Short answer: SC Safe Home is a South Carolina Department of Insurance grant program that helps owners of eligible single-family homes in listed coastal and nearby counties pay for wind mitigation, such as resilient roofs and opening protection. Maximum awards range from $3,000 to $7,500, depending on the project and whether the grant is matching. Check whether applications are currently open.
What SC Safe Home pays for
According to the Department of Insurance's SC Safe Home page, the program's maximum awards are:
- Resilient roof projects: up to $7,500 non-matching or $6,000 matching
- Sustainable projects: up to $5,000 non-matching or $4,000 matching
- Shutters or other opening barriers: up to $3,000
Your actual award depends on the project cost and your household income compared with HUD income thresholds. The program's FY26 award estimator helps you estimate it.
Who's eligible
The program lists eligibility for owner-occupants of qualifying single-family homes in Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Marion and Williamsburg counties. You also need active homeowners insurance, no existing storm damage, and no previously used Safe Home grant on the property. Read the Department's FAQ for details.
Check the application status
Funding comes in cycles. When this article was written, the program's online portal showed it was not accepting applications and offered email sign-up for funding notices. Sign up so you hear when the next window opens.
Insurance discounts
Under S.C. Code §38-73-1095, insurers must offer wind-mitigation discounts or credits in the state's coastal and seacoast areas. Section 38-75-755 requires insurers to tell you, at issuance and at every renewal, which wind-mitigation discounts are available and their range (see SCDOI Bulletin 2007-16). A completed SC Safe Home project gives you documentation to send to your insurer. Ask what credits your company gives for roof and opening upgrades, and get quotes elsewhere if yours offers little.
Bottom line
If you own a home in an eligible county, sign up for funding notices now so you're ready when applications reopen. Coastal homeowners can also see the South Carolina wind pool explainer.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. Vea insurance in South Carolina.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an SC Safe Home grant?
Up to $7,500 non-matching or $6,000 matching for resilient roofs, $5,000/$4,000 for sustainable projects, and $3,000 for shutters, depending on cost and income.
Which counties qualify for SC Safe Home?
Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Marion and Williamsburg.
Is SC Safe Home accepting applications?
Funding comes in cycles; check the program portal and sign up for funding notification emails.
Can I get a grant if my home already has storm damage?
The program lists no prior storm damage as an eligibility requirement.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.