Grants for Seniors in Utah

Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Rachel

Key Senior Statistics in Utah (60 and over)

Senior Population: 564,294 (16.7%)

Male: 47.9%

Female: 52.1%

Median Age: 69

Disability: 26%

With Social Security Income: 71%

With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 5%

Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 7%

Data Source:

Data is taken from American Community Survey 2022. Please check our detailed page about Senior Statistics in Utah for more data and information.

Help for Seniors in Utah – 30 Assistance Programs

Utah has a very high quality of life considering its amazing landscape, low crime rates, and low-cost housing opportunities. It presents various outdoor and indoor activities for elder residents. The United Health Foundation has determined this state as the second-best place for overall healthcare. Seniors enjoy a quiet small-town lifestyle in this state and the cost of living is low. There may be some seniors who need assistance considering their financial situation. The State of Utah, the federal authorities, and the local charity-based organizations offer several programs and benefits for senior citizens.

Financial Assistance

The Community Development Block Grant Program Utah is one of the biggest cash assistance programs that was created and has been led by the federal authorities. Particularly seniors who are in financial hardship are urged to apply for this benefit. There are various types of emergency grants for eligible people and there is a waiting list. Hence, it is better to get in touch with this program as soon as possible. To apply https://www.sandy.utah.gov/736/Community-Development-Block-Grant-CDBG or by phone at 801 468 0118.

The Utah Department of Workforce Services Financial Assistance Program is one of the most effective cash assistance programs in this state. It aims to increase the well-being and welfare of families in need. This department of Workforce Services also helps citizens to find a convenient job according to their skills and abilities. It offers various training courses for seniors, help the seniors getting a job and supports them financially. To see more information, please follow the link https://jobs.utah.gov/customereducation/services/financialhelp/index.html or get in touch with 801 526 0950 or 801 359 2444.

Housing and Rent Assistance

Utah Public Housing was formed and has been sponsored by the Public Housing Authority to support low and moderate-income families and persons. This organization has various unit houses and flats that are designed to assist eligible candidates. People who are 60 years of age or older and need housing assistance are qualified for this benefit. Eligible people will be living in one of the properties of this establishment based on their monthly income. Approximately 70 percent of the rental payment will be covered by this organization. For more information and apply, please visit https://www.hud.gov/states/utah/renting/hawebsites or dial toll-free 800 955 2232.

Salvation Army of Utah is one of the most efficient charity-based organizations throughout the state. It has several programs and services for people in need. Apart from food and cash assistance, the Salvation Army of Utah aims to reduce homelessness too. Low-income older people are prioritized by this organization and they can live in emergency safe shelters. These shelters offer healthy meals, a warm environment, and a clean shower for their residents. Find out more information at https://westernusa.salvationarmy.org/intermountain_us_west/provide-shelter/ or give it a call at 801 988 4204. In addition to the Salvation Army, these are the top ten senior charities in the country that provide support to seniors.

Utah Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is one of the main housing programs that was created and has been running by the federal government. The aim of this program is to assist low and middle-income people with rental support. People who are 60 years old and older are one of the priority groups for this benefit. Eligible households can choose the apartment, flat, or house by their taste but also compatible with the rules and regulations of this program. Just about 60 percent of the rent will be covered by this benefit and the rest will be paid by the beneficiary. To learn more, please go to https://www.hud.gov/states/utah/renting or contact 800 955 2232. In order to make homes safer and more livable for senior adults, home repair grants for seniors are additionally offered across the nation.

Healthcare Assistance

Utah Department of Health Medicaid is specifically designed for people who are 65 years of age or older and in need of medical assistance. This program was formed and has been led both by the state and federal government. Seniors who are not able to cover their medical expenses because of financial struggles are eligible for this benefit. Eligible applicants’ health bills will be paid based on their case. Moreover, this department offers personal care and housekeeping when it is necessary. Further information can be accessed by clicking on the following link https://medicaid.health.utah.gov/ or make connections with 800 662 9651.

The Health Promotion Program in Utah was created and has been managed by the Utah Department of Health to serve seniors, residents. The main aim of this program is to increase the well-being of older people by promoting physical activity. It presents various courses on healthy eating habits, healthy lifestyle, and proper prescription medication use. Please follow the link to join this program https://www.utah.gov/index.html or make a phone call at 385 468 3297.

The Utah Home and Community Based Alternatives Program was established by the State of Utah to support Utah seniors who are not able to afford personal home care at their homes. The main purpose of this program is to make sure that those residents may continue to live in their homes instead of moving into a nursing home or care center. Eligible senior residents will be benefiting from case management at their homes. This service provides cleaning, dressing, bathing, and other housing services that beneficiaries need. The link to their official website is as follows https://medicaid.utah.gov/ltc/ or call 385 468 3282.

Every day, the importance of oral health increases. Whether or not the senior can afford it, oral health is just as important to overall health. Visit Dental Grants in Utah to learn more about how seniors can obtain dental aid.

Utility Bills Assistance

The Utah Low Income Home Energy Assistance Target (H.E.A.T) Program was founded and has been subsidized by the federal government for people who cannot afford to pay their utility bills. The program is the state’s version of the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Older people who are in economic hardship and looking for help to pay their utilities are urged to apply for this program since they are prioritized. Qualified seniors will be receiving various amounts of discounts based on their cases. For further information, please go to https://jobs.utah.gov/housing/scso/seal/heat.html or by phone at 866 205 4357. For seniors with low and moderate incomes, there are programs and services in addition to Utah LIHEAP that can offer assistance with utility bills.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Administered by the Utah State Department of Work Force Services (DWS), Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a support initiative designed to help low-income older Utahans make their homes more energy efficient and lower their utility expenses. To qualify for the program assistance, seniors must meet the age requirement, of at least 60 and earn below 125% of the current federal poverty income limit. More information is available at http://housing.utah.gov/scso/wap/index.html.

Home Energy Lifeline Program (HELP): Also administered by DWS, the Home Energy Lifeline Program (HELP)’s purpose is to support low-income households led by seniors to pay for their home electric energy. One must meet the low-income and age requirements to qualify for the program support. Read more about HELP at https://jobs.utah.gov/housing/scso/seal/help.html.

Utah Telephone Assistance Program (UTAP) – Lifeline: Utah Telephone Assistance Program (UTAP) assists low-income seniors with their telephone bills by offering monthly discounts on their local phone services. The program’s services are funded through the Universal Services Fund (USF). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the State of Utah approved the program’s funding. Find out Lifeline providers near you at https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/Download/Report.

Food Assistance

Utah Food Bank is a local charitable organization that was built by residents. The aim of this food bank is to fight hunger across the state. This establishment has a good deal of service including home-delivered meals, grocery help, and mobile pantries. Seniors who need healthy and nutritious food based on their diet are qualified for these programs. Eligible applicants may benefit from these three services. To learn more and to apply, please click the link https://www.utahfoodbank.org/programs/ or dial 801 978 2452. Several Food Programs for Seniors have been formed in addition to the Utah Food Bank to help low-income seniors with their dietary needs.

Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels is a program dedicated to solving hunger among older adults by delivering hot, midday meals to those confined in their homes because of a permanent disability. The meals are available on Mondays through Fridays, but eligible seniors may receive such deliveries even on weekends. All the meals are nutritious and low in fats, calories, and sodium.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): The purpose of CSFP is to enhance the seniors’ health of the elderly Utahans aged at least 60 and living in poverty. How does the program work? USDA foods are shipped directly to Utah Food Bank through which low-income seniors receive food items, including canned fruits, cereal, cheese, vegetables, and more. The institution’s services include nutrition education, nutritious foods specifically designed for older adults, recipes that exclusively advise on how the provided foods are prepared, and a free monthly package with USDA food items valued at $55. Visit https://www.utahfoodbank.org/csfp/ for more details.

Transportation Assistance for Seniors

Utah has some transportation programs and services to help seniors to meet their needs, including getting to doctors’ appointments, visiting the hospital, picking prescription medication, and more. The State offers these services to older adults aged at least 60 and can demonstrate that they have no other transportation means. Visit https://www.utah.gov/local/seniors/seniors/transportation.html for more details.

Assistance for Family Caregivers

Utah Caregiver Support Program: Utah Caregiver Support Program provides in-home support services to family caregivers of seniors and older adults living with disabilities. The goal of the program is to enable them to keep providing services to the elderly for as long as possible and reduce the chances of them being institutionalized. The program’s services include:

• Offering information about local resources ad services available that they can use.
• Support to have access to the local services.
• Counseling, support groups, education & training to help caregivers make informed decisions and solve issues that come with their roles as caregivers of their loved ones.
• Respite care services allow caregivers to take a break and have some time to rest.

Who is eligible for the program assistance? To qualify for the program support, one must be a family member and have attained the age of 18. The senior care a must be at least 60 and suffer from dementia-related infections. Visit https://daas.utah.gov/seniors/ for more details.

Help From Charities and Nonprofits for Seniors

Utah is home to several charities and nonprofits that work to address the most pressing needs of older adults in the state. The organizations and charities operate through programs and partnerships to enhance the quality of life for seniors in Utah. Some of them include:

Utah Non-Profit Housing Corporation (UNPHC): The purpose of this organization is to provide low-income seniors with independent housing options that allow them to only use 30% of their income toward rent. These independent living spaces do not only offer older adults with private housing, but they also offer common rooms, which they can use for gatherings or fellowship. UNPHC partners with the U.S. Department of Housing, West Jordan City, and Salt Lake County to provide its housing and support services and programs. More information is available at https://unphc.org.

Mission Health Services: Mission Health Services is Utah’s largest non-profit nursing care facility, offering seniors and disabled older adults long-term care services, regardless of payment capacity. Seniors are given multiple options for nursing care to choose from, and staff to look after them. they are even allowed to make their rooms personalized if they want to. While this organization runs nursing homes, they don’t consider their institutions to be standard nursing homes. They take the as communities where older adults can reside and thrive. Read more at https://missionhealthservices.org/.

Senior Charity Care Foundation (SCCF): The goal of this organization is to improve the quality of life among older adults in Utah by offering services not available in Medicaid and Medicare. The organization’s programs focus on uninsured and underinsured low-income older adults and those not in a position to have access to dental, hearing, and vision services. These services are offered at much lower costs than for-profit insurance providers, offering older adults with accessible and affordable options to age healthy and strong. SCCF runs a dental and mobile vision clinic and helps seniors obtain hearing aids by collaborating with the Starkey Hear Now Foundation. Seniors must meet the age limit, which is at least 55, and be a resident of a long-term institution, assisted living facility, and low-income apartments for older adults. Learn more about the organization at https://utahcf.org/community-impact/senior-charity-care-foundation.

Assistance for Senior Veterans

Veterans Homes: Utah has gorgeous nursing homes specifically designed to provide long-term care services to senior veterans. The State’s Department of Veterans and Military Affairs oversees the facilities and ensures that the right services are offered to the residents by the right professionals. Healthcare providers in these facilities must be licensed to operate within Utah. There are four different nursing homes within this program, which have all received praise and a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Find out more at https://veterans.utah.gov/veterans-homes/.

Veteran Directed Home and Community-Based Service Program: This program allows senior veterans to be in charge of their long-term care services by helping them direct them on their own. That is, older veterans can employ a caregiver to cater to their needs, thereby reducing the chances of institutionalization, and helping them remain living independently in their homes. The elderly veterans also decide which services they need and manage their own budgets. Read more at http://seualg.utah.gov/index.php/community-services/aging/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What financial assistance programs are available for seniors in Utah? Utah seniors can access the Utah Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program for fresh produce, the Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) program for utility bill assistance, and the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) for help with Medicare-related expenses.

2. How can seniors apply for Medicaid in Utah? Seniors in Utah can apply for Medicaid online through the Utah Department of Health Medicaid Program, by phone, or in person at Department of Workforce Services offices. Necessary documentation includes proof of age, income, Utah residency, and assets.

3. What housing assistance is available for seniors in Utah? The Utah Housing Corporation provides the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) for rental assistance and information on affordable senior housing communities. The agency also offers programs aimed at home repair and energy efficiency improvements for senior homeowners.

4. Can seniors receive assistance with utility bills in Utah? Yes, the Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) program helps eligible seniors with their heating and utility bills during the winter months, ensuring they remain warm and safe.

5. How do seniors get help with prescription medications in Utah? The Utah Department of Health offers the Utah Drug Card as a free statewide prescription assistance program, and SHIP counselors provide guidance on Medicare Part D plans to reduce out-of-pocket medication costs.

6. Are there property tax relief programs for seniors in Utah? Utah provides a Circuit Breaker Property Tax Relief program for seniors, which offers tax credits or refunds to eligible elderly homeowners based on income criteria, helping to lessen the financial burden of property taxes.

7. What in-home care services can seniors access in Utah? The Aging and Adult Services division offers programs like Alternatives, providing non-medical in-home care services, including personal care, chore services, and meal delivery, enabling seniors to live independently.

8. How can seniors access transportation services in Utah? Local Area Agencies on Aging in Utah coordinate transportation services for seniors, offering rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential errands, often at reduced rates or for free.

9. What nutritional programs support seniors in Utah? Utah’s Senior Nutrition Program provides nutritious meals to seniors at community centers and through home-delivered meal programs, ensuring seniors have access to healthy food and social interaction.

10. How can seniors in Utah receive legal assistance? The Utah Legal Services offers free legal aid to qualifying seniors, covering issues such as healthcare, housing, consumer protection, and advance planning, ensuring their rights are safeguarded.