$180 million is available to assist Wyoming renters who need help paying past due rent and utilities because they have been negatively impacted by the COVID pandemic. Applications are now open.

How to Qualify


Who is eligible?
1. Households that rent homes in Wyoming or owe rent on a previously rented home
2. Household income does not exceed 80% of the area median
3. One or more household members have qualified for unemployment benefits or have experienced financial loss due to the COVID pandemic
4. One or more household members are at risk of homelessness or housing instability

Eligible expenses include:
1. Past due rent and utility bills dating back to March 13, 2020. Includes a previous residence.
2. Up to three months of current and future rent (three months at a time)
3. Utility expenses including gas, electricity, home energy (fuel oil, propane), water, sewer, and internet service ($50 per month maximum)
4. Costs reviewed on a case by case basis: reasonable relocation fees, reasonable late fees, and security deposits

Note: Renters facing eviction and in need of legal assistance can contact Legal Aid of Wyoming at 1-877-432-9955 or visit their website: lawyoming.org

How do I apply?
You will need the following documentation to complete your application:
1. Proof of identity (one needed for primary applicant)

  • Valid driver’s license

  • Passport

  • Government issued ID card

  • U.S. permanent resident card or alien registration receipt card

  • Verifiable employer issued ID card


2. Proof of eligibility

  • Loss of income (unemployment benefits letter, letter from employer, pay stubs before and after loss of income)

  • Significant costs incurred (copies of medical bills, transportation, child care, or other significant costs incurred as a result of the pandemic)

  • Other financial hardship (approval letters from local, state, or federal assistance programs like SNAP, TANF, or Medicare)


3. Proof of housing instability or risk of homelessness (past due rent or utility notices, eviction lawsuit notice, hearing date for non payment)
4. Proof of income (must provide for every adult member of household)

  • Pay stubs or other statements of wages

  • 2020 1040 tax form

  • 2020 W-2

  • Unemployment benefits statement

  • Pension statements, social security letter, retirement benefits

  • Child support, alimony, foster care payments

  • Self-employment profit/loss statement or other documentation showing operation of business



If you can’t provide the above documents, you may complete and sign a self-attestation form.

Apply here.

FAQ


Does it cost anything to apply?
No. Applying is free of charge.

I need help with utility payments, not rent. Can I apply just for utility assistance?
Yes. You can apply for rent assistance only, utility assistance only, or rent and utility assistance both.

Can you get utility assistance for future months?
No. You can get assistance with future rent payments three months at a time because rent is a fixed amount. Since utility costs vary from month to month, the program is unable to provide assistance for future utility bills.

Can I be reimbursed for payments I’ve already made?
No. The program does not reimburse renters.

I live in a mobile home. Can I get assistance?
Yes, renters living in mobile homes can get assistance if approved. You can also get assistance if you rent the lot your mobile home sits on.

I’ve gotten an eviction notice. Can I still get assistance?
Possibly, if you are at risk of homelessness and meet the other eligibility criteria. If you have a pending eviction, you may want to contact Legal Aid of Wyoming.

Do I have to pay taxes on the assistance money?
No. Emergency rental assistance is not considered income for tax purposes for renters. It is considered gross income for landlords and utility providers.

I need help with utility bills, but I own my home. Can I get help for my utilities only?
No. The program is for renters only.

I have a rent to own agreement with my landlord. Can I get assistance?
Yes, if you meet all the eligibility criteria and as long as a member of your household:
1. Is not a signer or cosigner on the mortgage
2. Does not hold title to the property
3. Has not exercised the option to purchase

How do landlords receive payment?
The state auditor’s offices administers the payments directly to landlords and utility providers who must be enrolled in the financial system in order to receive payments.

Does the program pay for late fees?
Yes. Reasonable late fees (not to exceed 10% of requested rent assistance) are eligible for payment.

I have a renter who moved out of his apartment owing me rent. Can he apply for assistance to pay what he owes me?
Yes. The program will pay for rent owed as long as it has not gone into collections or been written off (does not include rental property located on the Wind River Reservation). Landlords may not take assistance for the same month that rent was received from a new renter.

What happens if a renter is hesitant about documenting their immigration status?
They can still apply. Documentation for immigration or nationality status is not required.