The Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) program has distributed more than $28 million in funds to help renters in need.

How to Qualify

Who is eligible?
1. Households whose combined income does not exceed 80% of their county's median
2. Households with one or more members who have qualified for unemployment benefits, incurred significant cost, experienced a reduction in income, or have suffered some other financial hardship related to the COVID pandemic
3. Households with one or more members who are at risk of homelessness or housing instability

Eligible forms of assistance include:
1. As much as 12 months of past due rent assistance dating back to March 13, 2020 and three months of future rent if determined necessary for housing stability and as long as funds are available.

Income eligibility is required after three months.

2. Past due utility and housing energy costs including electricity, gas, water, and internet. Utilities paid by the landlord and included in rent are treated as rent
3. Referral for housing stability services

How do I apply?
To apply, you must contact the agency that serves your area.
To complete your application, you will need the following documentation:
1. Copy of current, fully executed lease or proof (such as cancelled checks) of Wisconsin residence
2. Proof income does not exceed 80% of area median (pay stubs within one month of application or 2020 tax return)
3. Proof household income was negatively impacted by COVID pandemic

Landlords will need to provide the following documentation:
1. Landlord is required to sign the Renter Verification Form. This will allow the landlord to verify terms of tenancy and can be used in place of a written lease.
2. Landlords must register as a vendor in the HE+ system in order to receive payment.

FAQ

Can I get assistance if I’m already getting help from another program?
WERA will only pay for the portion of rent not covered by another program. If the renter receives a monthly subsidy, WERA will only pay for the renter’s portion of the rental agreement.

Can the landlord start to evict me even though I’ve applied for assistance?
If the landlord decides to evict, the program has no legal basis for stopping it. In order to receive payments, landlords must agree not to evict renters during the assistance period.

How long does it take to get approved and to get payment?
Payment is usually generated within 10 days of application approval.

I’m a homeowner. Can I get assistance through this program?
No. Mortgage payments are not eligible for assistance.

Do I have to count unemployment as income?
Yes.