Rental assistance program provides $25 million in aid

Gov. Tony Evers has announced the launch of a $25 million Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program, for Wisconsinites who have experienced income loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Administered by the Department of Administration (DOA), the Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program will provide direct financial assistance for owed rent, security deposits and wrap around services for program eligible individuals.

The effort is funded by $25 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars.

“Wisconsinites have enough to worry about as we continue to battle the deadly COVID-19 virus,” said Evers. “They should not also have to worry about losing the roofs over their head. The Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program will hopefully provide peace of mind to a lot of people, as well as a reminder to them that we are all in this together. They have not been forgotten.”

Eligible applicants must be an adult Wisconsin resident, with a household income at, or below, 80 percent of the county median income in the month of or prior to the application date. Once approved, eligible individuals may receive assistance of up to $3,000, in a combination of rental payments and/or security deposits. These payments will be paid directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant.

“Collaborations with ‘boots-on-the-ground’ partner organizations, will be critical to ensuring eligible Wisconsin residents are aware of this new program, and are able to receive rental assistance relief quickly,” said DOA secretary Joel Brennan.

More details about the Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program will be shared in upcoming days.