South Carolina homeowners can get up to $25,000 to fix their homes through multiple grant programs in 2026. If you need repairs or want to protect your home from hurricanes, here's what you need to know.

Two Main Programs

1. SC Housing Trust Fund (HTF) - Up to $25,000

The Housing Trust Fund is South Carolina's biggest home repair program. It covers the "Big Five" repairs:

Roofs
HVAC (heating and air conditioning)
Septic systems and plumbing
Electrical work
Foundation repairs

How to apply: You must work with an approved nonprofit partner like Habitat for Humanity or a Community Action Agency. Call your local Regional Council of Governments (COG) and ask which nonprofit handles HTF funds in your county.

Learn more about the SC Housing Trust Fund

2. SC Safe Home Program - Up to $7,500

If you live near the coast, this grant helps make your home hurricane-ready. You can get up to $7,500 for:

Roof reinforcement
Storm shutters
Other hurricane protection

Applications open February 10, 2026. Homes built before 2007 get priority.

Important: You must have active homeowners insurance to qualify. If your insurer dropped you, you're not eligible.

Apply for SC Safe Home

County-Level Programs

Many South Carolina counties also offer emergency repair grants using federal CDBG funds:

Richland County: Up to $25,000 (5-year forgivable loan)
Charleston County: Up to $15,000 for emergency repairs
Greenville County: Varies by need (must have $5,000 in home equity)
Lexington County: Roof, electrical, and plumbing repairs
Spartanburg County: Up to $15,000 for code violations

Who Qualifies?

Most programs require:

Income at or below 80% of area median income (AMI)
You must own and live in the home as your primary residence
You're current on mortgage, taxes, and insurance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tax Rate: Make sure your property tax bill shows the 4% "Owner-Occupied" rate, not the 6% rate for rental properties. Many applications get rejected for this reason.

Heirs' Property: If your deed lists "The Estate of [Name]" instead of your name alone, you'll be rejected. Fix your deed first before applying.

Contractor License: Any contractor you hire must be licensed with the SC Residential Builders Commission for jobs over $200.

Special Programs for Seniors and Veterans

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Get a free HVAC unit if yours is over 15 years old. Open to households below 200% of the poverty level.

VA HISA Grants: Veterans with disabilities can get up to $6,800 for home modifications like wheelchair ramps or accessible bathrooms.

Apply Now

Grant funding often runs out by June. Don't wait:

Check that your tax bill shows the 4% owner-occupied rate
Make sure your deed is in your name
Contact your local Regional Council of Governments to find the nonprofit managing your county's funds
Apply for SC Safe Home on February 10 if you live on the coast

For more details, visit the SC Housing website or contact your county's Community Development office.

South Carolina Home Repair Grants 2026: Get Up to $25,000 for Repairs