Apply for Utah SNAP (Food Stamps) 2026: Application & Documents

Key Takeaways (Summary):

• Application Portal: You can apply online via the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS) “myCase” portal, or submit by mail/in-person/phone as alternatives.
• EBT Card: Once approved, you’ll receive the Horizon EBT card (sometimes called “Horizon Card”) to buy eligible groceries.
• Standard Income Test: For most households, the gross monthly income limit is 130% of the Federal Poverty Level, e.g., for a one-person household, about $1,695 per month. 
• Asset Limit: Countable resources are generally capped at $3,000 for most households; if someone in the household is age 60+ or disabled, the cap rises to $4,500.
• Processing Time: Typical approval time is up to 30 days, though for households with very low income or few resources, expedited processing (often within 7 days) is possible. 

Program Overview

The Utah Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is managed by the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS). It provides food benefits via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to low-income households.

While core eligibility (income and assets) is federally set, Utah customizes certain rules. Notably, households with an older adult (60+) or a disabled person have relaxed criteria, such as waived gross income tests and higher asset limits.

Utah’s local implementation includes its “myCase” portal, specific Horizon Card issuance dates, and unique asset deduction rules. Understanding these state-specific details is key to a smooth application.

How to Apply

Getting started with Utah’s SNAP is straightforward yet worth careful attention. The fastest route is to use the “myCase” online portal offered by DWS.

You’ll need to create or log in with a Utah ID, complete the application form with household and income details, and submit it electronically. 

To apply online:

1. Navigate to the myCase portal.
2. Create a Utah ID or log in to your existing account.
3. Complete the application form, providing detailed information about your household and income.
4. Submit the application electronically.

Alternative Application Methods:

If the online portal is not convenient, you may also apply:

• In-person at your local DWS Employment Center.
• By submitting a paper application via mail or fax.

Next Steps After Application:

1. Interview: You will be scheduled for an interview, which is typically conducted by phone, although some offices may offer in-person options.
2. Verification: You must submit required verification documents, such as proof of income, expenses, and assets.
3. Decision: Once all information is provided, DWS will evaluate your eligibility and send you a decision notice.
4. Benefits: If approved, your Horizon EBT card will be mailed to you, allowing you to begin purchasing eligible food items.

Key Documents to Prepare

To streamline your application in Utah, gather these essential documents ahead of time:

1. Proof of Identity – Government photo ID (driver’s licence, state ID, passport) for each adult.
   
2. Social Security Numbers / Birthdates – For everyone in your household who has one; if someone does not, that’s okay, but you’ll note it.
   
3. Proof of Income – Pay stubs, employer letters, self-employment records, unemployment/SSI/SS benefits covering recent months.
   
4. Proof of Resources / Assets – Bank account statements, savings, investment documents, property (excluding primary home). Utah has many liquid resources.
   
5. Proof of Household Expenses – Rent or mortgage statements, utility bills, childcare costs, and, if someone is 60+ or disabled: out-of-pocket medical expenses. This helps with deductions.
   
6. Residence Verification – Lease, rental receipt, utility bill in your name, or other proof showing your Utah address and household.
   

Having these documents ready helps avoid delays and ensures that the interview can go smoothly.

What Happens Next

Once your application and documents are in with DWS, you’ll receive a phone (or sometimes in-person) interview with a caseworker. During this call, you’ll confirm your household information, who lives with you, your income sources, expenses, and assets, and clarify any special circumstances (like disability or elderly members). 

After the interview, DWS reviews your details, applies deductions (e.g., child care, shelter costs for rent/utility, medical expenses if applicable), and then decides your eligibility based on gross income (for most households), net income, and asset/resource tests. In Utah, if your household includes a member age 60+ or disabled, the gross income test may not apply, and the resource limits are higher.

Once approved, you’ll receive a decision letter and your Horizon EBT card. Benefits start from the date of your application. The standard processing timeframe in Utah reaches up to 30 days, but if you qualify for expedited service (very low income or few resources), you may receive benefits much sooner. (Utahns Against Hunger)

Financial Eligibility in Utah (2025–2026)

In Utah, for most households, the eligibility for SNAP requires meeting the gross monthly income limit (which is 130% of the Federal Poverty Level) and other tests of net income and assets. For households that include a person age 60+ or with a disability, only the net income test may apply, and the asset/resource limit is more generous.

Household Size	Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% FPL)
1	$1,695
2	$2,291
3	$2,887
4	$3,482
5	$4,079
6	$4,674
Each Additional Member	+$595

(Source: Utah SNAP eligibility guide) (Snap Screener)

Then, for net income (for households which must meet it), the limits are lower: for a one-person household $1,304; for two persons $1,763; for three persons $2,221; each additional member, +$458.

Asset limits: $3,000 for most households; if there is a member age 60+ or disabled, the limit is $4,500.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Applying for SNAP in Utah is a matter of completing the online (or alternative) application, gathering your income and asset data, attending the interview, and waiting for approval, after which you’ll receive your Horizon EBT card and benefits.

 Be sure to check both the income and asset/resource limits, especially if your household includes an older person or someone with a disability; these factors have a big impact on Utah’s eligibility rules. When you’re ready, apply, stay on top of any requested documents, and you’ll be on your way to getting food assistance.