The SC Homeowner Rescue Program, South Carolina’s federally-funded emergency homeowner assistance program, will begin its wind down in April after helping more than 15,000 South Carolina families remain in their homes.

The program, which was intended to be a temporary response in the wake of the financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has provided $88.75 million to date in mortgage and utility assistance across South Carolina.

Due to the program’s success, the SC Homeowner Rescue Program will begin to wind down, as similar federally-funded emergency homeowner assistance programs are doing in many other states. The program will stop accepting new applications at 11:59 p.m. on April 20, 2023.

The SC Homeowner Rescue Program will continue to review all current applications to determine if they qualify for assistance as long as funds are available. Applications submitted by the April 20, 2023 deadline will also be reviewed to determine if they qualify for assistance as long as funds are available.

South Carolinians in need of mortgage or utility assistance after the April 20 deadline may sign up for a waitlist on the SC Homeowner Rescue Program website starting April 21, 2023. When the waitlist link goes live, interested parties may complete an Expression of Interest Form, which adds them to the waitlist.

Should funds remain or should funds become available after all prior applications are reviewed, the SC Homeowner Rescue Program will notify waitlisted parties on a first-come, first-served basis, inviting them to complete an application. Please note that joining the waitlist does not guarantee an opportunity to apply or be provided with financial assistance.

The SC Homeowner Rescue Program is creating this waitlist in the event additional funds remain after all applications submitted by April 20 are reviewed or if additional federal funds become available.

SC Housing understands that there is still a need for mortgage and utility assistance in South Carolina, even as this temporary program winds down. We stand ready to provide every eligible homeowner with any available assistance as long as funds remain, so that we may serve our neighbors in need. For updated program information, visit our website at SC Housing.

About SC Housing

SC Housing is a self-sustaining housing finance agency committed to ensuring that South Carolinians have the opportunity to live in safe, decent and affordable housing. Agency operations are supported by a funding base that includes fees and other revenue earned through the administration of agency programs. For more information, visit SCHousing.com.