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SC Safe Home

Show All Answers

1. How do I apply for a SC Safe Home Grant?

To apply for an SC Safe Home grant, please visit Apply for a Grant on the SC Safe Home webpage and submit an application via the online portal. Video tutorials are available to assist applicants with the application submission process, as well as these slides. 

2. I forgot my password, how do I reset it?

If you are having trouble logging in, click Reset Password on the login page of the SC Safe Home webpage. From there you will be prompted to enter the email address you used to sign up for the SC Safe Home website. If the email address you enter is valid, a password reset link will be sent to the email address.

3. Can I go ahead and do home improvements and then get reimbursed by the department?

No, the program cannot reimburse you for retrofits you have already done, in accordance with state law. You must have an inspection and receive grant approval from the SC Safe Home before the retrofits are done to be eligible.

4. Do I qualify for a SC Safe Home Grant?

To qualify for a SC Safe Home grant, the home must meet the following requirements; the home must be located in the coastal region of South Carolina, must be owner-occupied, primary residence, site built or manufactured/modular, must not have existing previous damage, and the home and homeowner together must not have previously received and utilized a SC Safe Home grant.

5. How do I make changes or corrections to my application?

It is sometimes necessary to submit changes or corrections to an application submission. If any errors are identified in a submission they must be corrected. To make these corrections, contact the SC Safe Home staff at (803) 737-6087 and our staff will be happy to make the necessary changes for you.

6. How do I find the status of my application?

You may check the status of your application by logging into the SC Safe Home online portal.

7. How long do I have to complete a retrofit?

Approved recommended improvements must be completed within three months of the date of the Grant Award Notification letter.

8. How do I find an inspector or contractor?

It is the responsibility of the homeowner to contact a wind inspector. It is also the responsibility of the homeowner to pay the certified wind inspector for the Wind Inspection Report. Please note that wind assessments and reports will not exceed $250.00. Inspection fees are now based on the sliding scale below.

≤ 1,500 square feet; up to $150

1,501 to 2,000 square feet; up to $200

> 2,000 square feet; up to $250

SC Safe Home requires the estimate for the retrofit to be submitted along with the completed SC Safe Home grant application. SC Safe Home encourages homeowners to “shop” the list of participating contractors to get more than one estimate for the specified retrofits. Please request proof of insurance and licensure from the contractor of your choice.

9. Do I qualify if I rent my home?

No, the funds provided by this program are for the sole purpose of retrofitting South Carolina owner-occupied, single-family homes. 

10. What does the color of the status bar mean when I log in?

If the status bar is highlighted in green, the South Carolina Safe Home program is currently accepting new applications. If the status bar is highlighted in yellow, the South Carolina Safe Home program is currently accepting limited new applications. If the status bar is highlighted in red, the South Carolina Safe Home program is not accepting new applications.

11. If my roof is already damaged, do I qualify?

No, in order to qualify for a SC Safe Home grant, the home must not have existing or previous damage.

12. Do apartments, duplexes or townhomes qualify?

No, the funds provided by this program are for the sole purpose of retrofitting owner-occupied, single-family homes.  

13. I do not have internet access and/or an email address to submit my application electronically, what are my options?

SC Safe Home has implemented an online application process to ensure efficiency and to provide better customer service and communication. The online application will allow you to keep track of your application’s tasks and status throughout the process. Free internet access is available at all public library locations. In addition, there are many free, web-based email providers that are currently available to suit your needs and it only takes a few minutes to create an email account. You may submit a paper application, however, the application will be received in a timelier manner when submitted electronically.

14. Which counties are eligible to receive SC Safe Home grant funds?

Currently, the Department of Insurance SC Safe Home program awards grant funds to Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Marion and Williamsburg counties.

15. How does the Department of Insurance determine who receives grant funds?

All grants will be determined based on the cost of the mitigation project and a percentage of the total adjusted household income of the applicant as per the most recent federal income tax return.  However, once funds are exhausted for the year, the program will cease issuing new grants.

16. Do I qualify for a matching or nonmatching grant?

This is determined by your household income.  To help determine which grant you may qualify for, please visit the Estimate Calculator.

17. What if the cost of the mitigation project exceeds the amount of the award I was granted?

If the cost of the mitigation project exceeds the amount of the grant award, the remaining cost is the applicant’s responsibility.

18. What do I need to apply?

You will need a (1) copy of your latest 1040 or other income tax return, (2) a copy of your homeowner’s insurance declaration page, (3) a copy of your county tax assessment and (4) a SC Safe Home Inspection Report of your home completed by a participating SC Safe Home Inspector who will also collect (5) photographs of the home.