Senior benefits in Duchesne County, Utah

The Uintah Basin Association of Governments (UBAOG) in Roosevelt runs the Area Agency on Aging for Duchesne and Daggett counties. Senior centers serve meals and offer activities; people 60 and older are asked for a suggested donation of $3.00 a meal. SHIP counselors give free help with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Medicaid, and MIPPA staff help people with low incomes apply for programs that lower Medicare drug and Part B costs; a counselor is available Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 435-722-4518. The Alternatives case manager helps frail older people stay at home with home health aides, homemaker and personal care, and emergency response systems. The Caregiver Support Program helps people caring for a loved one 60 or older. Veteran Directed Home and Community Based Services are available for eligible veterans. The long-term care ombudsman (435-722-5300) speaks up for people living in nursing and assisted living facilities. In Duchesne County, lunch is served Monday through Thursday at noon at the Crossroads Senior Center in Roosevelt (50 East 200 South, 435-722-4296) and the Gateway Senior Center in Duchesne (734 North Center St., 435-738-1170); call 24 hours ahead to reserve. Seniors 60 and older in Duchesne County can ride senior center buses for a $2.00 suggested donation (call 435-722-4518).

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

HEAT (Home Energy Assistance Target) is Utah's year-round energy assistance program for eligible low-income households, paid for by the federal LIHEAP program. To qualify, total household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, the household must pay its own home energy costs, it must have at least one adult, and at least one member must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen. The program year runs October 1 to September 30, or until federal LIHEAP funds run out. In Duchesne County, UBAOG takes HEAT applications online, by mail, or at an office appointment at the Roosevelt HEAT office (330 E 100 S, Roosevelt); call 435-722-5218. After your appointment you have 10 days to turn in any missing papers. The Department of Workforce Services sends a letter with the benefit amount, which is paid to your utility. HEAT households may also get extra help from Moon Lake Electric, Enbridge Gas or Rocky Mountain Power programs.

Estimated bill savings: $250–$800 a year

Uintah Basin Healthcare runs Uintah Basin Medical Center in Roosevelt and offers financial assistance to patients who are uninsured or underinsured and cannot pay their bill. Staff can help you see if you qualify or if other programs can help pay for your care. Applications are available at all clinics, patient admitting areas and patient financial advocate offices, on the hospital website, or by calling Patient Financial Services at 435-725-2060. After the hospital gets your completed application, it will tell you the outcome within 10 business days.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Duchesne County homeowners apply for Utah's property tax relief programs through the Duchesne County Clerk/Auditor’s Office (734 North Center Street, Duchesne). Under the state's 2026 rules, the Homeowner Low-income Abatement (formerly called Circuit Breaker) can lower property tax on an owner-occupied home by up to $1,412, based on income, plus an extra credit. It is for owners whose 2025 household income was under $44,221 and who are 67 or older, are an unmarried surviving spouse, or qualified in 2025. The county's low-income (indigent) abatement can cut the tax in half, up to $1,412, for low-income owners who are 67 or older or who have a disability or extreme hardship. Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10 percent, and legally blind owners, can get exemptions, and owners 75 and older may be able to defer their taxes. Applications are due to the county by September 1. Call 435-738-1100. Duchesne County may consider late applications case by case. Renters 66 or older (or an unmarried surviving spouse) with 2025 income under $44,221 can get a Renter Credit of up to $1,412 from the Utah State Tax Commission; apply at tap.utah.gov by December 31.

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

The Basin Transit Association (BTA) is the public bus system for the Uintah Basin, open to everyone. Routes run from Duchesne to Roosevelt and from Roosevelt to Vernal. Buses run Monday through Friday all year, except on listed holidays, and all buses are wheelchair accessible. Regular fixed-route fares are currently suspended. People with disabilities who cannot get to a bus stop can schedule curb-to-curb Call-A-Ride paratransit 24 hours ahead for $2.00 per one-way trip, within 3/4 mile of a fixed-route stop. For ADA paratransit approval, call BTA at 435-722-5221 or 435-722-4518. Utah Relay: dial 711.

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