Homeowner Assistance Fund will stop taking applications on Oct. 31

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program, a federally funded, temporary emergency program to support homeowners financially impacted by COVID, will stop accepting applications on Oct. 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Since its inception in March 2022, the HAF Program has been instrumental in distributing a total of $15.7 million in assistance helping 2,056 Wyoming households impacted by COVID catch up on mortgage delinquencies, manage partial claim assistance, pay forward mortgages and cover overdue payments for utilities, property taxes, homeowners insurance and homeowner association dues.

The closure decision arises from the depletion of allocated federal funds that have been critical in running and administering the HAF Program, including maintaining IT systems. Additionally, the necessity for assistance has decreased as the COVID pandemic's severe impacts have diminished over the last few years.

It’s not too late to apply! Wyoming homeowners impacted by COVID are encouraged to submit their applications before the October 31 deadline to ensure consideration. The program will continue to process and evaluate all applications received by the cut-off date. The application is only available online at dfs.wyo.gov/haf. For application assistance, please contact Liberty Smith, HAF Program Manager, directly at (307) 777-3737 or email homeowner.assistance@wyo.gov.

The HAF Program is a grant that allows a one-time award of up to $35,000. Although the impact of COVID is waning, the federal eligibility requirements still require applicants to have experienced a COVID-related financial hardship to be approved for funding. The applicant’s household must have a total household income at or below 150% of area median income. Eligible expenses include delinquent mortgages, partial claim assistance, up to 3 consecutive months of forward mortgage payments and/or PAST DUE utilities, property taxes, homeowners insurance or homeowner association dues. 

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, is administering the Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program, a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

HAF Resources

• ONLINE: Learn more about HAF online at dfs.wyo.gov/haf. 
• VIA PHONE: For application assistance, contact Liberty Smith, HAF Program Manager, directly at (307)-777-3737 or email homeowner.assistance@wyo.gov.
• FLYER: Download the flyer (PDF).
• FAQS: Download English version | Download Spanish version

PROGRAM QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please email to homeowner.assistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT: 

Rachel Girt, HAF Communications Contractor: Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

Energy bill assistance program now accepting applications 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Concerned about paying winter heating bills? The Wyoming Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is now accepting online applications for the 2024-2025 season. LIEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible, low-income Wyoming families, seniors and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating costs. 

This year, LIEAP is only accepting online applications, starting on Oct. 1 through March 31, 2025. The online application requirement means households will need to complete the application through the customer portal, and not on a paper form. Apply at lieapwyo.org.

For application assistance, please call (800) 246-4221, email lieapinfo@wyo.gov or visit the Align Team in Cheyenne or the local Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) office for personalized help.

Once a household’s application is approved, the energy assistance benefit will be paid directly to the fuel supplier. Bills for unregulated fuels (propane, pellets, wood, heating oil, and coal) are eligible for payment beginning Oct. 1, 2024. Bills for regulated heating sources (natural gas and electricity) are eligible for payment beginning Nov. 1, 2024. Benefits are available through May 31, 2025 or until the recipient’s benefit amount is exhausted, whichever happens first.

Eligibility hinges on household income not exceeding 60% of the state’s median income. Special priority is given to households with vulnerable members, including seniors (60+), individuals with disabilities, and families with children under the age of 5. Benefits are available to homeowners and renters, including if living in an RV or camper that is permanently parked. 

LIEAP is funded through a federal block grant program by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administered by DFS. 

Income Eligibility

Wyoming residents with income up to 60% of the state median income level are eligible. The total adjusted income of all persons living in the household must be counted. 

LIEAP Resources

• Website: lieapwyo.org
• Prepare for the Online Application: Download the LIEAP Application Guide (PDF).
• Learn about LIEAP Handout: Download About LIEAP handout (PDF)

Questions?

If you have questions or need assistance, please email to lieapinfo@wyo.gov or call (800) 246-4221.

MEDIA: Contact Rachel Girt at rachel@girtcommunications.com or 307-286-1592

Wyoming boosts financial assistance for eligible homeowners

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program has expanded to include partial claims and increased the maximum payment from $17,000 to $35,000. These changes aim to help more Wyoming homeowners who struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic keep their homes and achieve financial stability.

Wyoming received $50 million in homeowner assistance provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for its HAF Program. Since launching in May 2022, the HAF Program has helped 1,496 Wyoming homeowners with a total of $11.2 million in assistance.

The recent expansion offers assistance to homeowners who restructured their mortgages in order to save their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic but now face large payments at the end of their mortgage. Those who experienced a COVID-related financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020 and took a partial claim second mortgage  may now be eligible for assistance. 

With the changes, eligible homeowners can receive up to $35,000 in assistance as a one-time award to pay. The prioritization of aid will be as follows: mortgage reinstatement, partial claim assistance, delinquent "other expenses" and finally, forward mortgages.

• MORTGAGE DELINQUENCY: Financial assistance to help reinstate a mortgage or to pay other housing-related costs related to a period of forbearance, delinquency, or default. 
• PARTIAL CLAIMS: Financial assistance to pay off a portion or all of a COVID Partial Claim with HUD. Partial Claim must have been received after Jan. 21, 2020 due to a COVID financial hardship. Partial claims may be a subordinate lien. The HAF Program will not cover deferral payments.
• FORWARD MORTGAGE PAYMENTS: Up to three (3) consecutive months of forward mortgage payments. 
• PAST DUE UTILITY PAYMENTS: Electricity, energy costs (fuel, oil & propane), water and sewer. (Internet costs are not an eligible expense.)
• PAST DUE HOUSING-RELATED BILLS: Property taxes, homeowners insurance or homeowner association dues.

The application is only available online at dfs.wyo.gov/haf. For application assistance, please contact the call center toll-free at 1-888-WYO-HAFP (1-888-996-4237) during the hours of 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The HAF Program is a temporary federally funded assistance fund. Don’t wait to apply. Funds are limited.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Must not have received a previous HAF award. This is a one-time award. Any eligible clients who received HAF payments in the past cannot apply.
• Must own a property in Wyoming, including those on the Wind River Reservation.
• Must currently occupy the property as the primary residence.
• Must have a total annual household income at or below 150% of the area median income. 
• Must have experienced a COVID-related financial hardship after January 21, 2020 
• If applying for mortgage assistance, the loan must be the first lien on the property, and the homeowner must not intend to sell the property within six months of receiving assistance.

ABOUT THE FUND

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state's Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/haf.

PROGRAM QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, please email to homeowner.assistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Rachel Girt, ERAP/HAF Communications Contractor
Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The last day to submit extension requests for Wyoming's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is Friday, June 30 at 11:59 p.m. The application portal is closing because the federal funding for the program is nearly exhausted.

ERAP will continue processing all extension requests received before the application portal's closure. No payments will be made to cover rent, utilities and housing stability services for the months after June. 

If households have questions about their extension application status, please contact the ERAP call center, which is open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The toll-free number is 1-877-WYO-ERAP (1-877-996-3727). 

Congress created this temporary federal relief program to provide emergency funds for state and local governments to keep their residents housed during the difficult COVID-19 pandemic. Wyoming launched its emergency relief program in April 2021 and has helped a total of 17,143 Wyoming households with a total of $107 million in assistance and counting.

ABOUT ERAP
The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

PROGRAM QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, please email to RentalAssistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT: 
Rachel Girt,  ERAP Communications Contractor
Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program will hold three (3) virtual town halls to discuss how eligible homeowners can apply for HAF services, highlighting the new service that assists with up to three (3) months of consecutive forward mortgage payments. The virtual town halls will be held on Thursday, March 9 at 2 P.M., Monday, March 13 at 12:30 P.M. and Tuesday, March 14 at 4 P.M. Register online for the virtual town hall at dfs.wyo.gov/haf.

The HAF Program began accepting forward mortgage applications on Feb. 27. Under the HAF Program, eligible homeowners can receive up to $17,000 in assistance as a one-time award to pay for past due payments and up to three consecutive months of forward mortgage payments. The award is directly paid to a servicer or vendor on behalf of an eligible homeowner. 

The HAF Program now covers the following:

• MORTGAGE DELINQUENCY: Financial assistance to help reinstate a mortgage or to pay other housing-related costs related to a period of forbearance, delinquency, or default. 
• FORWARD MORTGAGE PAYMENTS: Up to three (3) consecutive months of forward mortgage payments. Delinquencies will be prioritized over forward mortgage payments.
• PAST DUE UTILITY PAYMENTS: Electricity, energy costs (fuel, oil & propane), water and sewer. (Internet costs are not an eligible expense.)
• PAST DUE HOUSING-RELATED BILLS: Property taxes, homeowners insurance or homeowner association dues.

The application is only available online at dfs.wyo.gov/haf. For application assistance, please contact the call center toll-free at 1-888-WYO-HAFP (1-888-996-4237) during the hours of 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The HAF Program is a temporary federally funded assistance fund. Don’t wait to apply. Funds are limited.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Must not have received a previous HAF award. This is a one-time award. Any eligible clients who received HAF payments in the past cannot apply.
• Must own a property in Wyoming, including those on the Wind River Reservation.
• Must currently occupy the property as the primary residence.
• Must have a total annual household income at or below 150% of the area median income. 
• Must have experienced a COVID-related financial hardship after January 21, 2020 
• If applying for mortgage assistance, the loan must be the first lien on the property, and the homeowner must not intend to sell the property within six months of receiving assistance.

ABOUT THE FUND

The Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS), with assistance from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS), is administering the state's Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/haf.

PROGRAM QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, please email to homeowner.assistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Rachel Girt, ERAP/HAF Communications Contractor
Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program opens applications for forward mortgage payments to help more homeowners

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program is now accepting applications to assist eligible homeowners with up to three months of consecutive forward mortgage payments. 

“We have heard from many Wyomingites that the HAF Program has missed helping a segment of homeowners who pay their mortgage first but are significantly struggling to pay groceries, utilities and other bills,” Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt said. “Adding forward mortgage payments to the HAF Program gives Wyoming homeowners temporary relief to get caught up with the rest of their bills.”

Wyoming received $50 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury for its HAF Program, which focuses on helping homeowners stay in their homes. Since its launch in May 2022, the HAF Program has distributed an estimated 16% of the funding available to Wyoming homeowners. 

“We have worked hard with mortgage lenders to promote the program and continue to do so, but we have still seen low application numbers,” Schmidt said. “Wyoming’s number of mortgage delinquencies is low. Our mortgage partners estimate under 5,000 for the entire state, and many of those are working with their lenders on more long term solutions that may not be available to them if they accept HAF dollars. Mortgage servicers are able to offer their loan holders a variety of options, so we have seen a decrease in applications for mortgage delinquencies. This new program will allow us to help Wyoming homeowners who are struggling to make ends meet but have kept their mortgage current.” 

As of Feb. 23, 2023, the HAF Program has helped 976 Wyoming homeowners with $8 million in assistance paid. Of those payments, $7.7 million went to delinquent mortgages while $270K covered unpaid utility bills, $71K in unpaid property taxes, $5K for unpaid homeowners insurance and $21K for unpaid homeowner association dues.

Under the HAF Program, eligible homeowners can receive up to $17,000 in assistance as a one-time award to pay for past due payments and up to three consecutive months of forward mortgage payments. The award is directly paid to a servicer or vendor on behalf of an eligible homeowner. 

The HAF Program now covers the following:

• MORTGAGE DELINQUENCY: Financial assistance to help reinstate a mortgage or to pay other housing-related costs related to a period of forbearance, delinquency, or default. 
• FORWARD MORTGAGE PAYMENTS: Up to three (3) consecutive months of forward mortgage payments. Delinquencies will be prioritized over forward mortgage payments.
• PAST DUE UTILITY PAYMENTS: Electricity, energy costs (fuel, oil & propane), water and sewer. (Internet costs are not an eligible expense.)
• PAST DUE HOUSING-RELATED BILLS: Property taxes, homeowners insurance or homeowner association dues.

The application is only available online at dfs.wyo.gov/haf. For application assistance, please contact the call center toll-free at 1-888-WYO-HAFP (1-888-996-4237) during the hours of 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The HAF Program is a temporary federally funded assistance fund. Don’t wait to apply. Funds are limited.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Must not have received a previous HAF award. This is a one-time award. Any eligible clients who received HAF payments in the past cannot apply.
• Must own a property in Wyoming, including those on the Wind River Reservation.
• Must currently occupy the property as the primary residence.
• Must have a total annual household income at or below 150% of the area median income. 
• Must have experienced a COVID-related financial hardship after January 21, 2020 
• If applying for mortgage assistance, the loan must be the first lien on the property, and the homeowner must not intend to sell the property within six months of receiving assistance.

ABOUT THE FUND

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state's Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/haf.

PROGRAM QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, please email to homeowner.assistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Rachel Girt, ERAP/HAF Communications Contractor
Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The final rental and utility assistance payments from Wyoming’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will be for the month of June. Households will continue to receive payments if they are eligible and approved and funding is available. No payments will be made to cover rent, utilities and housing stability services for the months after June.

If households have questions about their extension application status or what months they can apply for funding, please contact the ERAP call center, which is open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The toll-free number is 1-877-WYO-ERAP (1-877-996-3727). 

Congress created the temporary federal relief program to provide emergency funds for state and local governments to keep their residents housed during the difficult COVID-19 pandemic. Wyoming launched its emergency relief program in April 2021 and has helped 16,949 Wyoming households with a total of $87 million in assistance. 

“We are proud that this temporary program helped keep thousands of Wyoming households housed during these difficult times, and we are very grateful for the valuable support by our community based partners in every county,” said Korin Schmidt, director of the Wyoming Department of Family Services. “We are now focused on closing the program responsibly and fairly, giving several months’ notice for households to adjust their finances accordingly and landlords to work with their renters.”

Wyoming’s program closes on June 30. Housing stability service programs offered by local organizations also end in June.

The U.S. Treasury Department recently awarded Wyoming $23.6 million, which is the state’s final allocation from the federal ERA2. At current spending rates and with the recent award, state officials anticipate program funding will continue through June 30. 

ABOUT ERAP

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will stop accepting new applications and letters of intent (LOI) on Nov. 10, 2022 in anticipation of running out of federal funds by early spring. The changes will only impact individuals who have not previously received ERAP. The program will continue to fund extension requests for enrolled and eligible households for the time being. 

“If the current spending pattern of almost $6 million per month continues, we would expect to exhaust our rental and utility assistance funds next spring,” said Korin Schmidt, Director of the Wyoming Department of Family Services.  

“We want to take some proactive steps now to slow down the rate of spending so we can assess the best use of the remaining funds and fulfill our current obligations. Our intent is to wind down the program in a way that gives currently enrolled renters time to prepare their finances to handle their future rental and utility payments,” Schmidt said.

She added, “Since the inception of the program, we have had concerns about the impact on renters and landlords when the federal funding runs out. We’ve tried to message to ERAP recipients that these are temporary funds, but when in crisis, it’s often difficult to think months ahead. We’re hoping that slowing down spending will allow us to stretch the dollars as much and as far as possible and avoid an abrupt shutdown.” 

Wyoming received its second allocation of $45.6 million in assistance, housing support, and administration funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury on Sept. 29.  Wyoming may still be eligible to receive additional federal funds; however, that will not be confirmed until early next year. If awarded more funds, the program will reevaluate the current rental-related needs and determine the best use of those dollars within the federal program guidelines.  

Local services through the community based organizations (CBO) participating in ERAP are expected to continue through June 2023 when their contracts end. The CBOs have been an integral part of ERAP, and the program will continue to seek their input for ideas and suggestions on how to bring it to a close.

The program will be implementing the following policy changes: 

• No new applications will be accepted after 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 10, 2022. This change ONLY impacts households that have never received ERAP funding.
• No letters of intent (LOI) will be accepted after 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 10, 2022. The LOIs opened ERAP to Wyoming households that were homeless or without a current residence under lease/rental agreement. 

Demand for the program has grown beyond its initial slow start. The program has been receiving an average of 166 applications a day. Since its launch in April 2021, ERAP has helped 13,591 Wyoming households with a total of $63.34 million in assistance. Of the total assistance payments, $49.5 million went to landlords, $10.09 million to households, $3.6 million to utilities and moving expenses are $26,369. To see county specific information, click here to see the map.

ABOUT ERAP

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

PROGRAM QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, please email to RentalAssistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Rachel Girt,  ERAP Communications Contractor
Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -  Are you a Wyoming homeowner with delinquent property tax bills?  Many Wyoming residents are having difficulty as their home values have risen, causing an increase in their property taxes. The Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program can help eligible homeowners pay for delinquent property taxes up to $17,000.

Wyoming received $50 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury for its HAF Program, which focuses on helping homeowners stay in their homes. The Wyoming Department of Family Service, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the program.

The application is only available online at dfs.wyo.gov/haf. For application assistance, please contact the call center toll-free at 1-888-WYO-HAFP (1-888-996-4237) during the hours of 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Under the HAF Program, eligible expenses include mortgage delinquency and past due payments of utilities, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and homeowners association dues. The maximum amount allowed per household is $17,000, which will be paid directly to the servicer or vendor on behalf of the homeowner. The program prioritizes mortgage delinquency.

If you paid your 2021 property tax in full, Wyoming homeowners may be eligible for a partial refund through the Property Tax Refund Program.

The Property Tax Refund Program is open to homeowners who have been Wyoming residents for the past five years that have paid their 2021 property tax in full. Homeowners must also meet income requirements specific to the county of residence and personal asset limits. Application forms and additional information are available from your local county treasurer and from the Wyoming Department of Revenue. Applications may be submitted online at https://wptrs.wyo.gov/ or mailed to the Department of Revenue. The June 6 application deadline is approaching fast.

HAF PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Wyoming homeowners must meet the following eligibility criteria for the HAF Program:

• Must not have received a previous HAF award. This is a one-time application. Any eligible clients who received HAF payments in the past cannot apply.

• Must own a property in Wyoming, including those on the Wind River Reservation.
• Must currently occupy the property as the primary residence.
• Must have a total annual household income at or below 150% of the area median income (AMI). Income eligibility depends on how many people live in your household and the county you live in. Check the AMI Table on the homeowner web page at dfs.wyo.gov/HAF.
• Must have experienced a COVID-related financial hardship after January 21, 2020 that has caused the household to become past due.
• Must be delinquent by at least one payment, including due to a forbearance period. The grant covers arrears only (no prospective or ongoing payments).

If applying for mortgage assistance, the loan must be the first lien on the property. The homeowner must not intend to sell the property within six months of receiving assistance. If a homeowner owes more than $17,000 in arrears or cannot make payments moving forward, the HAF Program will require them to do housing education.

About the HAF Program

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, is administering the Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program, a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/haf.

Questions?

PROGRAM QUESTIONS:
If you have any questions, please email to homeowner.assistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Rachel Girt, ERAP/HAF Communications Contractor
Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -  Are you a Wyoming homeowner who has fallen behind on mortgage payments, utility bills or other housing-related costs? You may be eligible for the Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program, which opened on May 2 for applications at dfs.wyo.gov/haf.

Wyoming received $50 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury for its HAF Program, which focuses on helping homeowners stay in their homes. The Wyoming Department of Family Service, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the program.

The HAF Program prioritizes mortgage delinquency over other past due expenses. Other eligible expenses include past due payments of utilities, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and homeowners association dues. The maximum amount allowed per household is $17,000, which will be paid directly to the servicer or vendor on behalf of the homeowner.

The application is only available online. For application assistance, please contact the call center toll-free at 1-888-WYO-HAFP (1-888-996-4237) during the hours of 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Wyoming homeowners must meet the following eligibility criteria for the HAF Program:

• Must not have received a previous HAF award. This is a one-time application. Any eligible clients who received HAF payments in the past cannot apply.
• Must own a property in Wyoming, including those on the Wind River Reservation.
• Must currently occupy the property as the primary residence.
• Must have a total annual household income at or below 150% of the area median income (AMI). Income eligibility depends on how many people live in your household and the county you live in. Check the AMI Table on the homeowner web page at dfs.wyo.gov/HAF.
• Must have experienced a COVID-related financial hardship after January 21, 2020 that has caused the household to become past due.
• Must be delinquent by at least one payment, including due to a forbearance period. The grant covers arrears only (no prospective or ongoing payments).
• If applying for mortgage assistance, the loan must be the first lien on the property. The homeowner must not intend to sell the property within six months of receiving assistance. If a homeowner owes more than $17,000 in arrears or cannot make payments moving forward, the HAF Program will require them to do housing education. 

ABOUT THE HAF PROGRAM

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, is administering the Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program, a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/haf.

Questions?

PROGRAM QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, please email to homeowner.assistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Rachel Girt, ERAP/HAF Communications Contractor
Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

Wyoming reallocates $1.8 M in ERAP funds to the Eastern Shoshone Tribe

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -  The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for the State of Wyoming has reallocated $1.8 million of its funding to the Eastern Shoshone Tribe.

Wyoming was the first state to reallocate federal emergency rental assistance (ERA) funding to a tribe, reallocating $1 million to the Northern Arapaho Tribal Housing Program in January.  

“We are happy to reallocate funding so that the Eastern Shoshone and the Northern Arapaho could increase emergency rental assistance in their communities,” Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt said. “We are also grateful for the continued assistance and support from the Governor’s Office in doing so.”

The U.S. Department of Treasury provided funding directly to states, U.S. territories, local governments and, in the case of ERA1, Indian tribes. Recent Treasury guidelines have allowed the State of Wyoming to reallocate ERA1 funding to other authorized entities - the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes.

The Eastern Shoshone Housing Authority has met the Treasury Department’s threshold to receive additional funding and asked for an additional $1.8 million. For more information about the program, call (307) 332-5832 or visit facebook.com/ESHA82514.

ABOUT ERAP

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state’s ERAP, a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

PROGRAM QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please email to RentalAssistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT: 

Rachel Girt,  ERAP Communications Contractor

Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program to open May 2

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -  The Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program officially opens for applications on May 2, 2022, to help eligible homeowners in the state who have fallen behind on mortgage payments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The HAF Program will prioritize mortgage delinquency over other past due expenses. Other eligible expenses will include past due payments of utilities, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and homeowners association dues. The maximum amount allowed per household is $17,000, which will be paid to the vendor on behalf of the homeowner. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/haf. 

“We highly encourage homeowners delinquent on their mortgage payments to talk to their mortgage servicer before the program opens,” Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt said. “Homeowners should consider all options available to allow them to stay in their homes safely and long term. If you receive HAF funds first, you might not be eligible for options like having your monthly payment lowered.”

If a homeowner owes more than $17,000 in arrears or cannot make payments moving forward, the HAF Program will require them to do housing education. 

Homeowners can call their mortgage servicer to learn about options available for existing forbearance and/or resolving past due amounts through loss mitigation. The servicer may be able to lower monthly payments. If a homeowner receives HAF funds first, this option and other options may not be open to help the homeowner sustain the affordability of their mortgage. Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has resources for homeowners on its website, and housing counselors are available at no cost.

Wyoming homeowners must meet the following eligibility criteria for the HAF Program:

• Must own a property in Wyoming.
• Must currently occupy the property as the primary residence.
• Must have a total annual household income at or below 150% of the area median income. See table at the end of the release for county numbers.
• Must have experienced a COVID-related financial hardship after January 21, 2020 that has caused the household to become past due.
• Must be delinquent by at least one payment, including due to a forbearance period. The grant covers arrears only (no prospective or ongoing payments).
• If applying for mortgage assistance, the loan must be the first lien on the property. The homeowner must not intend to sell the property within six months of receiving assistance.

Applications will be available only online.  A link will be provided on the DFS website. 

Applicants must be ready to scan and upload the required documents. The required documents include the most recent statements showing delinquencies and/or arrearages, identification and proof of income.  Payments for delinquent mortgages and other expenses will be made directly to servicers, county treasurers, insurance, and utility companies.

ABOUT THE HAF PROGRAM

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, is administering the Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program, a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/haf.

PROGRAM QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please email to homeowner.assistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:

Rachel Girt, ERAP/HAF Communications Contractor

Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

March 25 virtual town hall to address landlords’ questions about ERAP

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The Wyoming Department of Family Services encourages landlords to join the March 25 virtual town hall to learn more about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

During the town hall, landlords will learn how to increase their cash flow by helping eligible renters apply for ERAP. The town hall will cover eligible renters and expenses, the application process, how to receive up to 18 months in advance rent and the authenticity of letters of intent for those without a current residence.  Get the direct link for the March 25 town hall, which starts at 1:30 p.m., at dfs.wyo.gov/ERAP.

“We understand that many landlords count on rental payments to cover their mortgage, operating expenses and other bills,” Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt said. “ERAP helps pay landlords past and future rent and in some cases deposits and security fees while keeping Wyoming families and individuals in stable housing.”

ERAP pays landlords and utility companies for unpaid bills on behalf of eligible Wyoming households, including those who are homeless or without a current residence. As of March 11, landlords have directly received $18 million for rental properties located in Wyoming.

ABOUT ERAP

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

Questions?

PROGRAM QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please email to RentalAssistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT: 

Rachel Girt,  ERAP Communications Contractor

Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

Wyoming leads nation by reallocating $1M in ERAP funds to the Northern Arapaho Tribe

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -  The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for the State of Wyoming has reallocated $1 million of its funding to the Northern Arapaho Tribal Housing Program.

Wyoming is the only state so far to reallocate federal emergency rental assistance (ERA) funding to a tribe. The U.S. Department of Treasury provided funding directly to states, U.S. territories, local governments and, in the case of ERA1, Indian tribes. Recent Treasury guidelines have allowed programs to reallocate ERA1 funding to authorized entities, which are the State of Wyoming, Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho in Wyoming.

“Thanks to the leadership of the Governor’s Office, we have been able to reallocate funding to the Northern Arapaho Tribe to help households in their community,” Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt said. “Kudos must also be given to the Northern Arapaho Tribe, which funded non-tribal member households facing eviction before Wyoming's state program launched last year. We all want to make it possible for eligible families and individuals to get the help that they need to keep a roof over their heads.”

The Northern Arapaho Tribal Housing Program has met the Treasury Department’s threshold to receive additional funding. The Northern Arapaho program assists households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on the Northern Arapaho program, visit wrera.com.

ABOUT ERAP

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

PROGRAM QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please email to RentalAssistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT: 

Rachel Girt,  ERAP Communications Contractor

Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

Additional emergency rental assistance funding opens to more Wyoming renters

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Are you struggling financially? More Wyoming households, including those homeless or without a current residence, may be eligible for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) with the recent opening up of additional federal dollars.

Wyoming has received federal funding to help eligible Wyoming households struggling to make rent and/or utility payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Community based organizations located in every county are ready to help eligible households get the assistance they deserve.  For additional ERAP support, the call center’s toll-free phone number is 1-877-WYO-ERAP. Visit the website dfs.wyo.gov/erap for more information and to apply.

Recent changes include expanding the maximum assistance allotment per household from 15 months to 18 months. Additionally, renters will be eligible for assistance if their financial hardship occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ERAP funding is also now open to Wyoming households that are homeless or without a current residence and do not have a lease/rental agreement. This may include those living at a homeless shelter, living with friends or family, couch surfing, living doubled-up, etc.  Applicants will need to complete the online application, submitting all required documents with the exception of a lease agreement and go through eligibility determination. If deemed eligible, the applicant will receive a letter of intent to show prospective landlords what the applicant is eligible for: security deposit, first three months of rent and potential additional rental assistance up to a total of 18 months. Once a lease agreement is signed, the program will make payment.

As of December 1, ERAP has approved a total of 4,736 applications, paying a total of $12.5M in assistance. Of the rental payments, $9.7M went to landlords, $1.9M to renters and $778K to utilities. To see county specific information, click here to see the map.

ERAP eligibility requirements include:

• Being a renter in Wyoming or having unpaid rent on a previous Wyoming residence
• Having a household income of less than 80% of the area’s median income
• Qualifying for unemployment benefits or being able to show direct or indirect financial loss because of COVID-19 or being able to show that financial loss occurred during the COVID pandemic
• Being at risk of losing housing

ABOUT ERAP
The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Wyoming received $352 million in federal funding to help eligible Wyoming renters struggling to make rent and/or utility payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

PROGRAM QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, please email to RentalAssistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Rachel Girt,  ERAP Communications Contractor
Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2021

CONTACT: Michael Pearlman, Communications Director

Michael.Pearlman@wyo.gov

Governor Gordon: Wyoming is Running a Strong Rental Assistance Program

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon responded forcefully this week to a letter from Congressman James Clyburn which misrepresented Wyoming’s efforts in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Congressman Clyburn complained of nationwide underspending by the 426 local governments eligible to administer rental assistance.

“His unwarranted shot places blame for that problem squarely on the shoulders of Wyoming and five other states,” Governor Gordon said. The Governor emphasizes that Wyoming has a strong rental assistance program and is meeting the needs of its people

In his response, the Governor details the unreliable data, arbitrary metrics and false assumptions used by the Congressman to come to his dramatic – but incorrect – conclusions about Wyoming. One data point used by the Congressman is described by its own source, the US Census Bureau, as having “potentially serious data quality issues.”

Between the two federal rental assistance programs, Wyoming was allocated $352 million, a total that exceeds the Department of Family Services’ entire biennial budget. In four months, Wyoming has issued $8.5 million in rental assistance funds to local non-profit organizations, tenants, and landlords, a feat that is unheard of within Wyoming’s social safety net system.

“The $352 million is part of how Wyoming will solve our state’s housing issues, but the program as legislated cannot practically spend that amount on rental and utility assistance alone within the time frames set by Congress, especially in the least-populated state in the nation“ Governor Gordon said. “It’s clear Congressman Clyburn does not understand the issues that matter here in Wyoming, because if he did he would work to help us use those funds to develop affordable housing.”

In his letter, the Congressman ranked Wyoming last in the nation because Wyoming has spent a low proportion of its allocation compared to other states. But, Congress did not base Wyoming’s allocation on Wyoming’s demographics or need. It is wholly improper to rank Wyoming’s performance on the basis of this arbitrary allocation floor set by Congress, the Governor wrote.

“I invite the Congressman to use local data to reassess our program,” said the Governor.

Rather than respond to the Congressman’s specific questions, which the Governor argued were opportunistic, frivolous and based on false premises that served to do nothing more than garner political attention, the Governor’s letter makes suggestions on improvements that could be made at the federal level to support local jurisdictions and increase payment rates.

A copy of the Governor’s letter may be found here.

-END-

Seeking public input for Homeowner Assistance Fund

The State of Wyoming is seeking public input on the development of the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), which would provide an estimated $40 million in federal funding to assist eligible homeowners in the state, who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and meet income eligibility criteria, with mortgage and utility cost relief. 

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state's Homeowner Assistance Fund, a U.S. Treasury Department initiative passed through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Of the $50 million earmarked to Wyoming for the program, $40 million would be dedicated for direct assistance and another $10 million for administration, counseling and legal services. In April, the Treasury gave Wyoming $5 million to start a pilot project but didn't release guidance to develop the program until August.

"The mortgage industry is much more complex than the landlord and renter relationship, and we didn’t have the capacity to fully develop a program from scratch, especially without federal guidance," Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt said. "We are now developing a pilot project with the Wyoming Community Development Authority, have hired a contractor familiar with the mortgage industry, and are seeking public input to finalize the structure of the program."

DFS will be hosting its fourth town hall webinar on HAF on Sept. 1. The virtual town hall will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 10:30 a.m. to obtain public input on this new program. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/acp6smhn.

The HAF plan is located on the website and can be downloaded here . Feedback on the HAF plan can be emailed to homeowner.assistance@wyo.gov until Sept. 3, 2021.

The State intends to submit the program plan to the U.S. Treasury on Sept. 8.  After receiving federal approval and the remaining $45 million, the goal is to have the program fully implemented and operational as soon as possible thereafter.

 "We expect to use the full amount allocated due to the high demand for mortgage assistance in Wyoming," Schmidt explained.

ABOUT THE FUND

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state's Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/haf.

PROGRAM QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please email to homeowner.assistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT: 

Rachel Girt, ERAP/HAF Communications Contractor

Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

Majority of Wyoming falls under CDC eviction moratorium extension

Media please note: County specific information is at the end of the press release

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The majority of Wyoming counties currently fall under the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s recent eviction moratorium extension for communities with substantial or high-level community transmission of COVID-19.

The CDC temporary order is in effect from Aug. 3 through Oct. 3, 2021. The affected Wyoming counties listed as substantial or high-level community transmission are identified on the CDC COVID tracker (Click here to see the updated tracker). 

The new CDC order applies only to Wyoming counties listed as substantial or high-level community transmission. To qualify for the protection, renters must provide a signed declaration to their landlord indicating they qualify for the eviction protections. The CDC has created a standardized declaration form that can be downloaded here.

“We encourage Wyoming renters who are behind on rent or who believe they are at risk of eviction to submit a declaration to their landlord, apply for emergency rental assistance and, if necessary, seek help from Legal Aid of Wyoming,” said Korin Schmidt, Wyoming Department of Family Services Director. 

“Unpaid rent payments have devastating consequences on renters, who need to keep a roof over their head, and landlords, who could face financial trouble,” Schmidt said. “We urge renters and landlords to work together to access the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which has already made over $2 million in payments to landlords.”

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is currently available for eligible renters at risk of eviction due to the inability to make rent payments. The federally funded program launched on April 29 in Wyoming with $180 million available to eligible renters struggling to make rent, internet, and utility payments, as well as housing stability services.  Learn more and apply at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

As of August 5, ERAP has approved a total of 924 applications, or 30% of submitted applications, paying a total of $2.8M in assistance. Of the rental payments, $2.2M went to landlords, $485K to renters and $211K to utilities. 

Additionally, ERAP has provided $1M to Equal Justice Wyoming for legal services to eligible households facing eviction and/or other housing instability. If facing eviction, please contact Legal Aid of Wyoming, which is a sub-recipient of Equal Justice Wyoming. Visit www.lawyoming.org or call 1-877-432-9955 for Legal Aid. 

Legal Aid of Wyoming may be able to provide legal assistance to eligible ERAP renters living in Wyoming:

• Lease agreement advice/negotiation
• Eviction defense 
• Disputes that could lead to eviction
• Financial issues directly related to the home you rent (disputes about security deposits, damages claims, late fees, etc.)
• Issues related to the safety of the home you rent
• Financial matters affecting your ability to maintain or obtain housing such as: debt collection defense, federal benefits (SSI/SSDI), employment matters (FMLA, disability accommodations), and consumer protection actions to obtain tenant funds lost to scams.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an estimated 23,515 Wyoming renters are rent burdened, meaning thirty percent (30%) or more of their income is allocated to rent, and may be eligible for ERAP assistance. According to CDC PULSE Week 33 survey data, 12.9% of Wyoming renter households surveyed reported being behind on their rent. Of those households not current on rent payments, 43% reported being somewhat or very likely to be evicted in the next two months. 

ERAP eligibility requirements include: being a renter in Wyoming or having unpaid rent on a previous Wyoming residence; having a household income of less than 80% of the area’s median income; qualifying for unemployment benefits or being able to show direct or indirect financial loss because of COVID-19; and being at risk of losing housing. 

Eligible households can obtain assistance for unpaid past due rent and utility services incurred after March 13, 2020 - even at a previous residence. Eligible expenses also include unpaid current and future rent (up to three  months at a time) for up to 15 months total of rent and/or utilities. Eligible utility costs include: electricity; energy costs (fuel, oil, propane); water and sewer; and internet service (up to $50 per month). Other eligible expenses, done on a case by case basis, may include reasonable relocation expenses, security deposits, and reasonable late fees.

How to localize the press release to your county

County specific ERAP application assistance

Community based organizations for in-person application assistance have been set up in every county. (Click here for an updated list) 

ERAP income eligibility levels are county-specific.

You meet the income eligibility requirements if your total household income is equal to or less than 80% the area median income (AMI).  Your AMI depends on how many people live in your household and the county you live in. Please reference the table below for county specific information.

ABOUT ERAP

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Wyoming received $200 million in federal funding to help eligible Wyoming renters struggling to make rent and/or utility payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under federal guidelines, $180 million is available for direct financial assistance for rent, utility, and internet payments and housing stability services, while $20 million is available for the application system, call center and administrative costs.

Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

PROGRAM QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please email to RentalAssistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT: 

Rachel Girt,  ERAP Communications Contractor

Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

First payments for Emergency Rental Assistance Program issued

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - So far 39 applications and $124K in assistance have been approved for payment through the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). 

The federally funded program officially launched on April 29 in Wyoming with $180 million available to eligible renters struggling to make rent, internet, and utility payments. The Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS), with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services (DWS), is administering ERAP.  Learn more and apply at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

The ERAP application review and payment process is taking longer than the initial estimated four weeks. As of June 1, 2021,  2.6K applicants have requested over $5.4 million in rent and utility assistance. 

“We understand that many are in desperate need of this financial assistance and apologize for the delay,” Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt said. “We've begun moving applications to payment and are adding case management resources to meet demand.”

If facing eviction or in need of additional help, please Dial 2-1-1 or visit wy211.communityos.org to be connected to available resources or to an organization that can help. Legal Aid of Wyoming may also be able to provide legal assistance to eligible renters living in Wyoming. Visit www.lawyoming.org or call 1-877-432-9955 for Legal Aid.

Schmidt encouraged renters in Wyoming and landlords to apply for ERAP funds.

“We estimate at least 23,000 households in the state may qualify for assistance with making rental payments,” Schmidt said. “Many of those may not have access to computers or need additional help, so we have set up local in-person application assistance in every county.”

“We also understand that there is a need for a homeowners program, which includes mortgage assistance, and we are working on obtaining federal funding to do so,” Schmidt said.

DFS and DWS will be hosting two virtual town hall meetings this week. Recordings of the town halls will be available at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

• The Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF) virtual town hall will be held on Tuesday, June 1 at 2 p.m. Please register at https://bit.ly/3wF12W4 The federal American Rescue Plan Act’s Homeowner Assistance Fund provides funding to assist homeowners with mortgage and utility cost relief.  We are in the early stages of information gathering for this new program. Funding has not yet been received from the U.S. Treasury. 
• The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) virtual town hall will be held on Wednesday, June 2 at 1 p.m. Please register at  https://bit.ly/3hX6z61

ERAP has more flexible eligibility requirements than previous programs, including allowing for self attestation about the direct or indirect economic impact of COVID-19 if documentation cannot be found. 

The four eligibility criteria for the program include:

1. One or more individuals within the household is obligated to pay rent on a Wyoming residence or has unpaid rent on a previous residence that is located in Wyoming.  If living on the Wind River Reservation, renters may be eligible for assistance through the Eastern Shoshone ERAP or Northern Arapaho ERAP.
2. Total household income is equal to or less than eighty percent (80%) of the area median income.
3. One or more individuals within the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced financial hardship, directly or indirectly, to COVID-19. Financial hardship could include lost wages or increased costs - such as medical or child care - due to COVID.
4. One or more individuals within the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing stability. Housing instability might look like past due rent, an eviction notice, or living doubled up, with friends or family, or in unsafe living conditions.

Eligible households can obtain assistance for unpaid current and future rent, internet, and utility payments. Eligible utility costs include electricity, energy costs (fuel, oil, propane), water and sewer, and internet service (up to $50 per month). Other eligible expenses, done on a case by case basis, may include reasonable relocation expenses, security deposits, and reasonable late fees. Late fees are limited to ten percent (10%) of the requested rental assistance amount. 

Unpaid bills must be for services on or after March 13, 2020 and can be on a former residence in Wyoming. There is no monetary limit, and eligible applications can receive assistance for up to 15 months. The state anticipates having enough funding available to assist all eligible households who apply.

Local in-person assistance is available in every county. (Click here for an updated list)  There is also a call center, open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday to help answer questions. The toll-free phone number is 1-877-WYO-ERAP (1-877-996-3727). 

ABOUT ERAP

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Wyoming received $200 million in federal funding to help eligible Wyoming renters struggling to make rent and/or utility payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under federal guidelines, $180 million is available for direct financial assistance for rent, utility, and internet payments and housing stability services, while $20 million is available for application assistance and administrative costs.

Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

PROGRAM QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please email to RentalAssistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT: 

Rachel Girt,  ERAP Communications Contractor

Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Do you rent your home in Wyoming and have been unable to make rent, internet and utility payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic? You may be eligible for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which opened on April 29 for applications at DFS.WYO.GOV/ERAP.

Wyoming received $200 million in federal funding for the program, a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Under the new federal guidelines, $180 million is available for direct financial assistance for rent, utility, and internet payments and housing stability services, while $20 million is available for application assistance and administrative costs. The new guidelines have extended the program through December 31, 2021.

“The flexibility of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program gives us the opportunity to help more people keep a roof over their head and focus on getting back up on their feet,” Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt said. “The new program has been expanded to include the internet and utilities and pays current and future unpaid bills for eligible Wyoming renters.”

There are four criteria to be eligible for ERAP from the State of Wyoming:

1. One or more individuals within the household is obligated to pay rent on a home in Wyoming or has unpaid rent on a previous residence that is located in Wyoming.  If living on the Wind River Reservation, renters may be eligible for assistance through the Eastern Shoshone ERAP or Northern Arapaho ERAP.
2. Total household income is equal to or less than eighty percent (80%) of the area median income.
3. One or more individuals within the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced financial loss due, directly or indirectly, to COVID-19.
4. One or more individuals within the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing stability

Eligible households can obtain assistance for unpaid current and future rent, internet and utility payments. Eligible utility costs include electricity, energy costs (fuel, oil, propane), water and sewer, and internet service (up to $50 per month). Other eligible expenses, done on a case by case basis, may include reasonable relocation expenses, security deposits and reasonable late fees. 

Unpaid bills must be for services on or after March 13, 2020 and can be on a former residence in Wyoming. There is no monetary limit, and eligible applications can receive assistance for up to 15 months.

Renters must submit the applications for assistance online at DFS.WYO.GOV/ERAP. Landlords can apply with the written permission of the renter. There is no copay or application fee. 

ERAP directly pays landlords and utility companies for unpaid bills on behalf of eligible renters in Wyoming. The payments will be made by the State of Wyoming, so landlords must be an enrolled vendor with the Wyoming State Auditor’s Office at sao.wyo.gov/vendors. The fastest way to receive payment is through direct deposit. 

If needing assistance with an application, there are community based organizations being set up in counties to provide help. (Click here for an updated list) For ERAP support, call center hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The toll-free phone number is 1-877-WYO-ERAP.

ABOUT ERAP

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Wyoming received $200 million in federal funding to help eligible Wyoming renters struggling to make rent and/or utility payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new federal guidelines, $180 million is available for direct financial assistance for rent, utility, and internet payments and housing stability services, while $20 million is available for application assistance and administrative costs.

Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

PROGRAM QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please email to RentalAssistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT: 

Rachel Girt,  ERAP Communications Contractor

Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon signed legislation today that officially launches the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in Wyoming. The program will utilize $200 million in federal funding to cover rent and utility costs for Wyomingites struggling financially due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Gordon signed an Executive Order in February directing the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) to create the administrative infrastructure for the program so that funds could be distributed quickly upon passage of this authorizing legislation.

“We have seen the need for this stabilizing relief since the federal government created this program in December,” Governor Gordon said. “I’m pleased to sign this important legislation, which follows my Executive Order, authorizing the state to responsibly and efficiently administer these funds to Wyoming renters and landlords.”

Senate File 118 authorizes DFS to administer the program, which is open to Wyoming renters who meet income eligibility requirements, are struggling to pay rent and/or utilities because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and can demonstrate they are experiencing housing instability. Applications are scheduled to open online at 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 29 at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

DFS has created a platform that will quickly process household applications and eligible payments. Local nonprofits will also receive program funding from DFS, so that eligible households can receive help with their applications, as well as a range of other housing stability services. DFS, along with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, is administering the program, which is managed by a multi-agency Steering Committee.

“We are very thankful to Governor Gordon and the Wyoming Legislature for giving us the opportunity to help families who rent their home to avoid homelessness while recovering from the impacts of the pandemic,” Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt said. “The program also will help landlords, many of whom are small businesses, avoid financial difficulties when their renters cannot pay.”

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The Wyoming Department of Family Services has set aside $5 million from the federally funded Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for grants to counties and nonprofits for local, in-person application assistance and housing stability services.

Wyoming received $200 million in federal funding to help eligible Wyoming renters struggling to make rent and/or utility payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to adhere to new federal guidelines, Wyoming has revised the distribution of ERAP funding: $180 million for direct financial assistance for rent, utility, and internet payments and housing stability services to eligible households; and $20 million for application assistance and administrative costs to set up and manage the program.

“We are developing a more flexible program, hoping for a more widespread reach to those struggling to keep a roof over their heads due to COVID,” Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt said. “Local, in-person application assistance along with having housing stability services targeted to at-risk populations are two valuable tools in helping ERAP become more accessible.”

Applications are scheduled to open online by the end of April. Eligibility requirements are available at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there are more than 70,000 renter households in Wyoming, of which one in three are considered cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent.

The program has taken into account that renters might face barriers to using the new online application system, such as not having access to a reliable computer or the Internet. Counties will receive funding to provide application assistance in their area.

Using a demographic-based formula, DFS has divided $2 million among the 23 counties. Depending upon the county, the application assistance will be handled either by the county government or a community-based nonprofit.

As part of the federal guidelines, a portion of ERAP funding is dedicated to providing housing stability services for eligible households in the communities. These services include providing legal, case management and mediation services to prevent housing displacement or living in unsafe or unhealthy conditions.

The Wyoming Department of Health’s Aging Division, Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and Legal Aid of Wyoming will receive $1 million each to provide housing stability services through their local provider networks.

The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Wyoming received $200 million in federal funding to help eligible Wyoming renters struggling to make rent and/or utility payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to adhere to new federal guidelines, Wyoming has revised the distribution of ERAP funding: $180 million for direct financial assistance for rent, utility, and internet payments and housing stability services to eligible households; and $20 million for application assistance and administrative costs to set up and manage the program. Learn more at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.

PROGRAM QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, please email to RentalAssistance@wyo.gov.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Rachel Girt, ERAP Communications Contractor
Rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307.286.1592

The Wyoming Department of Family Services recently held two virtual town hall meetings to address the upcoming policy changes to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). This video includes the main presentation and includes questions and answers from the town halls held on Nov. 1 and Nov. 3, 2022. Watch the town hall at https://youtu.be/1Htea4eBwLI

CHANGES

➡️ No new applications for rental or utility assistance will be accepted after 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 10, 2022. This change ONLY impacts households that have never received ERAP funding.

➡️ No new Letters of Intent (LOI) applications will be accepted after 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 10, 2022. If an applicant has applied for and received a LOI prior to the Nov. 10 deadline, the LOI is valid 90 days from the time it was issued AND as long as funding is available.

➡️ If an applicant has a change in residence after 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 10, 2022, the applicant will no longer be eligible for ERAP assistance.

The Wyoming Department of Family Services held a virtual town hall in April 2022 to help landlords better understand the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and to provide updates about the program. ERAP pays landlords and utility companies for unpaid bills on behalf of eligible Wyoming households, including those who are homeless or without a current residence. Watch at https://youtu.be/2cqtDVN_k1Y

The Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program includes help for homeowners delinquent on mortgage payments who also may need help with past due payments for utilities, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and homeowners association dues. The maximum amount allowed per household is $17,000, which is paid to the servicer on behalf of the homeowner. View the call at https://youtu.be/gbQzCHrNSaM

The Wyoming Department of Family Services held the March 25 virtual town hall so that landlords could learn more about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). ERAP helps pay landlords past and future rent and in some cases deposits and security fees while keeping Wyoming families and individuals in stable housing. The town hall covered eligible renters and expenses, the application process, how to receive up to 18 months in advance rent and the authenticity of letters of intent for those without a current residence. View it at https://youtu.be/dsIIC0lT91I

The Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF) virtual town hall was held on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 10:30 a.m. to obtain public input on this new program.

Watch the achieved event here.

The Homeowner Assistance Fund would provide an estimated $40 million in federal funding to assist Wyoming homeowners, who have been impacted by COVID-19 and meet income eligibility criteria, with mortgage and utility cost relief.

The Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF) virtual town hall was held on Wednesday, July 7 at 10 a.m. The federal American Rescue Plan Act’s Homeowner Assistance Fund would provide funding to assist eligible homeowners in Wyoming with mortgage and utility cost relief.  We are in the early stages of information gathering for this new program.

Watch the achieved event here.

Do you have questions about ERAP? The ERAP directly pays landlords for unpaid rent, utilities, and internet for qualified renters in Wyoming. This ERAP virtual town hall was held on Tuesday, June 29.

Watch the recording here.

The Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF) virtual town hall was held on Tuesday, June 1 at 2 p.m. The federal American Rescue Plan Act’s Homeowner Assistance Fund provides funding to assist homeowners with mortgage and utility cost relief. We are in the early stages of information gathering for this new program. Funding has not yet been released by the U.S. Treasury.

Watch the recording of the HAP town hall

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) virtual town hall was held on Wednesday, June 2 at 1 p.m. ERAP pays landlords and broadband and utility companies on behalf of eligible Wyoming renters who are unable to pay rent, internet and/or utility payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watch the Recording of the ERAP Town Hall

DFS and DWS hosted a statewide Virtual Town Hall presentation  March 25, to explain the program and to answer questions and listen to concerns from the public.

March 25 Recording

The Departments of Family Services (DFS) and Workforce Services (DWS) hosted an ERAP Virtual Town Hall Meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 4, to explain the program and to answer questions and listen to concerns from the public.  This was the first of several planned Virtual Town Hall presentations.

March 4 Town Hall recording

Stakeholder Meeting for non-profit organizations/community providers:
DFS and DWS hosted a stakeholder meeting for local non-profit organizations and community providers on Friday, March 5 at 2pm for more targeted conversations, outreach, and information sharing.

March 5 Recording