UtahWelfare.com – Utah Assistance, Eligibility & Benefits

What is 2-1-1 Utah?

2-1-1 Utah is a free, confidential information and referral service available to everyone in Utah. Operated by United Way, 211 Utah helps people find local support for food, housing, utilities, health care, mental health, child care, employment, and disaster response. The service is accessible 24/7 via phone, web, and text, and is available in multiple languages.

Phone: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone in Utah (toll-free).
Text: Text your zip code to 898-211.
Online: Search the 211 Utah database for local resources.

History & Mission of 2-1-1 Utah

Launched in 2002, 2-1-1 Utah was established to streamline access to vital social services across the state. Operated by United Way of Salt Lake and United Way of Utah County, its mission is to ensure Utahns can easily find help for basic needs and emergencies, regardless of income or background. In recent years, 2-1-1 Utah has handled over 350,000 calls and messages annually, especially during natural disasters, public health crises, and periods of economic hardship. The 2-1-1 Utah website and text service have expanded rapidly, serving as a lifeline for thousands every month.

Impact Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 2-1-1 Utah saw a surge in requests for food, rental assistance, and health resources. The system promptly connected residents to local aid, government programs, and volunteer services, demonstrating its critical role in Utah's safety net.

How Does 2-1-1 Utah Help?

When you contact 211, trained specialists listen to your needs and connect you with appropriate resources. You can receive referrals for:

Food pantries and meal programs
Emergency shelter and rental assistance
Utility and energy bill help (HEAT, LIHEAP, etc.)
Health care clinics and insurance assistance
Mental health and substance use support
Child care and parenting resources
Employment and job training programs
Disaster recovery and crisis assistance
Legal aid and transportation

211 Utah is also a critical resource during natural disasters, public health emergencies, or community crises, providing up-to-date information on shelter, relief programs, and recovery support.

How to Access 2-1-1 Utah

Calling 2-1-1: Simply dial 2-1-1 from any Utah phone, and you will be connected to a local specialist. You can also call the toll-free number at 1-888-826-9790 if you are outside Utah or using certain cell providers.

Texting 2-1-1: Send your zip code to 898-211 to receive information and referrals via text message.

Searching Online: Visit 211Utah.org to search the directory by category, location, or keyword. The online directory is updated regularly and includes thousands of services statewide.

Languages: 2-1-1 offers support in English, Spanish, and many other languages through interpreters.

Language Access & Accessibility

2-1-1 Utah is committed to serving all residents, regardless of language or ability. The helpline provides support in English and Spanish directly, but can support over 150 languages using telephone interpretation services. When you call 2-1-1, simply request your preferred language and an interpreter will be added to the call.

Supported languages: Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Arabic, Russian, French, Somali, Swahili, and many more.
Text/SMS: Available in English and Spanish.
TDD/TTY: 2-1-1 Utah is accessible to people who are Deaf or hard of hearing through 7-1-1 relay services.
Online Accessibility: The 2-1-1 Utah website follows web accessibility standards, supporting screen readers and keyboard navigation for people with disabilities.

If you or someone you know needs information in a different language or an accessible format, 2-1-1 Utah staff will make every effort to accommodate the request.

Who Should Use 2-1-1 Utah?

Anyone can use 2-1-1 Utah—whether you are experiencing a short-term crisis or need long-term support. 211 is for individuals, families, seniors, people with disabilities, and service professionals seeking help for clients. All calls and online searches are confidential and free of charge.

A Utah 211 helpline specialist assisting a family in finding local resources.

2-1-1 Utah is especially valuable if you:

Are unsure which program or service you qualify for
Need immediate shelter, food, or safety support
Want to help a friend or family member access resources
Are a professional seeking services for clients or patients

Real-Life Scenario: How 2-1-1 Utah Can Help

Case Study: Maria, a single mother in Salt Lake City, lost her job due to illness. Unsure how to pay rent or feed her children, she called 2-1-1 Utah. Here’s how 2-1-1 helped:

A 2-1-1 specialist spoke with Maria about her needs, confirming her location and situation.
The specialist provided referrals to a local food pantry and information about SNAP (food stamps), including how to apply online through MyCase.
Maria also received contacts for emergency rental assistance and was directed to utility assistance for overdue bills.
The 2-1-1 team followed up with Maria a week later to check if she’d been connected to services and offer further support if needed.

In one call, Maria received connections to several programs, practical advice, and ongoing support—all free and confidential.

How 2-1-1 Utah Works With State Welfare Programs

While 2-1-1 Utah does not determine eligibility or accept applications for state welfare programs, it is an excellent first step for anyone needing help. 211 staff can explain available programs, connect you to SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, housing aid, and utility help—and give you up-to-date contacts, eligibility details, and application guidance.

For a full benefits screening, try our interactive Benefits Finder or FAQ pages.

How Does 2-1-1 Utah Compare to Other Hotlines?

2-1-1 Utah is a general resource and referral service covering a wide range of social and community needs. Other hotlines in Utah include:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: For mental health emergencies and crisis intervention.
911: For police, fire, and medical emergencies only (life-threatening situations).
Domestic Violence Hotlines: Specialized support for survivors of domestic violence (The Hotline).
Utah Poison Control Center: For poison emergencies (1-800-222-1222).

When to use 2-1-1: For help finding food, housing, utility aid, legal help, health care, or non-emergency assistance. If you're unsure, 2-1-1 staff can direct you to the right hotline or service.

Frequently Asked Questions: 2-1-1 Utah

No. 2-1-1 Utah helps with both urgent and ongoing needs. You can use 2-1-1 to find food pantries, child care, housing support, and more—even if you are not in a crisis.

You do not need to provide personal details to get general information. For tailored referrals, you may be asked about your location (zip code), household size, or specific needs. All information is confidential.

2-1-1 Utah does not process applications, but specialists can direct you to the right agencies, explain eligibility basics, and help you find application sites or forms for SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs.

Yes. 2-1-1 Utah offers support in Spanish and can connect to interpreters for over 150 languages.

2-1-1 Utah operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call, text, or search online at any time.

No. 2-1-1 Utah is free for everyone.

Yes, all calls, texts, and online chats with 2-1-1 Utah are confidential. 2-1-1 will not share your personal information without your permission, except when required by law (such as in cases of abuse or imminent danger). You can ask for information or referrals anonymously.

Yes! You may ask questions and receive information from 2-1-1 Utah without giving your name or contact details. Providing more info can help specialists tailor referrals, but it is not required for basic help.

If you request it, 2-1-1 Utah can follow up to check if you were able to access services or need more help. Follow-up is always voluntary and confidential. You can also contact 2-1-1 again at any time if your needs change or if you need new referrals.