From June through November 2020, WISCAP’s network, in partnership with the state, distributed over $28 million in rental assistance through the Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program (WRAP). Now, given additional federal funds, WISCAP and its statewide network is helping to get Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) to those in need. The Frequently Asked Questions give an overview of the WERA program and eligibility guidelines. Please contact the agency that serves your area in order to apply.
*If you live in the City of Milwaukee, City of Madison, Milwaukee County, Dane County, Waukesha County or Brown County, please skip the map and see Entitlement Areas*
Agencies Operating WERA
Please choose the county you live in on the map or using the drop down bar. When you click on your county one of the below will happen:
You will be directed to an agency’s pre-screen application. Pre-screen applications help an agency determine your eligibility for WERA, these are not formal WERA applications. This is just the first step to get the rental assistance process started.
An email will pop up on your screen. Please email that address and ask how to get started with their WERA application process.
Entitlement Areas
In the federal relief package that funds WERA, 6 areas of Wisconsin with populations over 200,000 are considered entitlement areas. This means they are receiving funding for rental assistance but are not a part of WERA. If you live in an entitlement area, you will need to contact the local organizations providing this service for information on their program.
Eligible forms of assistance include the following:
Up to 12 months of rental arrearages and/or rental assistance, plus an additional 3 months if the extra months are determined to be needed to ensure housing stability and funds are available.
Once a household’s rental arrears are reduced, assistance is only provided for up to three months at a time.
Recertification of household’s income eligibility is necessary after three months.
Only arrears starting March 13, 2020 are eligible.
Utility and housing energy payments and arrearages including electricity and gas.
Telecommunication services (telephone, cable, Internet) are not considered to be utilities.
Utilities covered by the landlord within rent will be treated as rent.
Provision of, or referral for, housing stability services.
2.What if I have received rental assistance elsewhere?
If a household receives rental assistance other than WERA, then WERA may only be used for tenant’s portions of costs (rent, utilities) that were not already covered by the other assistance.
An eligible household that occupies a federally subsidized residential or mixed-use property may receive WERA assistance, provided that WERA funds are only applied to costs that have not been reimbursed under any other federal assistance.
If a household receives a monthly federal subsidy (e.g., a Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Project-Based Rental Assistance, or Tenant-Based Rental Assistance) and the tenant’s rent is adjusted according to changes in household income, the household may receive WERA assistance for their personal portion of the rental agreement.
At least one or more individuals in the household meets the following criteria:
Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a significant reduction in income, incurred significant costs, or experienced financial hardship during the period of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability;
The landlord must sign (along with renter) the Renter Verification form. This document provides a way for the landlord/rental agent to verify the terms of tenancy of the applicant. This document can be used in the place of a written lease if completed and signed by the landlord/rental agent. In addition, the Landlord must register themselves as a vendor in the HE+ system to receive payment. Check with your local agency to see if the Landlord is already a registered vendor.
The household must provide documentation showing their income was impacted by COVID-19;
Documentation that income for the 2-month period from application date does not exceed 80% of the County Median Income (CMI) OR 2020 IRS Tax Documentation;
A current lease, agreement, or proof (such as check payments) listing the applicant resides in Wisconsin.
6.If someone applies for rental assistance through a Community Action Agency, while the application is being processed are landlords able to take eviction action?
If the landlord intends to evict, no legal basis exists under the application process to stay an eviction order. On a condition of receiving WERA payments, Landlords would agree not to initiate eviction orders during the duration of the CDC eviction moratorium.
7.Will any services be offered to displaced families that may require additional cost?
Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) is being coordinated by WISCAP and local CAAs and is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration.
