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Finding a South Carolina mortgage relief program is a critical step for homeowners facing financial hardship. Although major state-led initiatives like the SC Homeowner Rescue Program have ended, a strong network of support and alternative resources is still available for residents.
Understanding the current landscape of assistance provides a clear path forward. From free professional counseling to federal and local aid, options exist to help you navigate financial challenges. The top priority for any homeowner struggling with payments is to connect with these active resources to avoid foreclosure and secure their housing.
Navigating mortgage assistance requires understanding which programs are currently active and which have ended. In South Carolina, two major, widely known programs are now permanently closed after providing significant aid to residents. Being aware of their status is the first step in directing efforts toward currently available and effective solutions.
SC Homeowner Rescue Program (HAF) is Closed
The SC Homeowner Rescue Program (SC HRP) has officially closed after exhausting all its allocated funds. This program was part of the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), created by the American Rescue Plan Act to help homeowners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Administered by the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing), the SC HRP provided over $119 million in aid to more than 14,500 households in the state.
What the Program Provided
The program offered vital support for those who experienced a pandemic-related financial hardship after January 21, 2020. Assistance included help with:
Applications officially stopped being accepted in April 2023 as the program began its wind-down process. Both SC Housing and the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) confirm the program is permanently closed and will not reopen. Be cautious of any solicitations claiming to be from the SC Homeowner Rescue Program, as these are not endorsed by SC Housing and may be scams.
SC HELP Program is Also Permanently Closed
Before the HAF program, South Carolina had another assistance program called the SC Homeownership and Employment Lending Program (SC HELP). Launched in 2011, SC HELP aided families affected by the earlier economic downturn. The program was sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Hardest Hit Fund and administered by SC Housing Corp., a non-profit division of SC Housing.
SC HELP offered several types of assistance to responsible homeowners facing circumstances beyond their control. These included:
Like the SC Homeowner Rescue Program, SC HELP is now permanently closed and is not accepting new applications.
The Path Forward: Where to Turn for Help Now
The closure of these large-scale programs marks a significant shift in mortgage relief for the state. Homeowners no longer apply to a single state fund. The focus has moved to a service-oriented approach involving multiple agencies.
SC Housing and other official bodies now direct homeowners toward a different set of resources. The primary recommendation is to seek guidance from trained professionals who can offer personalized advice and advocacy. The most crucial next steps are to contact a HUD-approved housing counselor and explore legal services for foreclosure prevention.
When facing mortgage delinquency or foreclosure, your most effective first step is contacting a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. These non-profit organizations offer free, confidential, and unbiased assistance from trained professionals.
This service is not a loan or grant. It is expert advice tailored to your financial situation, designed to empower you with a clear plan of action.
The Role of a Housing Counselor
A housing counselor acts as a homeowner's advocate and guide. Their primary goal is to help individuals and families find the best possible solution to their housing challenges. They are equipped to provide a wide range of critical services, including:
How to Connect with a Counselor
Finding a HUD-approved housing counselor is straightforward and accessible through several official channels. Homeowners can seek help from anywhere in the country or find an agency located directly in their community.
Directory of HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies in South Carolina
For homeowners who prefer to work with a local organization, South Carolina has numerous HUD-approved agencies ready to provide free assistance. Contacting a local agency can provide a more direct connection to community-specific resources.
| Agency Name | Phone Number(s) | Website | Key Counseling Services Offered | Primary Service Area(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OriginSC | 843-628-3000 / 800-232-6489 | www.originsc.org | Mortgage Delinquency & Default Resolution, Financial Management, Budget Counseling, Eviction & Foreclosure Prevention | Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester Counties & Statewide |
| Telamon Corporation | 843-536-0785 / 866-844-8556 | www.telamon.org | Mortgage Delinquency & Default Resolution, Financial Management, Pre-purchase Counseling, Reverse Mortgage Counseling | Spartanburg & Statewide |
| Charleston Trident Urban League, Inc. | 843-300-5246 | www.ctul.org | Foreclosure Prevention, Financial Literacy, Pre-purchase Counseling, Eviction Prevention | Charleston & Surrounding Areas |
| Increasing H.O.P.E. Financial Training Center | 843-225-4343 | www.increasinghope.org | Financial Management, Pre-purchase Education, Fair Housing Workshops | North Charleston & Lowcountry |
| CCCS of the Savannah Area, Inc. - SC Branch | 843-379-2227 | www.cccssavannah.org | Mortgage Delinquency & Default Resolution, Financial Management, Reverse Mortgage Counseling | Beaufort & Surrounding Areas |
| Greenville County Human Relations Commission | 864-467-7095 / 866-495-3918 | www.greenvillecounty.org | Fair Housing Workshops, Foreclosure Prevention Seminars, Homeownership Programs | Greenville County |
| Southeastern Housing & Community Development | 803-534-9950 / 800-326-3865 | www.southeasternhousing.com | Financial Management, Pre-purchase Counseling, Rental Housing Counseling | Orangeburg & Central SC |
| New America Corporation | 803-534-0035 | homebuyer.new-america.org | Pre-purchase Counseling and Homebuyer Education Workshops | Orangeburg & Statewide |
| NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) | Columbia: 803-255-0223 Charleston: 843-556-0497 | www.naca.com | Comprehensive Mortgage Assistance, Pre-purchase Education, Financial Counseling | Columbia, Charleston & Statewide |
Even though statewide emergency funds have ended, several federal programs still offer assistance. Agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continue to help eligible homeowners.
It is crucial to understand the purpose of these programs. They are not direct mortgage bailouts but can provide significant financial relief for housing costs, especially in rural areas.
USDA Rural Development Programs
USDA Rural Development offers a suite of programs aimed at supporting homeowners in eligible rural and suburban areas. Eligibility for these programs is often determined by location, household income, and ability to obtain credit elsewhere. Homeowners can check both property and income eligibility using the official USDA Eligibility Site.
Section 504 Home Repair Loans & Grants: For Repairs, Not Mortgage Payments
The Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants program, commonly known as Section 504, is a vital resource for maintaining safe and sanitary housing. However, its purpose is frequently misunderstood by those seeking mortgage relief. The funds from this program are strictly designated for home repairs and cannot be used to pay a mortgage.
Section 502 Direct Home Loan Program: For Purchasing, Not Refinancing an Existing Mortgage
The Section 502 Direct Loan Program helps low- and very-low-income households purchase a home in an eligible rural area. A key feature is its "payment assistance" subsidy, which can lower the mortgage payment by reducing the effective interest rate to as little as 1%.
This payment assistance is only for new loans originated through the USDA program. It is not a benefit that can be applied to an existing mortgage with another lender. This program helps families buy a home, but it cannot modify or provide relief for a pre-existing mortgage.
Disaster Assistance from FEMA and SCEMD
If your financial hardship is the direct result of a natural disaster, like a hurricane or flood, other assistance may be available. After a Major Disaster Declaration by the U.S. President, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can provide aid to eligible households.
This assistance is coordinated by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD). It can include:
FEMA funds cannot be used for mortgage payments. However, they can cover repair or temporary housing costs, freeing up your money to pay your mortgage. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA at 800-621-3362.
Even though the main statewide mortgage relief programs are closed, help is still available. A network of state, county, and non-profit organizations provides crucial support to homeowners facing hardship.
These resources focus on foreclosure prevention through counseling, legal aid, and local financial programs. To find the right help, you need to know where to look in your community.
SC Housing's Continued Commitment to Homeowners
SC Housing is still a central hub of information for all South Carolina homeowners. While it no longer runs a direct mortgage relief fund, the agency remains committed to helping residents avoid foreclosure.
If you have an SC Housing mortgage, their website has resources and contact information for the loss mitigation department. For all other homeowners, SC Housing acts as a primary referral source. They will direct you to the network of HUD-approved housing counseling agencies across the state.
Free Legal Assistance for Foreclosure Cases
Facing foreclosure involves a legal process, and homeowners have rights that need to be protected. For low-income residents who cannot afford an attorney, several non-profit organizations in South Carolina may offer free legal services. These organizations can provide advice on foreclosure defense, negotiate with lenders, and ensure homeowners are treated fairly.
County and City-Specific Assistance Programs
Many South Carolina counties and cities run their own housing programs. These are often funded by federal grants like the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) or the HOME Investment Partnership Program.
These programs vary by location and may not offer direct mortgage payment assistance. However, they are a critical part of the local support system for homeowners.
Key Non-Profit Organizations Offering Support
Beyond government agencies, a network of non-profit organizations and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) plays a vital role in housing stability.
In addition to seeking outside help, every homeowner in financial distress must take two critical actions. First, communicate directly with your mortgage servicer. Second, learn how to identify and avoid foreclosure rescue scams.
These proactive steps can greatly improve your outcome and protect you from more financial harm.
Proactive Communication with Your Mortgage Servicer
Your mortgage servicer is the company that collects your monthly payments. Contact them as soon as you think you might have trouble paying, even before you miss a payment. Ignoring their calls and letters will only make the problem worse and limit your options.
When you call, ask for the "loss mitigation" or "home retention" department. They specialize in helping borrowers who are struggling to make payments. Be ready to explain your financial hardship and provide details about your income, expenses, and other debts.
Lenders may offer several options to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. The availability of these options depends on the type of loan, the investor who owns the loan, and the borrower's specific circumstances. Common solutions include:
Warning: Identifying and Avoiding Foreclosure Rescue Scams
Vulnerable homeowners are often targeted by criminals running foreclosure rescue scams. These fraudulent companies prey on fear and charge high fees for services that are either useless or available for free elsewhere. It is critical to recognize the warning signs of a scam.
Legitimate help is available from HUD-approved housing counseling agencies at no cost.
Red Flags of a Foreclosure Scam
Be extremely wary of any person or company that:
If you suspect a scam, report it immediately. You can file reports with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Protecting yourself from these scams is just as important as finding real help.
The official name is the SC Stay Plus program. It was the state’s implementation of the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), designed to provide financial relief and prevent foreclosure for homeowners who experienced hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program offered critical mortgage assistance to eligible residents.
No. As of late 2025, the SC Stay Plus program is closed to new applications. The portal stopped accepting new requests once the allocated federal funds were fully committed. Homeowners should now seek alternative resources for mortgage assistance, such as HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in South Carolina.
The South Carolina Mortgage Relief Program covered more than just mortgage payments. Eligible expenses included delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and in some cases, homeowner association (HOA) or condominium association fees. The goal was to provide comprehensive support to prevent homeowner displacement and foreclosure.
Eligibility for the SC Stay Plus program required homeowners to have experienced a pandemic-related financial hardship after January 21, 2020. Applicants also had to meet specific income requirements, typically at or below 150% of the area median income, and own and occupy the property as their primary residence.
The assistance provided by the South Carolina Mortgage Relief Program was a grant, not a loan. This means the funds did not need to be repaid by the homeowner. The payments were made directly to the mortgage servicer, county tax authority, or other relevant entity on the homeowner's behalf.
Eligible homeowners could receive up to $50,000 in total assistance through the SC Stay Plus program. This cap was designed to cover significant delinquencies, including mortgage, property taxes, and other qualified housing expenses, providing a substantial lifeline for those facing foreclosure in South Carolina.
Yes, one of the primary objectives of the SC Stay Plus program was foreclosure prevention. Homeowners who had received a notice of foreclosure were encouraged to apply. The program could provide funds to reinstate a delinquent mortgage, halting the foreclosure process and allowing the homeowner to remain in their home.
Yes. The SC Stay Plus program provided assistance for delinquent property taxes even for homeowners who owned their homes outright (i.e., had no mortgage). This was a critical feature, as a property tax delinquency can also lead to a tax sale and the loss of a home in South Carolina.
With the SC Stay Plus program no longer accepting applications, homeowners should contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in South Carolina. These non-profit organizations offer free or low-cost advice on mortgage delinquency, foreclosure prevention, and creating a sustainable budget. The SC Legal Services may also offer assistance.
Funds from the South Carolina Mortgage Relief Program were not paid directly to homeowners. To ensure proper use, payments were sent directly to the mortgage servicer, local tax authority, insurance company, or homeowner's association. This direct-payment system streamlined the process and guaranteed funds were applied correctly.
Imagine a child's face lighting up on Christmas morning, unwrapping a gift they truly wished for, thanks to the generosity of toy assistance programs. These initiatives work tirelessly to ensure that every child, regardless of their family's financial circumstances, experiences the magic of the holiday season.
The Connecticut Hardship Program offers a lifeline to residents facing financial distress, providing crucial support to help them navigate unforeseen challenges. This assistance can be a transformative force, helping individuals and families stabilize their lives and regain a foothold in their community.
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