Frequently Asked Questions

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. 

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.

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.

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, NO duplexes or multifamily homes, must have a current home insurance policy, must not have existing previous damage, and the home and homeowner together must not have previously received and utilized a SC Safe Home grant. 

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 or email us at scsafehome@doi.sc.gov and our staff will be happy to make the necessary changes for you.

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

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

Homeowners should not schedule or pay for a wind inspection before applying for the SC Safe Home Grant. The inspection is included as part of the grant process, and only inspectors listed on our Participating Inspectors & Contractors List may be used in order to remain eligible.

Once your application is approved, you will select a participating wind inspector from the approved list. Homeowners are responsible for paying the inspection fee, which will not exceed $250, based on the following sliding scale:

• Up to 1,500 sq. ft.: up to $150

• 1,501–2,000 sq. ft.: up to $200

• Over 2,000 sq. ft.: up to $250

Contractor Estimates: A retrofit estimate must be submitted with your SC Safe Home grant application. Homeowners are encouraged to “shop” the Participating Inspectors & Contractors List (link) to obtain more than one estimate for the recommended retrofits. Always request proof of insurance and proper licensure from any contractor you choose.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

The program offers different grant amounts depending on the type of project:

If the project costs more than the grant amount, the homeowner pays the rest.

Grant awards are determined using the applicant’s total annual adjusted gross household income, adjusted for family size and compared to the higher of the county area median income or the state median family income. These statewide and countywide income figures are published annually by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

To help applicants determine their estimated grant award, the South Carolina Department of Insurance has provided an award estimator. 

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

To apply, you will need the following documents:

• A copy of your most recent IRS Form 1040 (or other most recent income tax return)

• A copy of your homeowner’s insurance declaration pages

• A copy of your county property tax assessment

Note: You do not need a wind inspection or photographs before applying. The SC Safe Home Inspection Report is completed after your application is submitted and only by inspectors participating in the program.