Daniel Prince
Homeowners must meet eligibility requirements to qualify for the program
SC Housing has announced a new federally funded emergency assistance program to help homeowners who have struggled to remain in their homes during the pandemic. The SC Homeowner Rescue Program can cover many costs associated with owning a home, including mortgage payment assistance, financial assistance to allow a homeowner to reinstate a mortgage, past due utilities, down payment assistance loans provided by nonprofit or government entities, and delinquent property taxes to prevent homeowner tax foreclosures.
To qualify for assistance, SC homeowners have to meet federal income eligibility requirements, confirm financial hardships occurring after January 21, 2020, associated with the pandemic, even if those challenges started before that date. Applicants must verify their income, provide a valid photo ID, furnish proof of home ownership, such as a deed or tax bill, and documents verifying the assistance they have requested. For more information on the program, visit schousing.com or call 803-702-5222. Eligible homeowners in SC can receive up to 36 months in assistance.
The program is funded through the US Treasury’s Homeowner Assistance Fund, created as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. South Carolina received $144.6 million for the SC Homeowner Rescue Program. This program builds upon another COVID-19 housing assistance program that is still open for renters. SC Housing launched SC Stay Plus last May, which provides rent and utility assistance for renters financially impacted by COVID. More than $150 million has been approved and distributed on behalf of SC renters through that program.