline Support (USAC).
  • Note: The Affordable Connectivity Program stopped taking new applications and ended benefits when funding ran out in 2024. Source: FCC ACP information.

Property tax relief (important for homeowners)

• Utah Property Tax Relief options
  • Circuit Breaker (Homeowners and Renters Credit) for low-income older adults.
  • Indigent Abatement/Deferral.
  • Blind Exemption and Veterans with Disability Exemption.
  • Details and forms: Utah State Tax Commission – Property Tax Relief.
  • Deadlines and exact rules can vary by county. Contact your county treasurer/assessor through your county website.

At-a-glance: Housing and utilities

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Transportation and mobility

• Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Reduced Fare Card
  • What it is: Discounted fares for seniors and people with disabilities.
  • How to apply: See required proof and application. Source: UTA Reduced Fare information.
• UTA Paratransit
  • What it is: Door-to-door shared rides for eligible riders who cannot use fixed-route buses or trains due to a disability.
  • How to apply: Eligibility process includes an application and assessment. Source: UTA Paratransit Service.
• Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
  • Rides to covered medical visits for Medicaid members. Source: Utah Medicaid transportation.
• Disabled parking placards and plates
  • Utah DMV has permanent and temporary placards and special plates with a medical provider certification.
  • How to apply: Forms and instructions at Utah DMV – Disabled plates and placards.

At-a-glance: Transportation options

Tip: If you’re new to UTA, ask about travel training programs to learn routes and accessibility features.

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Taxes and money-saving programs

• Property tax relief: See above section and Utah State Tax Commission page.
• Prescription savings: If you have Medicare, ask your plan and SHIP about Extra Help and preferred pharmacies. Consider manufacturer patient assistance programs (ask your doctor’s office for help). Official Medicare info: Find plans and compare drug costs.
• VA benefits for veterans with disabilities can reduce out-of-pocket health and prescription costs at VA. See: VA health care.

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Legal help and protection

• Adult Protective Services (APS)
  • Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults: 1-800-371-7897. Source: Utah APS.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman
  • Help with problems in nursing homes or assisted living: Utah Ombudsman.
• Disability Law Center (Protection & Advocacy for Utah)
  • Free legal help for disability rights, abuse/neglect investigations, access issues. Source: Disability Law Center of Utah.
• Utah Legal Services
  • Civil legal help for low-income Utahns including seniors: housing, public benefits, consumer issues. Source: Utah Legal Services.
• Guardianship and alternatives
  • Office of Public Guardian: opg.utah.gov.
  • Consider Supported Decision-Making if appropriate. Ask your AAA or the Disability Law Center.

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Work, technology, and independent living

• Utah State Office of Rehabilitation (USOR)
  • Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs. Services can include assessments, training, equipment, and placement support.
  • Learn more or apply: USOR at DWS.
• Assistive Technology
  • Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP) offers device demonstrations, loans, reuse, and financing for mobility, communication, home access, and more.
  • Learn more: UATP at Utah State University.
• Independent Living Centers (ILCs)
  • Skills training, peer support, home modifications referrals, and advocacy to help people live independently.
  • Find your center: Utah Statewide Independent Living Council (USILC).

Real-world example:

• A Cache County senior with mobility issues may borrow a ramp or scooter short-term from UATP while applying for a Medicaid waiver, and work with the local ILC for accessible home changes. Sources: UATP, USILC centers.

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Inclusive support

Veteran seniors

• Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs (UDVMA)
  • Get help applying for VA benefits, disability compensation, pensions, health care, and property tax exemptions.
  • Contact and county VSOs: Utah Veterans & Military Affairs.
• VA Salt Lake City Health Care System
  • Primary care, specialty care, geriatrics, home-based care, mental health. Eligibility required.
  • Info and enrollment: VA Salt Lake City Health Care.
• Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound benefits
  • Monthly VA pension add-on for qualifying wartime veterans or surviving spouses who need another person’s help with daily activities or are housebound.
  • How to apply: VA Aid & Attendance and Housebound.
• Property tax relief for disabled veterans
  • Utah offers a Veterans with Disability Exemption. Details: Utah State Tax Commission – Property Tax Relief.

Reality check: VA paperwork can be long. Use a county VSO through UDVMA to avoid mistakes and speed up claims.

LGBTQ+ seniors

• SAGE Utah (through Utah Pride Center)
  • Social connection, support groups, and resources for LGBTQ+ older adults.
  • Learn more: SAGE at Utah Pride Center.
• Health care navigation
  • For Medicare plan questions and provider directories, contact Utah SHIP. You can ask about inclusive providers and benefits.
• Safety and legal issues
  • For discrimination or harassment, contact the Disability Law Center and, for housing issues, HUD Fair Housing.

Tribal-specific resources in Utah

• Utah Division of Indian Affairs
  • Tribal contacts and state resources: Utah Indian Affairs.
• Indian Health Service (IHS)
  • Find IHS and tribal clinics: Find IHS Health Care.
• Navajo Nation Division of Aging and Long Term Care Support (for eligible members in San Juan County area)
  • Contact through Navajo Nation government for senior centers and services. Start with Navajo Nation programs and ask for aging services.
• Benefits coordination
  • If you use IHS/tribal health, you may still be eligible for Medicare/Medicaid. For questions, talk to Utah Medicaid and your tribal health benefits office.

Tip: Ask your tribal senior center about transportation days, home-delivered meals, and case management—services vary by nation and location.

Rural seniors and limited access

• Telehealth
  • Use Medicare-covered telehealth when available. Ask your clinic and plan. Info: Medicare telehealth basics.
  • Utah Telehealth Network via UETN supports care in rural areas. Info: UETN Telehealth.
• Mail-order medications
  • Many Medicare plans offer 90-day supplies with mail delivery. Compare through Medicare Plan Finder.
• Transportation
  • Rural areas may lack fixed-route transit. Check with your AAA for volunteer driver programs or medical ride vouchers. For veterans, see VA Beneficiary Travel.
• Energy and weather safety
  • Apply early for HEAT and weatherization. Sources: HEAT, Weatherization.

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Resources by region (Area Agencies on Aging and key local links)

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are your starting point for Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, Aging Waiver intake, senior centers, and more. Use the state directory for complete, current contacts: Utah AAA Directory.

Common Utah AAAs include:

• Bear River Association of Governments (Box Elder, Cache, Rich): Bear River AAA
• Davis County Health Department – Senior Services: Davis County Seniors
• Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services: Salt Lake County Aging
• Mountainland Association of Governments (Summit, Utah, Wasatch): Mountainland Aging Services
• Weber Human Services (Weber, Morgan): Weber Human Services – Aging
• Tooele County Aging Services: Tooele Aging
• Uintah Basin Association of Governments (Daggett, Duchesne, Uintah): UBAOG Aging
• Five County Association of Governments (Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, Washington): Five County Aging
• Six County Association of Governments (Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier, Wayne): Six County AOG
• Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments (Carbon, Emery, Grand, San Juan): SEUALG Aging

If a link changes, use the state AAA directory: aging.utah.gov/area-agencies-on-aging or dial 211 for assistance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Utah-specific)

Q1: How do I apply for the Utah Aging Waiver for in-home care?

• Start with your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for intake and a MnCHOICES-style needs assessment. They screen Medicaid financial eligibility and medical need, then help you apply through Utah Medicaid Waivers. See Utah AAAs and Utah Medicaid Waivers for details.

Q2: I’m in a nursing facility and want to move home. Is there a program that helps?

• Ask about the New Choices Waiver (NCW), which helps eligible residents transition from institutional care to the community. Work with the facility social worker and contact Utah Medicaid or your AAA. See the New Choices Waiver for how to qualify and apply.

Q3: Can a family member be paid to provide my care?

• Some Medicaid waivers offer self-directed services that may allow certain family caregivers to be paid (spouses are often excluded). Rules vary by program. Ask your AAA or waiver case manager what is allowed under Utah Medicaid Waivers.

Q4: How do I get help paying my Medicare premiums in Utah?

• Apply for a Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, QI) through the Department of Workforce Services (DWS). Utah SHIP can screen you and help with the application. See Utah Medicaid and Utah SHIP for current income limits and how to apply.

Q5: Where do I report suspected abuse or exploitation of an older adult?

• Call Utah Adult Protective Services at 1-800-371-7897 or file online with Utah APS. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Q6: What property tax relief is available for Utah seniors or disabled veterans?

• Utah offers Circuit Breaker credits, abatement/deferral options, a blind exemption, and a Veterans with Disability Exemption. Review state rules with the Utah Tax Commission – Property Tax Relief and confirm deadlines with your county assessor.

Q7: How do I get UTA Paratransit in the Wasatch Front area?

• Apply through UTA’s eligibility process, which may include an in-person assessment. If approved, you can book door-to-door rides within the Paratransit service area. See UTA Paratransit Service for eligibility, fares, and booking.

Q8: What if I can’t afford my electric bill during extreme heat or cold?

• Apply for HEAT Program (DWS) and ask about crisis assistance. Also contact your utility about payment plans or hardship options. See the HEAT Program for how to apply.  .

Q9: I’m a veteran—who can help me apply for Aid & Attendance?

• Connect with the Utah Veterans & Military Affairs to reach a county Veterans Service Officer for free help. Review VA Aid & Attendance eligibility, forms, and required evidence. See Utah Veterans & Military Affairs and VA A&A.

Q10: Who can help me choose a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan that covers my doctors and drugs?

• Utah SHIP offers free, unbiased counseling and can run a plan comparison using your medications and providers. Contact Utah SHIP to schedule help during Open Enrollment or when you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Q11: Can I still get discounted internet after the ACP ended?

• Yes—Lifeline still provides a monthly discount on phone or internet for eligible households. Apply through USAC and ask your internet provider about available low-cost plans. The ACP has ended; see the FCC ACP page for updates.

Q12: I live on tribal land in Utah. Can I use both IHS and Medicare/Medicaid?

• Yes. Many people use IHS for primary care and Medicare/Medicaid for specialty and hospital services. Coordinate benefits with your tribal benefits office and Utah Medicaid. See IHS – Find Health Care, Utah Medicaid.

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Resources (official links and trusted organizations)

• Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): dhhs.utah.gov
• Utah Aging & Adult Services (AAAs, SHIP, APS, Ombudsman): aging.utah.gov
• Area Agencies on Aging directory: aging.utah.gov/area-agencies-on-aging
• Adult Protective Services: aging.utah.gov/adult-protective-services
• Utah SHIP (Medicare counseling): aging.utah.gov/ship
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: aging.utah.gov/long-term-care-ombudsman
• Utah Medicaid (eligibility, waivers, transportation): medicaid.utah.gov
• DWS myCase (apply for Medicaid, SNAP, etc.): jobs.utah.gov/mycase
• SNAP (Food Stamps) info (DWS): jobs.utah.gov
• HEAT (LIHEAP) energy assistance: jobs.utah.gov/heat
• Weatherization Assistance (DWS): jobs.utah.gov/housing
• Utah Tax Commission – Property Tax Relief: tax.utah.gov/property/relief
• Utah DMV – Disabled Placards/Plates: dmv.utah.gov/plates/disabled
• UTA Reduced Fare: rideuta.com/Fares/Reduced-Fare
• UTA Paratransit: rideuta.com/Rider-Info/Accessibility/Paratransit-Service
• Social Security (SSDI/SSI): ssa.gov/benefits/disability, ssa.gov/ssi, ssa.gov/locator
• Medicare and plan finder: medicare.gov
• Extra Help (LIS): ssa.gov/extrahelp
• Lifeline phone/internet: lifelinesupport.org
• FCC ACP information: fcc.gov/acp
• HUD Utah and PHAs: hud.gov/states/utah; PHA contacts
• Disability Law Center (Utah P&A): disabilitylawcenter.org
• Utah Legal Services: utahlegalservices.org
• USOR (Vocational Rehabilitation): jobs.utah.gov/usor
• Utah Assistive Technology Program: uatp.usu.edu
• USILC and Independent Living Centers: usilc.org
• Utah 211: 211utah.org
• Be Ready Utah (Public Safety): beready.utah.gov
• Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs: veterans.utah.gov
• VA SLC Health Care: va.gov/salt-lake-city-health-care
• VA Aid & Attendance: va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound
• Utah Division of Indian Affairs: indian.utah.gov
• Indian Health Service: ihs.gov/findhealthcare
• Utah Poison Control: poisoncontrol.utah.edu

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About this guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Reviewed: Through October 2024; please verify 2025 updates with the linked agencies.
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.

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Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only. Benefits, eligibility rules, dollar amounts, and application processes change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program linked in this guide. If you are facing an emergency, call 911.