COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federally funded program meant to assist homeowners in South Carolina with COVID-19 pandemic-related issues is winding down. SC Homeowner Rescue Program will no longer accept applications as of 11:59 p.m. April 20, 2023.
The program made funds available to eligible homeowners to assist them with past-due mortgage payments, utility bills, property taxes, and homeowners association fees -- as long as funds were available. More than 15,000 South Carolina families were able to remain in their homes through assistance from the program.
The SC Homeowner Rescue Program provided $88.75 million in mortgage and utility assistance across the state since its beginning in January 2020. It is because of this success the program is ending.
All current and new applications received before the April 20 deadline will continue to be reviewed -- as long as funds are available.
South Carolinians still in need of mortgage or utility assistance after the April 20 deadline can sign up to go on a waitlist when the link goes active on April 21. Applicants should complete an Expression of Interest Form online that will add them to the waitlist.
After all of the current applications have been processed, should any funds remain, persons on the waitlist will be notified by the SC Homeowner Rescue Program on a first-come, first-served basis, inviting them to complete an application. Eligibility must still be confirmed and joining the waitlist does NOT guarantee an opportunity to apply or be provided with financial assistance.
SC Homeowner Rescue Program was administered through SC Housing. SC Housing offered a similar program for renters -- SC Stay Plus -- which has already paused operations.
