Housing Assistance for Seniors in South Carolina
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Key Takeaways
- Most rental help for seniors in South Carolina flows through local housing authorities (Section 8 vouchers and public housing) and HUD-subsidized senior apartments. Waiting lists are common. Start with your local public housing authority and HUD’s Property Search tools.
- For homeowners 62+, the USDA Section 504 Home Repair program can fund critical repairs and remove safety hazards. Weatherization and energy help are available through the state’s Office of Economic Opportunity and local Community Action Agencies.
- South Carolina offers a Homestead Exemption that removes $50,000 of your home’s value from property taxes once you turn 65 (or meet disability/other criteria).
- South Carolina’s pandemic-era Emergency Rental Assistance (SC Stay Plus) has ended. For rent emergencies, call SC 2‑1‑1 and connect to your regional Continuum of Care for homelessness prevention or rapid rehousing help.
- If you’re at risk of eviction or foreclosure, call legal aid early. Free or low-cost help is available.
If You Need Emergency Help
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
- Eviction, rent, or shelter tonight:
- Call SC 2‑1‑1 to find emergency shelter and rent help near you: https://www.sc211.org
- Contact your region’s Coordinated Entry (homeless services access):
- Upstate (Greenville/Spartanburg): United Housing Connections — https://www.unitedhousingconnections.org
- Midlands (Columbia): Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) — https://www.midlandshomeless.com
- Lowcountry (Charleston area): Lowcountry Continuum of Care — https://lowcountrycoc.org
- Pee Dee/Eastern SC (Myrtle Beach/Florence): Eastern Carolina Housing Organization (ECHO) — https://echousing.org
- Domestic violence: Call 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233) or use the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault “Find Help” directory: https://www.sccadvasa.org/get-help/find-help/
- Utility shutoff or no heat/AC:
- Apply for LIHEAP energy assistance through your local provider: South Carolina Office of Economic Opportunity — https://oeo.sc.gov
- Contact your utility’s assistance program:
- Dominion Energy South Carolina — https://www.dominionenergysc.com/billing/assistance
- Duke Energy — https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance
- Disaster damage (storms/floods): If a federal disaster is declared, apply to FEMA Individual Assistance: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual or call 800‑621‑3362.
How to Use This Guide
This guide explains the main housing programs for seniors in South Carolina, who qualifies, how to apply, what to expect, and where to get help locally. We link directly to official agencies and provide realistic timelines and tips.
Table 1. Quick Contacts (Save this list)
| Need now | Who to contact | Official link/phone |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency shelter or rent help | SC 2‑1‑1 | https://www.sc211.org |
| Homeless services intake (statewide regions) | Coordinated Entry | Upstate: https://www.unitedhousingconnections.org • Midlands: https://www.midlandshomeless.com • Lowcountry: https://lowcountrycoc.org • Pee Dee/Eastern: https://echousing.org |
| Legal help for eviction/foreclosure | South Carolina Legal Services | https://sclegal.org • 888‑346‑5592 |
| Section 8/Public Housing | HUD list of SC housing authorities | https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts/sc |
| Find affordable senior apartments | HUD Resource Locator | https://resources.hud.gov |
| Energy assistance (LIHEAP/WAP) | SC Office of Economic Opportunity | https://oeo.sc.gov |
| Home repairs (rural owners 62+) | USDA Section 504 | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants |
| Property tax relief (65+) | SC Department of Revenue (Homestead Exemption) | https://dor.sc.gov/tax/property/faq/homestead |
What Kind of Help Do You Need?
Use this quick matcher to find programs that fit your situation.
Table 2. Program Finder
| Your situation | Likely programs to start with | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| I rent and need ongoing help with rent | Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8); Project-Based Section 8; Section 202 elderly housing | Local public housing authority; apply at each property; HUD Resource Locator |
| I need help right now to avoid eviction | ESG-funded rent help via local Continuum of Care; SC 2‑1‑1; legal aid | Coordinated Entry; SC 2‑1‑1; South Carolina Legal Services |
| I own and my home needs critical repairs | USDA Section 504 repair grants/loans (62+); local city/county rehab; SC Safe Home (wind mitigation) | USDA Rural Development; city/county community development office; SC Dept. of Insurance |
| My power may be shut off or bills are too high | LIHEAP; Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP); utility company aid | Local Community Action Agency via OEO; utility assistance portals |
| I want to buy a home with down payment help | SC Housing homebuyer programs; HUD housing counseling | SC Housing; HUD-approved housing counselors |
| My property taxes are high and I’m 65+ | Homestead Exemption; other local property tax relief | County auditor/assessor; SC Department of Revenue |
| I’m a veteran needing housing or adaptations | HUD‑VASH; VA SAH/SHA grants; SCDVA | Local VA Medical Center; SC Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs |
| I’m disabled and need home modifications | Medicaid Community Long Term Care (CLTC) waivers; SC Assistive Technology | SCDHHS CLTC; SC Assistive Technology Program |
Understanding How Housing Help Works in South Carolina
- Rental assistance (vouchers and public housing) is managed by local public housing authorities (PHAs). The state agency, SC Housing, also administers some programs and properties.
- Many programs have waiting lists that open and close. Always check status and sign up for alerts.
- For crisis help (eviction prevention, emergency shelter), entry is managed through local Continuums of Care via “Coordinated Entry.”
- Home repair funds come from several sources: USDA Rural Development, the state Department of Insurance (SC Safe Home), Weatherization and LIHEAP via the Office of Economic Opportunity, and city/county programs funded by HUD Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).
- For homeowners 65+, South Carolina’s Homestead Exemption can significantly lower property taxes on your primary residence.
Major Rental Programs for Seniors
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
- What it is: A federal rental subsidy that generally lets households pay about 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent; the voucher covers the rest up to a local “payment standard.”
- Who runs it: Local PHAs; SC Housing also administers vouchers in some areas.
- How to apply: Find your local PHA and follow their instructions (online portals or in-person). Waitlists often open briefly and then close.
Useful links:
- HUD list of South Carolina PHAs (contact and websites): https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts/sc
- SC Housing (renters page and voucher info): https://www.schousing.com
Reality check: Expect long waits. Keep your contact info current with each PHA and respond to any letters quickly to avoid removal from the list.
Project-Based Section 8 and Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly
- What it is: Apartments where the subsidy stays with the unit. Section 202 properties are designed for older adults and often include on-site service coordination.
- How to apply: Apply directly at each property. Many maintain their own waiting lists.
Useful links:
- HUD Resource Locator (find subsidized senior properties): https://resources.hud.gov
- Affordable rental search in SC (SC Housing Search): https://schousingsearch.com
Tip: Apply to multiple properties across nearby towns to increase your chances.
Public Housing (including senior-designated buildings)
- What it is: Apartments owned/managed by PHAs with reduced rents.
- How to apply: Contact your local PHA (see HUD PHA list above). Some PHAs have elderly-only buildings with elevators and accessibility features.
Fair Market Rents and affordability
HUD publishes Fair Market Rents (FMRs) each year, which guide voucher payment standards. Check the latest FMRs for your county/metro to understand typical rent caps:
- HUD FMR main page and lookup: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html
Rental Help in a Crisis
Pandemic-era Emergency Rental Assistance in South Carolina (SC Stay Plus) has ended. For updates and past status, see SC Housing: https://www.schousing.com
If you’re behind on rent now:
- Call SC 2‑1‑1 (https://www.sc211.org) and ask about ESG-funded “homelessness prevention” in your county.
- Contact your regional Continuum of Care (see Emergency section above) to complete Coordinated Entry.
- Talk to your landlord early and put payment plans in writing.
- Seek legal help right away if you receive eviction papers: South Carolina Legal Services — https://sclegal.org
Know your rights:
- South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (SC Code §27‑40): https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t27c040.php
- Lockouts or utility shutoffs by a landlord without a court order are unlawful. Always keep copies of notices and receipts.
Home Repairs, Safety, and Energy Savings
Table 3. Home Repair and Weatherization Programs
| Program | Who it helps | What it covers | Where to apply / learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA Section 504 Home Repair (Grants/Loans) | Very low-income homeowners in rural areas; grants for 62+ | Remove health/safety hazards; essential repairs. Grants up to 10,000;loansupto10,000; loans up to 40,000 (income-based). | Program overview: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants • SC office: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sc |
| Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) | Low-income households | Free energy-saving upgrades (insulation, air sealing, HVAC tune-ups) | SC Office of Economic Opportunity: https://oeo.sc.gov |
| LIHEAP (Energy Bill Help) | Low-income households | Help with heating/cooling bills; crisis aid | SC Office of Economic Opportunity: https://oeo.sc.gov |
| SC Safe Home (Wind Mitigation) | Homeowners in hurricane-prone areas | Roof, windows, and other upgrades to reduce wind damage | SC Dept. of Insurance: https://doi.sc.gov/safe-home |
| City/County Owner-Occupied Rehab | Low/mod-income homeowners | Health/safety repairs, accessibility, major systems | See city/county programs in Table 5 below |
| Medicaid CLTC Waivers (Home Mods) | Medicaid-eligible seniors | Environmental/home accessibility modifications when medically necessary | SCDHHS CLTC: https://www.scdhhs.gov/long-term-care/community-long-term-care |
Notes and realities:
- USDA 504 is only for rural addresses (much of SC qualifies). You must own and occupy the home and be unable to get affordable credit elsewhere. Grants for 62+ do not have to be repaid, but loans do.
- Weatherization and LIHEAP are delivered by local Community Action Agencies. Expect a waitlist. Apply early ahead of peak seasons.
- SC Safe Home opens and closes grant windows based on funding; check often and prepare documents (proof of ownership, insurance, contractor bids).
Contractor tip: Always verify contractor licenses with SC Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) before signing: https://llr.sc.gov
City and County Programs (Selected)
Many local governments use HUD funds to repair homes for low- to moderate-income seniors or offer down payment help. Availability and rules vary.
Table 4. Where to Apply Locally
| Area | Program type | Official page |
|---|---|---|
| City of Columbia | Owner-occupied repair; emergency repair; homebuyer help | https://columbiasc.gov/community-development/ |
| Greenville County Redevelopment Authority (GCRA) | Home repair and accessibility; some down payment aid | https://www.gcra-sc.org/home-repairs/ |
| City of Charleston | Housing & Community Development (rehab and housing programs) | https://www.charleston-sc.gov/244/Housing-Community-Development |
| City of North Charleston | Home rehabilitation; down payment assistance | https://www.northcharleston.org/residents/community-development/ |
| City of Spartanburg | Neighborhood services, owner-occupied rehab | https://www.cityofspartanburg.org/neighborhoods/ |
| City of Rock Hill | Housing & Neighborhood Services; down payment and rehab | https://www.cityofrockhill.com/departments/housing-neighborhood-services |
If your city/county isn’t listed, call SC 2‑1‑1 or your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to find programs near you:
- SC Department on Aging AAA locator: https://aging.sc.gov/locations
Property Tax Relief for Seniors
South Carolina’s Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence once you meet age or disability criteria.
Table 5. Property Tax Relief Basics
| Benefit | Who qualifies | What you get | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead Exemption (SC Code §12‑37‑250) | Age 65+, or totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind; primary residence only | First $50,000 of the home’s fair market value exempt from property taxes | Apply with your county auditor/assessor. Learn more: https://dor.sc.gov/tax/property/faq/homestead |
| 4% Assessment Ratio (Legal Residence) | Owner-occupants | Lower assessment ratio for your primary residence | Apply with your county assessor; rules vary by county |
Bring proof of age (e.g., driver’s license or Medicare card), disability if applicable, and proof the home is your primary residence. Call your county auditor for appointment details.
Help Buying a Home (for Seniors on Fixed Incomes)
- SC Housing Homebuyer Programs: Fixed-rate mortgages and down payment assistance for eligible buyers; availability and amounts change over time. Start here: https://www.schousing.com
- HUD‑approved Housing Counselors: Get free/low-cost advice before you buy: https://www.hud.gov/findacounselor
Reverse mortgages (HECM):
- A reverse mortgage lets homeowners 62+ tap equity without monthly payments. It can help with property taxes, repairs, or in‑home care costs.
- Risks: Fees can be high, and property taxes/insurance must still be paid. Non‑borrowing spouses need protection.
- Learn the basics and get required counseling via HUD: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/hecm/hecmhome
Mortgage trouble or foreclosure:
- Check SC Housing for any current homeowner assistance programs and updates: https://www.schousing.com
- Federal guidance and scams to avoid: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/housing
Finding Affordable Senior Housing
- Search subsidized senior apartments and HUD-assisted properties:
- HUD Resource Locator: https://resources.hud.gov
- SC Housing Search (filter for senior/elderly): https://schousingsearch.com
- Public housing and Section 8:
- Contact your local PHA: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts/sc
- Ask if they manage elderly-only buildings and request preferences for seniors or people with disabilities, if available.
- Understand typical rents (FMRs):
- Check HUD’s current Fair Market Rents for your county/metro: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html
Reality check: In popular coastal and metro areas (Charleston, Greenville, Columbia), demand is high. Consider nearby towns with shorter waitlists.
Utility Help and Energy Savings
- LIHEAP: Helps with electric, gas, propane, and cooling bills; crisis help may be available for shutoff notices. Apply through your local Community Action Agency via the Office of Economic Opportunity — https://oeo.sc.gov
- Weatherization (WAP): Free energy efficiency upgrades reduce bills long-term — https://oeo.sc.gov
- Utility company programs:
- Dominion Energy South Carolina payment/assistance options — https://www.dominionenergysc.com/billing/assistance
- Duke Energy assistance programs — https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance
Tip: Apply for LIHEAP before peak seasons (summer cooling and winter heating). Keep ID, Social Security numbers, income proof, and utility bills ready.
Legal Help and Tenant Rights
- South Carolina Legal Services (eviction defense, housing conditions, benefits): https://sclegal.org (Apply online or call 888‑346‑5592)
- SC Bar “Get Legal Help” and lawyer referral info: https://www.scbar.org/public/get-legal-help/
- State fair housing enforcement and discrimination complaints:
- SC Human Affairs Commission — https://schac.sc.gov
- HUD Fair Housing — https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing
- South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (know your rights): https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t27c040.php
Warning: Beware of “guaranteed” eviction-stopper services or upfront-fee loan relief. Verify anyone who asks for payment by checking complaints and licenses.
Special Considerations
Veterans
- HUD‑VASH (voucher + VA case management): Ask your VA social worker or contact your local VA Medical Center:
- Columbia (Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VAMC): https://www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/
- Charleston (Ralph H. Johnson VA): https://www.va.gov/charleston-health-care/
- VA Home Modification Grants for disabilities:
- Specially Adapted Housing (SAH), Special Housing Adaptation (SHA), and Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA): https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/
- South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (county VSOs can help with housing-related benefits, DD‑214s, and referrals): https://scdva.sc.gov
Seniors with Disabilities
- Medicaid Community Long Term Care (CLTC) waivers may fund home modifications and services to help you remain at home: https://www.scdhhs.gov/long-term-care/community-long-term-care
- Protection & Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. (rights and advocacy): https://www.disabilityrightssc.org
- SC Assistive Technology Program (equipment loans, home mod guidance): https://scatp.med.sc.edu
LGBTQ+ Seniors
- Fair housing laws protect against sex-based discrimination, including sexual orientation and gender identity, under HUD guidance. File complaints with:
- SC Human Affairs Commission — https://schac.sc.gov
- HUD Fair Housing — https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing
- Community centers for referrals and support:
- Harriet Hancock LGBTQ Center (Columbia): https://www.harriethancockcenter.org
- Alliance for Full Acceptance (Charleston area): https://www.affa-sc.org
Tribal Members
- Catawba Indian Nation (federally recognized in SC) — contact the Nation for housing resources and referrals:
- Catawba Indian Nation: https://www.catawba.com (ask for Housing Department)
Rural Seniors
- USDA rural programs are designed for you:
- Section 504 Home Repair (62+ grants): https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
- USDA South Carolina State Office (local contacts): https://www.rd.usda.gov/sc
- Many rural counties also deliver LIHEAP/WAP through local Community Action Agencies (via OEO): https://oeo.sc.gov
Resources by Region (Selected)
Upstate (Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Oconee, Pickens, etc.)
- Coordinated Entry and CoC Lead: United Housing Connections — https://www.unitedhousingconnections.org
- Greenville County Redevelopment Authority (repairs): https://www.gcra-sc.org/home-repairs/
- Area Agency on Aging: Appalachian Council of Governments — https://www.scacog.org/aging
Midlands (Columbia/Richland, Lexington, Aiken, Sumter, etc.)
- CoC: Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) — https://www.midlandshomeless.com
- City of Columbia Community Development — https://columbiasc.gov/community-development/
- AAA: Central Midlands Council of Governments — https://centralmidlands.org/area-agency-on-aging/
Lowcountry/Coastal (Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Beaufort, Jasper, etc.)
- CoC: Lowcountry Continuum of Care — https://lowcountrycoc.org
- City of Charleston Housing & Community Development — https://www.charleston-sc.gov/244/Housing-Community-Development
- AAA: Trident Area Agency on Aging — https://www.tridentaaa.org
Pee Dee/Eastern (Horry/Myrtle Beach, Florence, Georgetown, etc.)
- CoC: Eastern Carolina Housing Organization (ECHO) — https://echousing.org
- AAA: Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments — https://wrcog.org/area-agency-on-aging/
Statewide directories
- SC Department on Aging AAA locator — https://aging.sc.gov/locations
- HUD PHA list — https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts/sc
- SC 2‑1‑1 — https://www.sc211.org
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Gather documents
- Photo ID, Social Security numbers, birthdates for household members
- Proof of income (Social Security award letter, pension statements, last 2–3 months’ bank statements)
- For renters: lease, landlord contact, any notices (late/eviction)
- For homeowners: deed, mortgage statement, tax bill, insurance, contractor estimates (for repairs), proof of disability if applying for accessibility help
- Prioritize the right programs
- Ongoing rent help: Apply for vouchers (PHA), project-based senior apartments (HUD Resource Locator)
- Crisis rent help: Call SC 2‑1‑1, complete Coordinated Entry, contact SCLS if you get court papers
- Repairs/energy: Apply to USDA 504, OEO weatherization/LIHEAP, and your city/county rehab program
- Apply in multiple places
- Submit separate applications to each PHA/property. Keep a list of where and when you applied.
- Follow up
- Check your mail/voicemail regularly. Respond quickly to letters or emails to avoid being dropped from waitlists.
- Beware of scams
- Never pay for a “guaranteed” voucher or repair grant. Verify all programs are government or reputable nonprofits. Check contractors at LLR: https://llr.sc.gov
Costs and Budgets: Reality Checks
- Rents in coastal/metro areas can exceed voucher payment standards. If your chosen unit rents above the standard, you may have to pay more out of pocket (subject to caps in the first lease term).
- Repair funding is limited. Programs may prioritize life-safety hazards (electrical, roofing, accessibility) over cosmetic issues.
- Weatherization and LIHEAP waitlists grow during extreme heat/cold. Apply early.
- Property tax exemptions lower the tax bill but don’t eliminate responsibilities like insurance and maintenance.
Table 6. Major Programs at a Glance (Bookmark this)
| Category | Program | What it does | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (ongoing) | Section 8 Voucher | You pay ~30% of income, voucher covers rest up to the standard | PHA list: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts/sc |
| Rent (unit-based) | Project-Based Section 8/Section 202 | Subsidy tied to the unit; senior-focused buildings | Find properties: https://resources.hud.gov |
| Public housing | Senior/public housing | Reduced rent in PHA-managed properties | Local PHA: link above |
| Repairs (62+) | USDA Section 504 grants/loans | Fix health/safety hazards; grants for 62+ | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants |
| Energy bills | LIHEAP | Helps pay utility bills; crisis help | https://oeo.sc.gov |
| Energy savings | Weatherization (WAP) | Free energy upgrades | https://oeo.sc.gov |
| Wind mitigation | SC Safe Home | Roof/windows to resist storms | https://doi.sc.gov/safe-home |
| Property taxes | Homestead Exemption | Exempts first $50,000 of value (primary residence) | https://dor.sc.gov/tax/property/faq/homestead |
| Counseling | HUD housing counseling | Buying, renting, foreclosure help | https://www.hud.gov/findacounselor |
| Legal | South Carolina Legal Services | Eviction/foreclosure defense and advice | https://sclegal.org |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there a statewide program in South Carolina that freezes rent increases for seniors?
A: No. There is no statewide senior rent increase exemption. Some subsidized buildings have regulated rents. If you’re facing a large increase, call your local PHA or HUD housing counselor to review options.
Q: How long are Section 8 waitlists?
A: It varies by county and demand—from months to several years. Apply wherever you qualify and keep your contact information current with each agency.
Q: Can I be evicted while I’m applying for rental assistance?
A: Yes. Applying doesn’t stop an eviction. As soon as you receive a notice, call South Carolina Legal Services (https://sclegal.org) and your local Continuum of Care. Show any assistance application receipts to your landlord and the court.
Q: What documents do I need for USDA Section 504 repair grants?
A: Proof of ownership and occupancy, income documents, photo ID, and estimates for needed repairs. The home must be in a rural area (most of SC qualifies). Details: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
Q: I’m 65+. How do I apply for the Homestead Exemption?
A: Apply with your county auditor/assessor. Bring ID (or Medicare card) and proof the home is your legal residence. Learn about the benefit: https://dor.sc.gov/tax/property/faq/homestead
Q: How can I find senior-only affordable apartments?
A: Use HUD’s Resource Locator (https://resources.hud.gov) and filter for elderly properties. Also search SC Housing Search: https://schousingsearch.com
Q: My landlord won’t fix hazards. What can I do?
A: Document issues with photos and written requests. Review your rights under SC’s Landlord-Tenant Act: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t27c040.php. Contact SCLS (https://sclegal.org). City code enforcement may also help for serious safety violations.
Q: Are there grants to install ramps or grab bars?
A: Yes, potentially through city/county rehab programs, Medicaid CLTC waivers if you’re eligible, and sometimes USDA Section 504. Weatherization may install minor health/safety measures. Start with your AAA: https://aging.sc.gov/locations
Q: Does South Carolina still have Emergency Rental Assistance (SC Stay Plus)?
A: No. SC Stay Plus has ended. See SC Housing for updates and other resources: https://www.schousing.com. For current rent crises, call SC 2‑1‑1.
Q: Where do I report housing discrimination?
A: File with the SC Human Affairs Commission (https://schac.sc.gov) and/or HUD Fair Housing (https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing).
Resources (Official Sources)
- South Carolina Housing (SC Housing): https://www.schousing.com
- HUD PHA Contacts (South Carolina): https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts/sc
- HUD Resource Locator (find subsidized properties): https://resources.hud.gov
- SC Office of Economic Opportunity (LIHEAP/WAP): https://oeo.sc.gov
- USDA Rural Development (SC office): https://www.rd.usda.gov/sc
- USDA Section 504 Home Repair: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
- SC Department of Insurance — Safe Home: https://doi.sc.gov/safe-home
- SC Department of Revenue — Homestead Exemption FAQ: https://dor.sc.gov/tax/property/faq/homestead
- SC Department on Aging — AAA Locator: https://aging.sc.gov/locations
- South Carolina Legal Services: https://sclegal.org
- SC Human Affairs Commission (Fair Housing): https://schac.sc.gov
- HUD Fair Housing: https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing
- HUD Housing Counseling: https://www.hud.gov/findacounselor
- SC 2‑1‑1: https://www.sc211.org
- FEMA Individual Assistance: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual
- Dominion Energy SC Assistance: https://www.dominionenergysc.com/billing/assistance
- Duke Energy Assistance: https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance
- SCDHHS Community Long Term Care: https://www.scdhhs.gov/long-term-care/community-long-term-care
- SC Assistive Technology Program: https://scatp.med.sc.edu
- VA HUD‑VASH: https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp
- VA Housing Adaptation Grants: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/
- Catawba Indian Nation: https://www.catawba.com
- South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t27c040.php
- HUD Fair Market Rents: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html
- SC LLR License Lookup: https://llr.sc.gov
- SC Housing Search: https://schousingsearch.com
- SCCADVASA “Find Help”: https://www.sccadvasa.org/get-help/find-help/
Disclaimer
Program rules, funding, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program before applying. This guide is for general information and is not legal or financial advice.
About This Guide
by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team
The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.
Our Commitment to You:
- Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
- Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
- Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.
While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.
- Last Updated: August 2025
- Sources Verified: August 2025
- Next Review: February 2026
If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.