Utah to Drug Screen New Welfare Clients

Starting Wednesday, first-time or lapsed clients seeking cash assistance through Utah’s Department of Workforce Services must first take an online drug-screening survey to determine whether they are likely substance abusers. Those who score high will then need to take an actual drug test. While a positive reading will not block access to aid under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, applicants will be required to get into drug treatment programs and stay clean, or those benefits will be cut off.