Financial help is available for Wisconsin homeowners

The Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program, which is set to provide more than $92 million in financial assistance to Wisconsin homeowners, who have experienced financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Eligible homeowners can receive assistance with mortgage payments, local property taxes and utilities, including internet, as well as housing counseling and legal services.

“Whether because of losing hours at work, increasing household costs, or any number of other reasons, Wisconsin stands ready to help folks make ends meet and get back on their feet,” said Gov. Tony Evers, “because no one should ever have to worry about keeping a roof over their head for themselves or their family.”

The Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program recently received approval from the U.S. Treasury and will be administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA). The program will help Wisconsin homeowners who live in single-family homes, condominiums, duplexes or factory-built homes as a primary residence, who have experienced a qualified financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020, and earn a household income at, or below, 100 percent of the area median income.

Even homeowners without a mortgage who meet income requirements and are struggling with overdue bills related to their homes, are encouraged to apply for assistance.

“With the ending of the federal moratorium on foreclosure, it is more critical than ever that households in need are aware of this assistance,” said DOA secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld. “We are determined to help eligible homeowners as quickly as possible through our network of partners across the state.”

Applications are open on a first-come, first-served basis at homeownerhelp.wi.gov.