Gov. Tony Evers is providing $322 million for tenants and landlords through the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) Program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA). The program will provide direct financial assistance for rent, utilities, home energy costs and wraparound services for individuals who qualify. The governor’s announcement of this new round of rental and utility assistance will provide critical resources to prevent eviction, and benefit both tenants and landlords.

WERA Features

• Eligible applicants include those who demonstrate housing instability, have seen their income reduced by the COVID-19 pandemic, or earn a household income at or below 80% of the county medium income. 
• If approved, eligible individuals may receive up to 12 months of assistance.
• Rental and utility assistance payments are made directly to the landlord or utility provider on behalf of a tenant.
• The DOA will partner with Wisconsin Community Action agencies and Energy Services Inc. to distribute the funds. Residents of Brown, Dane, Milwaukee and Waukesha counties as well as residents of Madison and Milwaukee can apply directly to their local government’s rental assistance provider.
• WERA is funded by the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

Status

The WERA program has officially been launched, and funding is now available.