Family Employment Program (Utah Cash Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
The Family Employment Program, FEP, is Utah's monthly cash help for low-income families with children. The Department of Workforce Services runs it. It pairs the cash with an employment plan and one-on-one help from a counselor to move you toward work. Apply online through myCase at jobs.utah.gov/mycase, the same application used for SNAP and Medicaid.
The most important fact is the clock. FEP has a 36-month lifetime limit on cash assistance. That is far shorter than the federal 60-month TANF limit, so treat every month as scarce. You may be allowed to go past 36 months only if you meet a qualifying extension reason.
FEP is means-tested. The maximum gross monthly income to qualify runs from about $608 for a household of one to $1,844 for a household of ten. Your case worker checks your family against the chart.
The cash payment also depends on household size. The maximum monthly payment runs from $383 for one person up to $1,162 for a household of ten. A family with some income gets less than the maximum.
FEP is built around work. Most adults must sign and follow an employment plan and work with an employment counselor toward steady income while they receive cash. FEP serves families with children who are Utah residents and meet the income test.
Because the cash is modest and the clock is short, stack other help. Apply for SNAP and Medicaid in the same myCase form, and dial 2-1-1 for local emergency funds. You may qualify, but the program decides after it reviews your case.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Families with children who are Utah residents and meet an income and asset test; you do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify
- Most adults sign and follow an employment plan with a case manager, and state and federal time limits apply to the months you can receive cash
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online through myCase at jobs.utah.gov/mycase.
- 2
Know the clock: FEP has a 36-month lifetime limit, shorter than the federal 60 months.
- 3
Meet with your employment counselor and sign your employment plan.
- 4
Follow your plan and work hours to keep your cash coming.
- 5
Apply for SNAP and Medicaid in the same myCase application.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the family
- Proof of income and Utah residency
- Proof that you have a child in your care. Your case worker confirms the full list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How long can I get FEP cash?
Up to 36 months in your lifetime, shorter than the federal 60-month limit. You can go past 36 months only if you meet a qualifying extension reason.
How much does FEP pay?
The maximum monthly payment runs from $383 for one person up to $1,162 for a household of ten. A family with some income gets less.
Do I have to work?
Most adults must sign and follow an employment plan and work with a counselor toward steady income while receiving cash.
Who qualifies?
Low-income families with children who are Utah residents and meet the income test. Maximum gross income runs from about $608 for one person to $1,844 for ten.
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