SC Safe Home Program: Roof Grants Up to $7,500 as Applications Open

What the SC Safe Home Program Offers

The South Carolina Safe Home Mitigation Grant Program, run by the South Carolina Department of Insurance, helps homeowners in coastal counties retrofit their homes to better withstand hurricanes and high winds. The program offers two tiers of awards: a Resilient Mitigation Award of up to $7,500 for a FORTIFIED Roof Retrofit (non-matching) or $6,000 (matching), and a Sustainable Mitigation Award of up to $5,000 for a standard roof or openings retrofit (non-matching) or $4,000 (matching).

Who Qualifies

To qualify, applicants must own and occupy the home as their primary residence, and the property must be a single-family, freestanding structure located in one of eleven designated coastal counties: Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Marion, or Williamsburg. Homes built before 2007 receive high-priority status, since older construction typically predates modern building code provisions for wind resistance.

How the Grants Improve Homes

Funds can be used for FORTIFIED roof retrofits, opening protection such as impact-resistant windows and doors, and other measures that strengthen a home's ability to resist hurricane damage. The FORTIFIED standard, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, layers improvements such as sealed roof decks, stronger edges, and enhanced attachment methods to reduce storm losses.

Insurance Benefits

South Carolina insurers are required to offer premium discounts and credits for qualifying mitigation improvements. After completing an approved retrofit and obtaining the proper certification, homeowners can submit documentation to their insurer to reduce wind and hurricane coverage premiums. Over time, these discounts can offset a portion of the homeowner's share of project costs.

How to Apply

The online application portal for the 2026 program cycle is scheduled to open on February 10, 2026. Applicants will need proof of ownership, primary residency, and basic property information. Once approved, homeowners work with participating contractors who complete the mitigation work and coordinate inspection and certification.

Why It Matters

With hurricanes and tropical systems regularly threatening the Atlantic coast, South Carolina's mitigation grants are designed to reduce property losses, lower insurance claims, and keep homeowners insured in a tightening coastal market. For eligible homeowners, the program can turn a $10,000 to $20,000 retrofit into a partially funded project with long-term insurance savings.

Next Steps

Interested homeowners should visit the SC Department of Insurance website at doi.sc.gov/safehome to review full eligibility requirements, gather required documents, and prepare for the application window. Because funding is limited, applying early in the cycle improves the odds of receiving an award.