Government grants are non-repayable funds provided by federal, state, and local agencies to help Wyoming residents meet essential needs. Unlike loans, grants do not require payback, making them a critical resource for families facing financial hardship. Wyoming offers housing assistance, energy bill support, workforce training, and specialized programs for seniors, veterans, disabled individuals, and low-income families.
These programs address immediate needs like heating costs during harsh winters, help individuals gain job skills, and provide rental support for families on the edge of housing instability. The Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS), Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS), and federal agencies like HUD manage most assistance programs.
Wyoming residents can access grants through state portals, county offices, or the federal Grants.gov system. Eligibility typically depends on income level, household size, residency status, and specific circumstances like disability or military service.
Key Takeaways
Wyoming government grants cover housing, utilities, education, workforce training, and veteran assistance without requiring repayment
Income limits vary by program and household size, with most assistance targeting families below 50% of Area Median Income
Applications are processed through state agencies, county offices, or Grants.gov, requiring proof of residency and income documentation
Priority is given to seniors, veterans, disabled individuals, and families with dependent children
Grants are free to apply for and do not affect credit scores or create debt obligations
Types of Government Grants Available in Wyoming
Wyoming provides multiple grant categories designed to address specific financial challenges faced by residents.
Housing Grants
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps eligible families afford safe rental housing by subsidizing monthly rent payments. Administered through local Public Housing Authorities, the program serves households earning below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). For example, a family of four in Laramie County may qualify with annual income up to $27,550.
HUD also provides emergency rental assistance and homeless prevention grants through Wyoming offices.
Utility and Energy Assistance
The Wyoming Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible households pay winter heating costs. As of December 2025, LIEAP secured funding for the 2025-2026 heating season and resumed processing pending applications.
Energy Share of Wyoming, a private nonprofit program, provides energy-related emergency assistance when unusual circumstances create financial needs not covered by existing programs. The program operates from December through spring.
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) funded through DFS improves home energy efficiency for low-income families.
Education and Workforce Training
The Wyoming Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) offers multiple grant opportunities to improve workforce skills:
| Grant Type | Purpose | Funding Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Training Grants | Correct skill deficiencies or upgrade current employee skills | $2,000 per trainee (non-preferred industries); $3,000 (preferred industries); $75,000 per business annually | Wyoming businesses training current employees |
| Internship Grants | Provide structured learning experiences in new industries | Up to $25/hour wage support; maximum 6 interns per fiscal year | Wyoming businesses offering paid internships |
| Apprenticeship Training Grants | Support Registered Apprenticeship Programs | Varies by program | Wyoming Registered Apprenticeship Programs |
| Pre-Hire Economic Development Grants | Develop industry-specific workforce when skilled workers are scarce | Varies | Businesses with documented workforce shortages |
Wyoming residents can access federal education grants through the Department of Education. The state invests over $1.5 billion annually in educational institutions.
Small Business Grants
The Kickstart Wyoming program awards grants to high-growth potential startups. Three grants are distributed quarterly to qualifying businesses. Eligible businesses must have 25 or fewer employees, with 50% being Wyoming residents, and must be founded in Wyoming with plans to remain in-state for at least three years.
Federal SBIR/STTR grants support small businesses with innovative research and development.
Assistance for Seniors, Disabled Individuals, Families, and Veterans
Wyoming Home Services Program provides care coordination, personal care, homemaker services, and adult day care to qualified individuals at risk of premature institutionalization. Services are designed to keep seniors and disabled adults in the least restrictive environment.
The National Family Caregiver Support Program helps adults age 18+ who care for loved ones age 60+ or individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Services include education, training, support groups, and respite care.
Personal Opportunities with Employment Responsibilities (POWER) provides cash assistance to low-income families with children through a pay-after-performance model that promotes self-sufficiency.
Wyoming offers comprehensive veteran benefits including:
Wyoming Military Assistance Trust Fund: Emergency financial assistance during periods of hardship related to active-duty status
Property Tax Exemption: Up to $3,000 for veterans with honorable discharge and 100% VA disability rating
Lifetime Veteran’s Permit: Free Wyoming State Parks access for 100% disabled veterans
Highly Rural Transportation Program (HRTP): Transportation to VA healthcare facilities for eligible veterans in Carbon, Sweetwater, Lincoln, Sublette, Teton, and Park Counties
Who Is Eligible for Wyoming Government Grants
Eligibility requirements vary by program but share common criteria.
Income-Based Eligibility
Most assistance programs target households below specific income thresholds measured against Area Median Income (AMI). Section 8 Housing requires household income below 50% AMI, which equals approximately $27,550 for a family of four in Laramie County.
Workforce training grants do not have individual income requirements but prioritize businesses serving economically disadvantaged populations.
Residency Requirements
Applicants must be Wyoming residents or demonstrate intent to become residents. Business grants require businesses to be founded in Wyoming or commit to operating primarily in-state.
Priority Groups
Wyoming housing authorities and assistance programs give preference to:
Veterans with honorable discharge
Elderly individuals (age 60+)
People with disabilities
Families with dependent children
Individuals unable to earn a living due to wounds, disease, or old age
Citizenship and Documentation
Federal programs require applicants to be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens with proper immigration documentation. Background checks review prior evictions, criminal activity, and debts owed to housing authorities.
| Program Type | Income Requirement | Residency | Priority Groups | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 8 Housing | Below 50% AMI | Wyoming resident | Veterans, elderly, disabled, families | U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; pass background check |
| LIEAP Energy Assistance | Low-income (specific threshold varies) | Wyoming resident | Seniors, families with children | Documentation of heating costs |
| Workforce Training Grants | None (employer-based) | Wyoming business | N/A | Training must relate to job duties |
| Veteran Programs | Varies by program | Wyoming resident (1+ year) | Veterans with honorable discharge | 100% VA disability for some benefits |
| Wyoming Home Services | At risk of institutionalization | Wyoming resident | Seniors 60+, disabled adults | Functional assessment required |
How to Apply for Government Grants in Wyoming
Application processes differ by program type but follow general patterns.
Where to Apply
Housing Assistance: Contact local Public Housing Authorities directly to apply for Section 8 vouchers. Find your county’s housing authority through the Wyoming Department of Family Services website.
Energy Assistance: Apply for LIEAP through the Wyoming Department of Family Services website or local county offices. Energy Share of Wyoming accepts applications from December through spring at their website.
Workforce Training: Businesses apply through the new DWS Grants Management System portal. Register once and manage all applications in a single location.
Federal Grants: Access opportunities through Grants.gov by creating an account and searching for Wyoming-specific programs.
Veteran Benefits: Apply online at the Wyoming Military Department website or mail completed applications to the Wyoming Military Department.
Typical Application Steps
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Verify Eligibility | Review program requirements | Check income limits, residency requirements, and priority group criteria |
| 2. Gather Documents | Collect required paperwork | Proof of income, residency, citizenship, household composition, and program-specific documentation |
| 3. Complete Application | Fill out forms accurately | Use online portals for state grants; Grants.gov for federal opportunities |
| 4. Submit Documentation | Upload or mail supporting files | Include all required proof (pay stubs, tax returns, discharge papers, disability ratings) |
| 5. Track Application Status | Monitor processing | Check portal notifications or contact agency directly |
| 6. Respond to Requests | Provide additional information if needed | Reply promptly to agency inquiries to avoid delays |
Common Documents Required
Applications typically require:
Proof of identity: Driver’s license, state ID, or birth certificate
Proof of residency: Utility bills, lease agreements, or mortgage statements
Income verification: Recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security statements, or unemployment documentation
Household composition: Birth certificates for children, marriage certificates
Program-specific documents: VA disability rating letters, honorable discharge papers (DD-214), utility bills for energy assistance, training plans for workforce grants
Benefits and Limitations of Government Grants
Understanding what grants can and cannot do helps set realistic expectations.
What Grants Can Help Pay For
Housing grants subsidize monthly rent, reducing the burden on low-income families. Voucher holders typically pay 30% of adjusted income toward rent, with the program covering the difference.
Energy assistance covers a portion of winter heating costs, though not necessarily the full bill. LIEAP provides one-time seasonal payments directly to utility companies.
Workforce training grants reimburse employers for training costs, allowing workers to gain skills without personal expense. This includes tuition, materials, instructor fees, and related training expenses.
Veteran programs eliminate property tax burdens for 100% disabled veterans and provide emergency funds during financial crises.
Common Restrictions
Grant funds cannot replace existing budgets. Workforce training grants specifically prohibit using funds to replace training programs already funded by employers.
Training must relate directly to job duties. Workforce grants only cover training that corrects skill deficiencies or upgrades current employee capabilities.
Energy assistance is seasonal. LIEAP operates during winter heating season, and Energy Share runs December through spring.
Housing vouchers have waiting lists. Due to high demand and limited funding, applicants may wait months or years before receiving assistance.
What Grants Do Not Cover
Grants do not provide personal debt relief. Wyoming does not offer state grants to pay off credit cards, personal loans, or auto loans.
Vehicle purchases are not covered. While disabled veterans may apply property tax exemptions to vehicle licensing fees, the exemption cannot cover vehicle sales tax.
Grants are not guaranteed. Meeting eligibility criteria does not ensure approval, especially for competitive programs with limited funding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
Application errors cause delays and denials that leave families without needed assistance.
Incomplete Applications
Missing documentation is the most frequent problem. Applications submitted without required proof of income, residency, or identity cannot be processed. Review checklists carefully before submitting and upload all requested files.
Inaccurate household information leads to eligibility miscalculations. Report all household members and income sources truthfully. Omitting income or residents can result in denial or later repayment demands.
Missed Deadlines
Many grant programs operate on quarterly cycles. The Kickstart Wyoming program reviews applications submitted within specific quarters. Applications submitted after deadlines roll to the next review cycle, delaying potential funding by months.
Energy assistance deadlines vary by season. LIEAP prioritizes early applicants during peak winter months. Waiting until late winter may result in fund exhaustion before processing your application.
Confusing Grants with Loans
Grants do not require repayment. Unlike loans, approved grants provide funds you keep without interest or monthly payments.
Some programs use pay-after-performance models like POWER, which provides cash assistance after completing required activities. This is still non-repayable assistance, not a loan.
Grant scams charge application fees or guarantee approval. Legitimate government grants are always free to apply for. Never pay anyone claiming they can secure grant approval.
Applying to Wrong Programs
Workforce training grants fund employers, not individual workers. Employees cannot directly apply for these grants. If you need job training, contact your employer about WDTF programs or seek individual workforce development through Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.
Federal grants often serve specific populations or purposes. Research eligibility carefully before investing time in complex federal applications through Grants.gov.
Conclusion
Wyoming government grants provide essential financial support to residents facing housing instability, high energy costs, job skill gaps, and special circumstances related to age, disability, or military service. Section 8 housing vouchers, LIEAP energy assistance, workforce training programs, and veteran benefits serve thousands of Wyoming families each year without creating debt obligations.
Start by identifying which programs match your situation. Contact the Wyoming Department of Family Services for housing and energy assistance, the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services for training opportunities, or your local Public Housing Authority for rental support. Gather required documentation including proof of income, residency, and household composition before beginning applications.
Priority groups including veterans, seniors, disabled individuals, and families with children receive preference in most programs, but all Wyoming residents meeting income and residency requirements can apply. Submit complete, accurate applications before deadlines to maximize approval chances and minimize processing delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if my income qualifies for Wyoming housing assistance?
Your household income must fall below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI) for your county. For example, a family of four in Laramie County qualifies with income up to approximately $27,550 annually. Contact your local Public Housing Authority for current income limits specific to your household size and county.
Can I apply for multiple Wyoming government grants at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for multiple programs simultaneously if you meet each program’s eligibility requirements. LIEAP energy assistance, Section 8 housing, and other programs operate independently with separate funding sources. Receiving one grant does not disqualify you from others.
What documentation do I need to apply for Wyoming energy assistance?
LIEAP applications require proof of Wyoming residency, household income, household composition, and documentation of heating costs such as utility bills. You must also provide identification for all household members and demonstrate financial need.
Do Wyoming government grants need to be repaid?
No, government grants are non-repayable funds that do not create debt obligations. Unlike loans, grants have no interest, monthly payments, or repayment requirements. Programs like POWER use pay-after-performance models but still provide non-repayable assistance.
How long does it take to receive Wyoming housing assistance after applying?
Processing times vary significantly by program and demand. LIEAP resumed processing pending applications in December 2025 and works to finalize approvals quickly during peak winter months. Section 8 housing vouchers may involve waiting lists lasting months or years due to limited funding and high demand. Contact the administering agency for current wait time estimates.
Are Wyoming workforce training grants available to individuals or only businesses?
Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) grants are employer-based programs. Businesses apply for funding to train current or prospective employees. Individual workers cannot directly apply but benefit when their employers participate. Contact the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services for individual job training resources outside the grant program.
What benefits are available specifically for Wyoming veterans?
Wyoming veterans with honorable discharge and 100% VA disability rating qualify for property tax exemptions up to $3,000, free lifetime State Parks access, and priority for housing assistance. The Wyoming Military Assistance Trust Fund provides emergency financial help during active-duty hardship. The Highly Rural Transportation Program offers rides to VA healthcare facilities in six western Wyoming counties.