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Waukesha County launches emergency rental assistance program

On The Money NerdWallet High Interest Loans
Posted at 8:01 PM, Mar 19, 2021
and last updated 2021-03-19 21:01:11-04

WAUKESHA — Waukesha County is starting a new program to help residents struggling to pay rent and utilities because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The county is partnering with Community Advocates, Inc. to launch the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The program will provide about $12 million to help people pay rent and utilities.

The program is accepting applications now. Head to their website to apply.

For individuals who qualify, ERAP pays for:

• Up to three months of rent at a time
• Up to twelve months of rent in arrears (back-rent) occurring after March 13, 2020.
• Cost of electricity and other home energy costs.
• Cost of utilities in arrears (back-utilities) occurring after March 13, 2020.

ERAP payments are made directly to the landlord or utility company, NOT to the renter. Payments are made to the landlord or utility provider within about 10 days. Waukesha County residents may qualify for help with rent or utilities who:

• Qualify for unemployment insurance benefits; or have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19.
• Are at risk of becoming homeless; or are experiencing housing instability.
• Have a household income at or below 80% of the median in Waukesha County. Unemployment benefits count as household income.
• Are 18 years old or older. • Are a Wisconsin resident that is named on a current residential rental lease.
• Receive a federal housing subsidy, such as a Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Project-Based Rental Assistance or Tenant-Based Rental Assistance – and their rent is NOT adjusted as income changes.

Individuals are not eligible if:
• They want reimbursement for mortgage payments. Only rental housing costs are covered.
• They already receive additional rent or utility assistance. ERAP cannot be used to cover expenses that are already being subsidized.
• Their rent is adjusted as their income changes and they receive a federal housing subsidy, such as a Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Project-Based Rental Assistance or TenantBased Rental Assistance.

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