Benefit program
Utah Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
State
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as Food Stamps, helps people afford fresh, healthy food. If you have low or no income and live in Utah, you could get up to $188 each month to buy groceries.
About this program
As we get older, eating healthy helps us stay active and independent. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Utah put healthy food on their table.
If you're approved for SNAP benefits, you’ll get an electronic benefits card (EBT card) called the Horizon Card. This card works just like a prepaid debit card and can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Utah to buy food. You can also use your EBT card to buy food items on Amazon.
It’s worth checking Utah SNAP eligibility for yourself or someone you care for. The average older adult gets $188 each month to help with groceries.
Frequently asked questions
- How does Utah SNAP work?
- What is the SNAP application process like in Utah?
- How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?
- How do I apply for SNAP in Utah?
- What happens after I apply for SNAP in Utah?
- How can I get help with my application?
- Other important tips to know
How does Utah SNAP work?
SNAP helps Utah residents with low income buy food. If you qualify, you can get money each month to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, milk, bread, nuts, and seeds to grow your own food. SNAP can help you save money for other basic needs, like utility bills, medicine, and doctor visits.
In Utah, SNAP is run by the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS). Local DWS offices provide support for people who get SNAP and other public benefits. You can go there to get help and ask questions.
What is the SNAP application process like in Utah?
Applying for SNAP in Utah is easier than you might think. You don’t have to do it alone. A friend, family member, or DWS case worker can help.
Generally, here are the steps to apply for Utah SNAP:
- Fill out an application: You can apply for Utah SNAP online, in person, or by mail or fax. This will take about 30 to 45 minutes. You don’t need documents to start an application and get a benefit start date.
- Have an interview: You must have an interview with a case worker once DWS receives your application.
- Wait for a decision: Most Utah SNAP applications are reviewed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you need food right now, you may be able to have your application reviewed faster.
- Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you’ll receive an EBT card (called the Horizon Card) pre-loaded with money for groceries in the mail.
How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?
You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for Utah SNAP benefits, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:
- You must be a resident of Utah and a U.S. citizen.
- Certain lawfully present non-citizens may qualify for SNAP. Even if you can’t get SNAP benefits, your family members born in this country can.
- Your household must meet certain income (and sometimes asset) guidelines. Special SNAP rules apply to households with older adults (60+) and people with disabilities. This can make it easier to qualify, even if your income looks too high.
- Most adult applicants must meet certain work requirements.
What are the SNAP work requirements in Utah?
As of Feb. 1, 2026, federal SNAP work rules have changed for some people:
- Under the new rules, adults age 55–64 who do not have dependents may now need to work or join a SNAP job training program for 80 hours each month to keep their benefits. Volunteer work may count toward the 80 hours.
- Some caregivers may not have to follow these work rules. The details are still being worked out.
- Veterans must now follow these work rules, too.
These changes may affect how long you can get SNAP benefits in Utah, especially if you’re in an area where jobs are hard to find. Talk to your local DHS office to find out what these new work rules mean for you.
How much SNAP can I get in Utah?
The amount of money you will get in Utah SNAP benefits depends on:
- How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
- How many people live with you
If you’re age 60+ or have a disability, you may be able to get more SNAP benefits by reporting monthly costs like medical bills (over $35), housing costs, and utility bills. In 2026, the average monthly SNAP benefit for a one-person household is $188.
What are the Utah SNAP income limits?
There are income guidelines to qualify for Utah SNAP. Most households can apply if their gross (total, before taxes) income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.But special SNAP give more income flexibility to people who are age 60+ or have a disability. Many older adults are surprised they qualify for SNAP and get more help than they expected. The best way to know for sure is to apply.
Note: If all members of your household get Family Employment Program (FEP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or General Assistance benefits, you don’t need to meet the standard income tests.
The SNAP guidelines below apply from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Your local DWS office can tell you if you qualify. You can also check your eligibility now—just scroll up and click the black “See If You May Be Eligible” button.
Family size Maximum gross monthly income (130% FPL)
1 $ 1,695
2 $ 2,291
3 $ 2,887
4 $ 3,482
5 $ 4,079
For each additional person, add: +$ 595
Some SNAP households may also have to meet an asset limit. Assets are things you own that can be turned into money, like cash, bank accounts, or property (not your home).
How do I apply for SNAP in Utah?
- Get important documents ready
When applying for Utah SNAP, you’ll be asked for information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather the following to make things easier:
- Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
- Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members
- Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs
- Child care or adult day health care costs
Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:
- Driver's license or other government-issued ID
- Birth certificate
- Bank statements
- Pension statements
- Social Security statements
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Social Security card
- Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)
- Marriage license or divorce decree
If you want someone to help you, you can choose a friend or family member to speak for you. This person can help you get papers, fill out your SNAP application, and go to your interview with you. This person is called your Authorized Representative.
2. Complete an application
The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP in Utah is online through the Utah Department of Workforce Services myCase portal. All your personal information is kept 100% private and protected by special security technology.
- To get started, visit the myCase portal and click ‘Apply for Benefits.’
- Read the information under ‘Rights and Responsibilities.’ Then, click ‘Next.’
- On the next screen, check the box next to ‘Yes’ if you have a Social Security number, and then click ‘Next’ (if you do not have a Social Security number, check ‘No’). Then share whether you are applying for yourself or someone else.
- On the next screen, if you do not have a UtahID account, click ‘Create Account/Forgot Password.’ You will be brought to the UtahID website.
- On the UtahID home page, click ‘Create an account,’ enter your email address, and follow the directions on the screen to set up your user ID and password.
- Once you have a UtahID account, you will be able to log in to the myCase portal. The system will guide you through applying for benefits online, including SNAP. The online form lets you apply for SNAP, financial help, child care, and medical help all in one place. You can choose which programs you want to apply for.
Tips for success:
- Plan for about 20 to 45 minutes to finish your Utah SNAP application. Enter a current mailing address, phone number, and email so you don’t miss important messages. Fill in as much as you can to help speed up the process.
- Be ready to share information about the money you earn and the things you pay for or own. You can also upload your documents online.
- You can change the language by clicking the “Language” menu in the lower-left corner of the screen. Interpreter services are available if you need them.
- People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact DWS or the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) through the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339; or 1-800-845-6136 (Spanish).
- If you need help using the myCase portal:
- Visit the Frequently Asked Questions.
- Click on the green 'Chat' button in the lower-left corner of your screen to speak with an agent who can help you navigate the portal.
APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR FAX
To apply in person, by mail, or by fax, you will first need a paper application. Below, you will find the Utah benefits application that you can download and print out at home:
- SNAP Application (English)
- SNAP Application (Spanish)
Once you have printed out and completed your application, you can fax it to [1-877-313-4717](tel:1-877-313-4717).
To apply by mail, send your completed application to:
P.O. Box 143245
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114
You can also apply in person by dropping off the form at your nearest DWS office. Find a location near you.
What if I need food assistance right away?
If you need food right away, you may be able to get Utah SNAP within 7 days from the date you apply. This is called expedited (faster) help.
The following households qualify:
- Households whose combined monthly gross income and liquid resources are less than the household’s monthly utilities and rent or mortgage.
- Households with less than $150 in monthly gross income and whose liquid resources (cash, savings, checking accounts, etc.) are no more than $100
- Some migrant and seasonal farm worker households
Need food today? Visit the Utah Food Bank website to find resources near you while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.
How can I get help with my application?
There are several ways to get help filling out your Utah SNAP application. You can:
- Contact DWS Eligibility Services at 1-866-435-7414.
- Call Utahns Against Hunger at 328-2561 or 1-800-453-3663.
- Call Davis County Government at 1-801-525-5095 or email them at ddraper@co.davis.ut.us
- Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.
- Call NCOA’s HelpLine at [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST to get free support.
What happens after I apply for SNAP in Utah?
It can take up to 30 days for DHS to review your SNAP application. If you qualify for fast (expedited) help, you may get benefits within 7 days. If you are approved, your benefits can start as early as the day you applied.
After applying, you must have an interview with a DWS case worker. These are usually done over the phone.
What can I expect during my SNAP interview?
Don’t worry—the interview is not to trip you up or deny you SNAP. It’s just to check the information you gave. Your DWS case worker can also tell you more about the program, answer your questions, and help you get any papers or information you need.
During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:
- What is your full name and birthday?
- What is your Social Security number?
- Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
- Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
- What is your monthly income?
- Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
- What other regular bills do you have?
It can help to practice answering interview questions before your appointment. You can practice in front of a mirror or with a friend or family member. This can help you feel calmer and answer all questions correctly.
DWS must receive all requested documents before they can decide your SNAP case. You can check your myCase account to see which documents they have received, and which ones are still needed.
After DWS gets all the needed information, you should receive a letter within 14 to 30 days. The letter will say if your household can get SNAP food benefits.
What happens after I am approved for SNAP?
If you are approved for Utah SNAP, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for. For most households, that period is 6 months up to 12 months for households with older people (60+) or people with a disability.
You will receive your Horizon Card (EBT card) in the mail. The card will be pre-loaded with your first month of benefits. After the first month, your benefits will be automatically deposited into your EBT account on a regular schedule.
Other important tips to know
What if my Utah SNAP application is denied?
If you do not agree with the reason your SNAP was denied, you can ask for an appeal. Read your letter carefully. It will explain the rules and how to ask for an appeal on time.
How do I use my SNAP card?
To start using SNAP, you will first need to activate your SNAP EBT card. To do this, first call the EBT Customer Support line at 1-800-604-5099 (or the number on the back of your card) to set up your PIN, check your benefits, or report a lost or stolen card. You can also visit ebtEDGE (you must create an account first).
How can I manage my Utah SNAP benefits online?
You can manage your SNAP benefits through your myCase account. There, you can:
- Check application and case status
- Complete review
- Report changes
- Make online payments
- Get notices
- Print forms
- Print benefit history
For Utah SNAP, you must report certain changes, like changes in your work hours or income. The easiest way to report these changes is through your myCase account.
When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Utah?
You must renew your Utah SNAP benefits before your time period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew.
Categories
Populations served
Informational only — official eligibility is determined by the administering agency.
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