Utah's Emergency Assistance Program

Utah's Emergency Assistance Program, in operation since the early 1990's, provides immediate, short-term housing assistance to destitute families. It is supported with a variety of funds, including TANF, MOE, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance, Community Development Block Grant, and general state funds. Payments range from $200-500 per family. Funds may be used for rent, mortgage and utility payments and/or legal assistance to avoid eviction. Eligible families may receive assistance for up to 30 consecutive days in any 365-day period. Qualifying families must have an income below 185 percent of the standard needs budget based on household size, be facing eviction, foreclosure or utility shut-off, and demonstrate that a one-time payment will resolve the past due payments. The state also provides assistance to single adults facing eviction with "Z" funds. These are state funds allocated to each region to be spent on discretionary emergency assistance and are targeted to support employment-related efforts. Z funds may be used for eviction prevention if providing such assistance can be justified as needed to maintain employment.

The goal of this program is to promote stability by preventing families and individuals from being evicted.

Statewide, between 100 and 200 families received funds to prevent eviction in 2003. Families applying for TANF cash assistance can use diversion funds for purposes of maintaining rent or mortgage payments if such payments enable them to retain or obtain work and forgo welfare assistance. In some cases, families may qualify for and receive assistance from both programs.