Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Utah. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Utah)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Utah SHIP)
Utah's SHIP program provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling through the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS). Counselors help with Medicare plan comparisons, Part D drug coverage, Medicare Advantage, and billing questions at no cost.
- SHIP Locator for Utah: shiphelp.org/ships/utah/
- National SHIP helpline: 1-877-839-2675 (say "Medicare" when prompted)
Counselors do not work for or sell any insurance products.
Medicaid in Utah
Utah Medicaid is administered by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
- How to apply: medicaid.utah.gov/apply-medicaid/ or through the Utah Benefits portal at le.utah.gov
- For long-term care or the Aging Waiver (for adults 65 or older who need home and community-based services): contact the Division of Aging and Adult Services at 801-538-3910 or your local Area Agency on Aging; the Aging Waiver referral process begins through the Area Agency on Aging
- Nursing Home Medicaid for single applicants: income and asset limits apply (verify current amounts at medicaid.utah.gov, as they adjust annually)
Prescription help
Utah does not operate a standalone state pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP). Seniors on Medicare should apply for Extra Help (the federal Low Income Subsidy).
- Apply for Extra Help: Social Security 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov
- NeedyMeds.org: manufacturer patient-assistance programs by drug name
- SHIP counselors can assist with Part D comparisons: shiphelp.org/ships/utah/ or 1-877-839-2675
Energy and utility help
Utah's LIHEAP program is called the HEAT Program (Home Energy Assistance Target), administered by the Utah Department of Workforce Services.
- Phone: 1-866-205-4357
- Website: jobs.utah.gov/housing/scso/seal/heat.html
- Priority enrollment for households with a member aged 60 or older, a person with a disability, or a child under age 6: applications accepted from October 1 through the close of funding
- General public enrollment: November 1 through approximately September 30
- 2026 benefit amounts: heating and cooling benefits $140 minimum to $800 maximum; crisis assistance up to $1,500 (verify current amounts with the HEAT Program)
- Local HEAT offices are administered through community action agencies across the state; call 1-866-205-4357 or dial 211 to find the nearest office
Property tax relief (Utah)
Utah offers two primary programs for senior homeowners, administered at the county level with oversight from the Utah State Tax Commission.
1. Circuit Breaker Homeowner's Credit Available to homeowners who are age 66 or older by December 31 of the tax year (or unmarried surviving spouses of a previous credit recipient at any age). Provides a credit or reduction in taxable home value for qualifying low-income homeowners. Applications are due to the county clerk/auditor by September 1, 2026 for the current tax year.
- Income limit: approximately $42,000 to $44,221 depending on county (varies annually; contact your county auditor for the exact 2026 limit in your county)
- Credit: up to approximately $1,312 or a 20% reduction in taxable assessed value (verify current amounts at your county auditor or tax.utah.gov)
- Apply at: your county clerk/auditor's office
2. Indigent Abatement Available to homeowners who are age 65 or older, own and occupy the property for at least 10 months of the year, and are genuinely unable to pay the property tax when due. No fixed income limit; eligibility is based on demonstrated inability to pay (including consideration of liquid assets).
Property Tax Deferral No income restriction; homeowners who do not qualify for the credit or abatement may be able to defer taxes, which accrue interest and are repaid when the property is sold. Mortgage holder permission may be required.
Contact your county clerk/auditor or visit tax.utah.gov/propertytax/tax-relief/ for applications and current income limits.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
- Utah Area Agencies on Aging (meals, transportation, caregiver programs): aging.utah.gov or Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116
- Utah Legal Services (free civil legal help for low-income seniors): utahlegalservices.org or 1-800-662-4245
- Utah Meals on Wheels programs: contact your local Area Agency on Aging or dial 211
- SNAP (food assistance): apply at jobs.utah.gov or dial 211
Frequently asked questions
What is Utah's SHIP program? Utah's SHIP is part of the Division of Aging and Adult Services and provides free Medicare counseling statewide. Use the SHIP locator at shiphelp.org/ships/utah/ or call 1-877-839-2675 to find a local counselor. It is free and counselors do not sell insurance.
Does Utah offer senior property tax relief? Yes. Homeowners who are 66 or older with qualifying income may receive the Circuit Breaker Homeowner's Credit, which reduces taxable home value or provides a credit of up to approximately $1,312. Homeowners 65 or older who truly cannot pay their taxes may qualify for the Indigent Abatement. Apply at your county clerk/auditor's office by September 1. Income limits vary by county; contact your county for the exact 2026 figure.
How do Utah seniors get help with energy bills? Through the HEAT Program (Utah's LIHEAP). Call 1-866-205-4357. Seniors aged 60 and older can apply starting October 1 (priority enrollment). Benefits range from $140 to $800 for heating and cooling, with crisis assistance up to $1,500.
How do I apply for Medicaid long-term care in Utah? Visit medicaid.utah.gov/apply-medicaid/ or call the Division of Aging and Adult Services at 801-538-3910. For home-based services, ask about the Aging Waiver, which is accessed through your local Area Agency on Aging. Eligibility is based on income, assets, and medical need.
Sources
- Utah SHIP locator: https://www.shiphelp.org/ships/utah/ (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Utah Medicaid long-term care: https://medicaid.utah.gov/medicaid-long-term-care-and-waiver-programs/ (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Utah Medicaid Aging Waiver: https://medicaid.utah.gov/ltc-2/ag/ (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Utah HEAT Program (LIHEAP): https://jobs.utah.gov/housing/scso/seal/heat.html (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Utah State Tax Commission Property Tax Relief FAQ: https://tax.utah.gov/propertytax/tax-relief/tax-relief-faq/ (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Utah Circuit Breaker homeowner's credit: https://tax.utah.gov/relief/circuitbreaker/ (Verified June 10, 2026)
Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. This is not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Income limits, rates, and deadlines change annually, confirm with the program or a licensed professional before acting.