Senior benefits in Salt Lake County, Utah

Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services is a federally designated Area Agency on Aging and a division of the Salt Lake County Department of Human Services. It serves over 18,000 people each year and works to help older adults stay independent. Services include senior centers, home and community based care, Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, Active Aging health programs and Rides for Wellness. Older adults, their loved ones and caregivers can reach out for help, and staff check if you qualify before services start. Call 385-468-3200.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

Utah Community Action runs the HEAT Utility Assistance Program for Salt Lake and Tooele counties, including Salt Lake County. HEAT is Utah's Home Energy Assistance Target program, paid for by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). It helps income-eligible households pay power and gas bills once per season (October 1 – September 30). Households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level may qualify, and elderly and disabled households and families with children under six get priority. The person applying must be responsible for the utilities. Crisis help is available all year for households with a 48-hour shut-off notice. A HEAT benefit on a Rocky Mountain Power account also signs you up for the Home Electric Lifeline Program (HELP) discount for 12 months. Apply online, by email (HEAT@utahca.org), by mail or drop-off, or call 801-359-2444 to set up a phone appointment. Processing takes 6-8 weeks.

Estimated bill savings: $250–$800 a year

Intermountain Medical Center in Murray is part of Intermountain Health, which gives financial assistance to eligible patients who need medical care. Help is based on family size and gross yearly household income, for incomes within 500% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines. People with higher incomes can be reviewed for medical hardship. Eligible patients are not charged more for emergency or other needed care than the amounts generally billed to insured people, and no one who needs emergency care is turned away for not being able to pay. Download the application and email, fax, mail or bring it with your documents to an Eligibility Counselor at an Intermountain facility, or mail it to Financial Assistance, PO BOX 27327, Salt Lake City, Utah 84127. You can also apply in person at your local hospital. For questions, call a financial counselor at 866-415-6556.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Salt Lake County Treasurer's Tax Relief Division runs the Circuit Breaker program, which helps eligible senior homeowners lower property taxes on their primary residence. People who qualify may get a 20% reduction in taxable home value and a tax credit of up to $1,412. Fill out the Home & Mobile Home Tax Relief Application. For help, call the Tax Relief Division at 385-468-8300, Option 2. The mailing address is 2001 S State St, Ste N1-200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84190.

Estimated bill savings: $100–$1,412 a year

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) serves Salt Lake County. Riders 65 or older can get reduced fare: $1 per local trip (bus, BRT, TRAX, S-Line, UTA On Demand) and $2 per premium trip (FrontRunner, Express Bus, Ski Bus). Fare caps limit what you pay: $2 a day or $8 a week for local trips. People with disabilities, people with a Medicare card and low-income riders can also qualify. Reduced fare works only with a FAREPAY Card, which costs $3; the fee is credited back if you qualify. Apply through your online FAREPAY account and upload a photo ID. Senior reduced fare is good for 5 years, then you reapply. For help, call UTA Customer Service at 801-RIDE-UTA (801-743-3882).

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year