Public Assistance Programs and Government Benefits in Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake County's public assistance landscape runs along two parallel tracks: state and federal benefit programs administered by the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS), and direct services delivered by Utah Community Action (UCA), the county's nonprofit community action agency. Most people in crisis need to engage both. This guide explains which track handles what — and who to call first depending on your situation.
Utah Community Action — emergency help and direct services
Utah Community Action (formerly Salt Lake Community Action Program) is the primary local nonprofit for low-income residents of Salt Lake and Tooele counties. Founded in 1965, it now serves approximately 50,000 children and families a year. UCA is where you go when you need hands-on help navigating a crisis — not just a program application, but a case manager who can work with you toward stabilization.
For immediate assistance, call UCA's main intake line at (801) 359-2444, available weekdays. Have income verification (30 days of records), a valid ID, and your lease ready if you're seeking housing-related help. The main office is at 1307 S 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84104.
HEAT utility assistance
UCA administers the HEAT program, Utah's primary home energy assistance program. It helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills and can cover natural gas, electric, propane, and other fuel types. Benefits are income-based and seasonally funded — apply early in the season. Call (801) 359-2444 or apply through UCA's website at https://utahca.org/heat-utility-assistance/.
Home weatherization
UCA's weatherization program installs free energy efficiency improvements — insulation, air sealing, heating system upgrades — in income-eligible homes across Salt Lake and Tooele counties. The program is federally funded and prioritizes elderly residents, people with disabilities, and households with young children. Contact UCA's main line to inquire and start the process.
Emergency rental assistance and eviction prevention
If you're behind on rent or facing eviction, UCA provides emergency rental assistance through its Case Management and Housing program. A case manager works with you to prevent eviction, and UCA can also provide landlord-tenant mediation. For mediation specifically, call (801) 214-3109 or email [email protected]. For rental assistance, call the main intake line to schedule an appointment. Funding is limited and not guaranteed however we have other Salt Lake County rent assistance programs listed.
Housing and homelessness
If you are currently homeless and in Salt Lake County, call (801) 990-9999 for shelter bed availability — available seven days a week. UCA does not operate the shelters directly, but coordinates with the county's homeless services network.
Head Start preschool
UCA operates Head Start and Early Head Start programs for income-eligible children from birth through age 5 in Salt Lake and Tooele counties. Programs include early education, health screenings, nutrition, and family support services. UCA's Head Start has been nationally recognized by the National Head Start Association. To inquire about enrollment and availability, call (801) 359-2444.
Workforce development
UCA offers job training, employment counseling, and — in partnership with legal firm Rasa — no-cost criminal record expungement services to help residents remove barriers to employment. To connect with the workforce team, call (801) 359-2444 or email [email protected].
Utah Department of Workforce Services — government benefits
For SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, CHIP, TANF cash assistance, and child care subsidies, the Utah Department of Workforce Services is the place to apply. These are entitlement programs with statewide eligibility rules, and DWS administers them directly. The fastest way to apply or check eligibility is through Utah's MyCase online portal at jobs.utah.gov/mycase.
Salt Lake County has two main DWS office locations. The Metro Employment Center is at 720 S 200 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, phone (801) 526-0950, open weekdays. The South County Employment Center is at 5735 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, UT 84123. The statewide DWS assistance line is 1-866-435-7414. For Medicaid questions specifically, Salt Lake County callers can use (801) 526-0950.
Utah's SNAP program uses the Horizon Card (EBT). DWS recommends using the ConnectEBT app to lock your card when not in use to protect against theft of benefits — an issue that has affected Utah households in recent and past years.
211 Utah — when you're not sure where to start
If you're facing a crisis and aren't sure which agency to call, dial 2-1-1 or visit https://211utah.org/. The 211 line connects Salt Lake County residents to local resources across housing, food, transportation, mental health, and medical services and can help you identify which program is the right fit before you spend time on hold with the wrong office.
How to apply for state benefits
Most DWS programs can be applied for online through MyCase at https://jobs.utah.gov/mycase-app/ui/. You can also apply in person at either DWS location above, by phone at 1-866-435-7414, or by mail. For Medicaid applications only, fax to (801) 526-9505. Applications can be submitted with just a name, address, and signature to hold your place in line — you don't need to have all documents ready before starting.
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