MADISON – Today, Governor Evers announced an investment of $25 million dollars in an effort to provide short-term financial assistance to eligible Wisconsinites who experience income loss as a result of COVID-19. Representative Greta Neubauer(D-Racine) released the following statement about this investment:
“Housing is one of the single largest expenses for Wisconsin families, and the cost of rent and housing has been an issue for many families in Racine long before COVID-19. Governor Evers’ new short-term rent assistance program is designed to help families struggling to pay their rent through COVID-19 related unemployment or furloughs,” Neubauer stated.
“Programs like this are critical to bridge the gap for families struggling financially during this crisis. We need the Legislature to enact longer-term solutions like the COVID Response Plan, but in the meantime, this program will bring much needed help for many in our community.”
Eligible applicants must be an adult Wisconsin resident with a household income at or below 80% 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.
This program is made possible through funding from the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program will be provided on a first-come, first served basis, and the program will expire once CARES funding is exhausted.
On March 27, Governor Evers directed Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to prohibit landlords from serving notices terminating tenancy. This temporary ban on evictions will expire on May 26.
Details about the Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program, including complete eligibility criteria, application documentation requirements, and the distribution process for the rental assistance, will be shared in the upcoming days. Initial details regarding the program are available here.
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