SC Stay Plus is South Carolina’s emergency rental assistance program. It helps eligible households that have been negatively impacted by the COVID pandemic get back on track by assisting with a maximum of 12 months of past due rent and up to three months of future rent. It covers other household related costs, like moving expenses, security deposits, storage costs, and hotel/motel expenses.

Note: 39 South Carolina counties are included in this program. If you live in one of the following counties: Anderson, Berkeley, Charleston, Greenville, Horry, Richland, and Spartanburg, click here for more information about their programs.

Program Update: SC Housing recently relaxed its rules about income documentation for certain zip codes. Applicants living in these zip codes can self-attest their income instead of providing documentation. Click here to see a map and a complete list of zip codes.

How to Qualify


Who is eligible?
To be eligible, one of more household members must meet the following criteria:
1. Have qualified for unemployment benefits, or have reduced income, have suffered significant cost, or have experienced some other financial hardship related to the COVID pandemic.
2. Have evidence of risk of homelessness or housing instability
3. Have a household income that does not exceed 80% of the area median

Per federal mandate, priority is given to those applicants whose household income is at or below 50% of the area median and those households in which one or more members have been unemployed for 90 days or longer.

How do I qualify?
Most applicants apply online. You can start the application process here. You can also apply over the phone by calling the helpline at (803)336-3420 or toll-free at (1-800)476-0412.

Applicants without access to the internet can submit their applications by mail or by calling the above phone numbers. The fastest way to get your application processed is by completing it online.

Tenants will need the following documentation to complete the application:
1. Personal identification (one of the following: driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, military ID, state issued identification, voter registration card, Medicaid or other healthcare card. Identification must be current as of March 13, 2020.)
2. Evidence of lease arrangement (pick one: current lease, month-to-month lease, tenancy agreement, landlord certification form)
3. Evidence of risk of homelessness or housing instability (applicants can self-attest)
4. Proof of income (choose one)

  • 2020 tax return

  • Pay stubs dated within last 60 days

  • Social Security benefits letter, pension, or other retirement benefits information for 2020 and/or 2021

  • Unemployment benefits dated after January 1, 2020

  • Child support payments dated after January 1, 2020 (include spousal support order)


5. Proof of past due rent amounts
6. Rent ledger
7. Landlord certification form
8. Past due utility bills

Landlords will need the following documentation to complete the application:
1. Social Security number or tax ID
2. W-9, ACH form and canceled check for direct deposit
3. Proof of ownership (deed, tax bill, or insurance policy)

FAQ


Can I get help if I've been evicted or moved already?
Unfortunately, the program will only provide assistance for renters still in their current residences. The program can’t pay for rent or utilities for units in which you no longer live. If you have been evicted recently, the program can help with temporary housing (motel/hotel rooms, security deposits, legal fees, moving and storage expenses), and up to three months of future rent.

Can I get help for rent I owe prior to March 2020 ?
Stay Plus only pays for 12 months of past due rent dating back to March 13, 2020. Any past due rent owed before that is not eligible for repayment.

Can I still get help if I don’t have a lease?
Stay Plus accepts all types of leases, including month-to-month, verbal, subleases, and informal leases. If you don’t have a written lease, you must show documentation that you were making regular rent payments before the pandemic. The program accepts check stubs, bank statements, and Venmo statements can be used as proof of rent payments.

Do I have to repay the assistance money?
No. The assistance funds are not a loan. No repayment is required as long as the funds were not used for things already paid for by another program.

How do I apply if I don’t have reliable access to the internet?
Please call the Stay Plus help line at (830) 336-3420 for assistance. You can still apply.

Who is not eligible for assistance?
The program is unable to provide assistance for expenses that are already covered by other federally funded programs. The program does not provide assistance for homeowners. The program is for renters only.

The SC Stay Plus program does not provide assistance for renters living in the following counties: Anderson, Berkeley, Charleston, Greenville, Horry, Richland, or Spartanburg.

How is the money disbursed?
Payments are made directly to landlords and/or utility providers even though both landlords, utility providers, and renters contribute to the application. Funds can be transmitted via direct deposit or checks in the mail.