Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) Program
The Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) program offers eligible households assistance with current or late rent, energy or utility bills, and other housing costs dating back to the start of the pandemic. Applicants must be a Wisconsin resident who has experienced income loss or costs due directly or indirectly to COVID-19, is at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and has a household income at or below 80% of the county median income. To learn more about the program and apply, click the boxes below.
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Service Area
Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) Program is a statewide program. However, Couleecap's service area is Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon counties. To start the application process for a provider in another county, call 1-833-900-WERA (9372) or visit WERA.Help. Available assistance and Eligibility
Types of Assistance
Eligible households for assistance include the following:
FAQ
3. What assistance can WERA provide? Eligible forms of assistance include the following:
No mortgage payments are not an eligible expense. We urge all landlords to work directly with their tenants. 5. Who qualifies for the WERA program? At least one or more individuals in the household meets the following criteria:
6. What documentation from the landlord will I need? 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. 7. Does my unemployment count as income? Yes. 8. 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. 9. What is the turnaround time for program approval and disbursement of checks? From the time an application is completed payment will be generated within 10 days or less. 10. What documents are needed when applying for WERA (for both tenant and landlord)? a. The household must provide documentation showing their income was impacted by COVID-19 b. Documentation that income for the 1-month period from application date does not exceed 80% of the County Median Income (CMI) OR 2020 IRS Tax Documentation. c. A current lease or agreement listing the applicant resides in Wisconsin. 11. Will any services be offered to displaced families that may require additional cost? Wrap-around services including financial counseling, budgeting assistance, tenant rights counselling and additional referrals may be provided by Community Action Agencies. 12. Are in-person meetings required? Are virtual meetings allowed? Applications may be taken by phone and virtual meetings are allowed. Contact
If you have any additional questions, please contact Couleecap at 1.844.267.0033. |
Income Guidelines
Income guidelines vary by county. Please click on your county to see if you qualify.
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What Do I Need To Apply
Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) is a service within the WI Energy Assistance program and therefore, applicants must have an energy assistance application on file before receiving rental assistance. You do not need to qualify for energy assistance, but you do need to have an application on file. Read the instructions below to find the application that best fits your needs in receiving rental assistance:
Program Funder and Partners
State of Wisconsin Department of Administration
Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources |