Assistance for Single Moms in Utah

Single moms can receive help and assistance in all cities and counties across the state of Utah. Assistance programs aid with free food, housing costs, rent, energy bills, mortgages, free health care, and more.

Food Stamp Program
Utah single mom’s first line of defense against hunger is the Food Stamp Program. Coupons and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards can be used by low-income families to buy nutritious food. Authorized retail stores are the place where food stamps recipients can spend their benefits to buy eligible food. 800-331-4341 for more information in regards to eligibility and benefits.

Utah School Breakfast and Lunch Program
Before their school day begins, the School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides children with nutritious foods, thus improving their diets and encouraging the learning process. When children eat their breakfast, schools operating the SBP have reported a decrease in absenteeism, increases in test scores, and an overall improvement in student behavior. The school meals programs can help families with limited income with reduced-price of free meals while also providing an essential link to children’s learning during the school day.

Special Milk Program
Children who do not participate in other child nutrition programs are encouraged to consume milk. Children that may participate in the SMP are for example, children attending split-session kindergarten who do not have access to the breakfast and lunch programs. Other private nonprofit institutions devoted to the care and training of children can also benefit from the program. Contact the Child Nutrition Programs office to learn more about the program at 801-538-7680.

Utah Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Quality nutrition and breastfeeding education is provided to Utah families and single moms through the efforts of the Utah Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), a program administered by the Utah Department of Health, Division of Family Services. To contact the Utah Department of Health to get more information on the program simply call 801-538-6960.

Utah Summer Food Service
Children in low-income areas can continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations with the help of the Utah Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), when they do not have access to school lunch or breakfast. Contractors who serve approved meals to qualifying children aged 18 and under are reimbursed by the program. If individuals aged 19 and over participate in a public or nonprofit school program and have been determined by a public educational agency to be mentally or physically handicapped the program will reimburse contractors for the food they serve them.

Head Start
Head Start is a Federal program that aims to enhance the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children from birth to age five from low income families making sure they are school ready. Language, literacy, and social and emotional development are some area where the program can support a child’s growth. The role of parents is emphasized by the program as their child’s first and most important teacher. To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, call 866-763-6481.

Housing Vouchers
Section 8 housing choice vouchers are another option for very low income families and single moms to receive rental assistance in Utah. A portion of a residents rental expenses can be paid for by this government funded program. For question about HUD rental programs, including Housing Choice (Section 8) Vouchers call 800-955-2232.

Credit Counseling
A counseling agency can be contacted by single moms who are struggling with paying their bills, mortgage, or debts (such as medical or credit card). People can get back on a strong financial footing by receiving free advice and services. To contact the Consumer Credit Counseling Service call 435-986-9223.

Social Services
Administering programs in Utah, the Salvation Army is a leading non-profit agency. Including both financial assistance and other support such as free food, meals, clothing, case management, and vouchers, the services offered are wide ranging.

Utah Medicaid
Eligible needy persons and single mom can get medical coverage from the state and Federal partnership that is Medicaid. Utah Medicaid offers to improve the health of people throughout the state who might otherwise go without medical care for both themselves and their children. 800-662-9651 to call the Utah Medicaid hotline.

Utah CHIP Program
Single moms are able to get medical services for their children from the Utah Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, as long as they are under the age of 19, do not have health insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid. Services under the CHIP program include: well child exams, sick visits, prescriptions, dental, emergency room visits, hospital care, urgent care visits, eye exams, and other related services. There are no co-payments required for any preventive (e.g. well-child checkups and immunizations), CHIP emphasizing preventive care. For other services and quarterly premiums there are some co-payments required. The Utah Department of Health administers CHIP, and currently contracts with Molina and Select Health o provide health care services. For general information or enrollment call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (543-7669).

Legal Aid
Utah Legal Services can help single moms by offering them help in dealing with civil legal issues. Non-profit organizations offer a wide number of services, free programs and advice. Call 800-662-4245 to contact Utah Legal Services to find out how you can receive free legal assistance and advice.

Utah Family Employment Program
Through employment and child support the Utah Family Employment Program aims to offer unemployed or underemployed single moms and two parent families opportunities to increase family income. For more information on benefits and eligibility call the Department of Workforce Services at 866-435-7414.

Unemployment Insurance
Compensation is provided by the Utah Unemployment Insurance program to single moms who are unemployed through no fault of their own and are able and available for and actively seeking work. Call 801-526-4400 (Salt Lake metro area), toll-free 801-612-0877 (Weber/Davis counties), 801-375-4067 (Utah county), 888-848-0688 (balance of state and out of state) for more information on the program.

Home Energy Assistance Training (HEAT) Program
Low-income households and single moms can receive help with their heating utility bills from the Utah Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT). Targeting those who are truly vulnerable – the lowest-income households with the highest heating costs, the disabled, elderly, and families with preschool age children, this program provides winter utility assistance. The HEAT program received over $23 million in Federal funds in the fiscal year 2014. Call toll-free to speak to Rhonda, Brian or Sanobi (ext. 80057, 80014 or ext. 80010 respectively) of the HEAT Program: 866-205-4357.