With rental assistance, there's hope
We hear the words "unprecedented times" a lot these days, but to many of us, no words can truly capture where we are right now. Except one: hope.
Through funding authorized by Congress and made available through federal and state government agencies, the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) Program is here to give hope to those most economically impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. To see if you qualify for this one-time rental assistance opportunity, follow the steps below.
Gather the necessary information to complete the application:
For all members of your household:
- Social Security Number
- Date of birth
- Income information
Information about energy fuels you use in your home:
- Fuel type(s)
- Name of your fuel/utility company
- Account number for every fuel/utility company (found on your bills)
Information about your landlord/property management company (if applicable):
- First and last name or full company name
- Address
- Phone number
Complete a Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) application using one of the following methods:
2021 WHEAP applicants who completed their WHEAP forms prior to the announcement of the WERA program will not be required to complete a new WHEAP application. If this applies to you, proceed to Step 3, and you will not need the items listed in Step 1.
Visit wera.help to complete a Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) application
HOW IT WORKS
Upon registering at the website, you will receive an email with a code to begin your application process. The email will include the WERA forms required for your application to be considered — an income attestation form, a renter verification form and a renter agreement form — and instructions on how to complete them. The WERA application:
- takes approximately 45-60 minutes to complete;
- is safe, secure and confidential, meaning your data is protected;
- will be reviewed by a WERA representative who may follow up with questions after you submit the application.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
After completing your application, you will be contacted via email and a letter to notify you if your application has been approved.
Q: How do I qualify?
Your household may qualify if at least one or more individuals in your home:
- qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income or an increase in major costs/financial struggles due to COVID-19.
- is experiencing a risk of being evicted or losing their home.
- has a household income at or below 80% of the county median. Household income limits
Q: Can assistance be applied to past-due bills?
Yes. Eligible households may receive help with rent or utility assistance on delinquent bills dating to March of 2020. For those with a loss of income, additional benefits toward future rental costs also may be available.
Q: What if my landlord is not a participant in the WERA program?
We will assist you in providing your landlord with a simple landlord vendor agreement form that will require their signature.
Q: If my application is denied, can I reapply?
Yes. If circumstances in your life change that could affect your eligibility, you may reapply.
