Home Buyer Down Payment Grants for Single Mothers in South Carolina

Last updated: September 2025

This hub gives you verified, step‑by‑step options to lower the money you need at closing, speed up approvals, and avoid the most common denials. You’ll see statewide grants, city and county programs, lender specials, and federal loans that can pair with down payment help. Every program and help source is linked so you can click and act fast.

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If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take

• Call a HUD‑approved counselor for a same‑week game plan. Use HUD housing counseling, Greenville County Human Relations homebuyer education, or statewide SC Housing Homebuyers to get a certified counselor who can pre‑screen you for grants and fix blockers like credit or document gaps. (hud.gov)
• Apply for the fastest down payment option you’re likely to qualify for. Start with SC Housing Palmetto Home Advantage (forgivable assistance tied to your loan), USDA Guaranteed Loan (zero down) in eligible rural areas, or FHA 3.5% down if USDA doesn’t fit your location. (schousing.com)
• Get pre‑approved by a lender who knows South Carolina grants. Ask for pairing with SC Housing Homebuyer Program, city/county funds like Richland County RCHAP, and lender grants such as Chase Homebuyer Grant or Wells Fargo Homebuyer Access where available. (schousing.sc.gov)

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Quick Help Box – Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

• HUD counseling and FHA help: HUD South Carolina 1-803-765-5592, FHA Resource Center 1-800-225-5342, and Talk to a housing counselor 1-800-569-4287. (hud.gov)
• State consumer protection for mortgage or HOA problems: SC Department of Consumer Affairs 1-800-922-1594, Help for Homeowners, and File a complaint online. (consumer.sc.gov)
• Fair housing (discrimination in lending or housing): SC Human Affairs Commission 1-803-737-7800, How to file a housing complaint, and HUD Fair Housing. (schac.sc.gov)
• Free statewide navigation: SC 2‑1‑1 (dial 2‑1‑1), SC Housing program directory, and USDA RD South Carolina contacts for local USDA offices. (schousing.com)
• Veteran home loan help: VA Home Loans 1-877-827-3702, SC Department of Veterans’ Affairs 1-803-734-0200, and VA buyer’s guide. (benefits.va.gov)

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What Counts Right Now in South Carolina

South Carolina offers multiple ways to cut your cash to close. The strongest options for most single moms are the statewide down payment help paired with fixed‑rate mortgages, plus county or city funds that stack on top. Use the quick compare below, then jump to the sections that fit your situation.

• The state’s flagship program under SC Housing Homebuyer Program provides a forgivable down payment assistance second mortgage at 0% interest that fully forgives after 15 years when you stay in the home. Income and price caps apply by county. (schousing.sc.gov)
• Palmetto Home Advantage lets you pick forgivable assistance equal to 0%, 3%, or 4% of the loan amount (for most borrowers that’s several thousand dollars) and includes conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA options statewide with a 640+ credit score. (schousing.com)
• County and city programs like Richland County RCHAP (up to $24,500),\ast [CityofColumbiaCityLender](https://communitydevelopment.columbiasc.gov/city-lender-programs/)\ast (upto$18,500), and Rock Hill First‑Time Homebuyer (up to $5,000) can stack with a first mortgage. Funding opens and closes during the year, so register early. (richlandcountysc.gov)
• Federal loans also help: USDA Guaranteed Loans offer zero down in eligible rural zones; FHA loans allow 3.5% down; VA loans usually need no down payment for eligible veterans. (rd.usda.gov)
• Some lenders add grants in certain SC markets. Check the Chase Homebuyer Grant ($2,500–$5,000) and Wells Fargo Homebuyer Access ($10,000) if the property sits in an eligible census tract or metro such as the Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia NC‑SC area that includes York, Lancaster, and Chester counties. (chase.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask a counselor to screen you for employer‑assisted programs run by CommunityWorks (examples for PRISMA Health, Spartanburg Regional, City of Greenville staff) or check NACA offices in Columbia and Charleston for no‑down, no PMI options, then revisit SC Housing after 30–60 days if income or credit needs a quick tune‑up. (communityworkscarolina.org)

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Quick‑Compare Table: Statewide Programs You Can Use

Program facts: SC Housing forgivable DPA and county limits; Palmetto Home Advantage assistance percentages; MCC credit cap; USDA zero‑down; FHA 3.5% down. (schousing.sc.gov)

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Step‑by‑Step: How to Use SC Housing Down Payment Assistance Fast

Start with the program that gives you the biggest guaranteed help and the fastest path to a clear‑to‑close.

Step 1 — Get pre‑screened in one call

Call an SC‑trained lender and a HUD counselor on the same day. Use SC Housing Homebuyers to pick an approved lender, HUD counselor search to book a pre‑purchase session, and, if you’re in Greenville, Human Relations Commission homebuyer class for the monthly Zoom class. Lenders trained on SC Housing know how to layer Palmetto Home Advantage and county funds. (schousing.com)

• Expect a quick triage on income, debts, and credit. Bring pay stubs and a rough budget. Ask the lender to check your eligibility for Palmetto Home Advantage and SC Housing Homebuyer Program in one pull. You’ll also ask about MCC. (schousing.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your credit scores are under 640, ask the counselor to map a 60‑day plan and enroll with Origin SC or CommunityWorks financial coaching; both guide SC buyers and connect to DPA. Then retry pre‑approval. (originsc.org)

Step 2 — Choose the right assistance option

• If your income fits county limits and you plan to stay long‑term, the SC Housing Homebuyer Program forgivable second at 0% that wipes out after 15 years is often the lowest‑risk help. Add MCC if you have income tax liability. (schousing.sc.gov)
• If you need flexible income limits and no sales price cap, Palmetto Home Advantage offers 0%, 3% or 4% forgivable options across all 46 counties with 640+ credit and conventional/FHA/VA/USDA financing. (schousing.com)
• Stacking city/county funds can cut your cash to near zero. Look at Richland County RCHAP up to $24,500,\ast [CityofColumbiaCityLenderI/II](https://communitydevelopment.columbiasc.gov/city-lender-programs/)\ast upto$18,500, Rock Hill First‑Time Homebuyer up to $5,000,or\ast [CityofSpartanburg’slinktoCommunityWorks](https://www.cityofspartanburg.org/213/Homeowner-Resources)\ast forupto$20,000 help via partners. Funding windows open and close—register early. (richlandcountysc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If local funds are “waitlisted,” ask your lender about Chase Homebuyer Grant ($2,500–$5,000) or Wells Fargo Homebuyer Access ($10,000) in eligible tracts. You can also check employer‑based options through CommunityWorks if you work for PRISMA Health, Spartanburg Regional, or the City of Greenville. (chase.com)

Step 3 — Lock the loan and complete homebuyer education

• Ask your lender to lock the mortgage rate and DPA reservation together. Use SC Housing Income & Price Limits to confirm the right track, and complete the required class via Greenville County HRC or Origin SC. (schousing.sc.gov)
• Typical timeline: DPA reservations often confirm within a few business days; pre‑approval to closing is usually 30–45 days if documents are clean. Always ask your lender for their current SC Housing turn‑times.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If the DPA cap runs out mid‑process, pivot to Palmetto Home Advantage (it has broader availability), or switch to USDA if your property is eligible and you qualify for zero down. (schousing.com)

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City, County, and Regional Programs You Can Stack

Many local programs are designed for first‑time buyers at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). They usually require a first‑mortgage pre‑approval and a homebuyer class.

Local amounts and openings can change quarterly—register for orientations and ask about waitlists. (richlandcountysc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your city program is “paused,” apply to the SC Housing Homebuyer Program or Palmetto Home Advantage and ask to stack with MCC to reduce taxes. (schousing.sc.gov)

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Lender‑Based Grants Active in Parts of South Carolina

Some bank grants target specific census tracts or metro areas. They can often layer on top of SC Housing programs.

• Chase Homebuyer Grant: $2,500–$5,000 toward discount points, closing costs, or down payment in eligible tracts; available on conventional, FHA, and VA loans. Use the grant finder on Chase’s site to check your address. (chase.com)
• Wells Fargo Homebuyer Access: $10,000 toward down payment on fixed‑rate conventional loans for eligible buyers in listed metros (includes Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia NC‑SC, which covers York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties). Confirm your property address is within a covered area. (newsroom.wf.com)
• Bank of America Down Payment Grant + America’s Home Grant: In select markets, up to $10,000towarddownpaymentplusupto$7,500 toward closing; availability varies by location—ask a local loan officer and use their Down Payment Center tool. (bankofamerica.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your address is not eligible, ask your lender to prioritize Palmetto Home Advantage or the SC Housing Homebuyer Program instead, and check employer‑based help from CommunityWorks if you work for PRISMA, Spartanburg Regional, or a participating city. (schousing.com)

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Using Federal Loans Strategically in South Carolina

• FHA: 3.5% down and flexible credit. Pairs well with SC Housing DPA and MCC. Learn basics at FHA loans. (hud.gov)
• USDA Guaranteed: Zero down if the home sits in an eligible rural area; income up to 115% AMI. Confirm eligibility with USDA Guaranteed overview and contact USDA RD South Carolina for county offices. (rd.usda.gov)
• VA: Zero down for eligible service members, veterans, and some surviving spouses. See VA Home Loans and get state help via SC Department of Veterans’ Affairs. (benefits.va.gov)
• Conventional HFA products: SC Housing uses Fannie/Freddie HFA channels like HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage to lower mortgage insurance and pair with DPA. Ask your lender to check both. (sf.freddiemac.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your debt‑to‑income is tight, a HUD counselor can map out actions to improve it in 30–60 days. Try Origin SC or Greenville County Human Relations for quick coaching and certificate classes. (originsc.org)

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Reality Check – What SC Buyers Are Actually Seeing

• Funds go fast: SC Housing’s limited‑time initiatives (like Palmetto Heroes) have sold out in weeks in past years. The 2024 round closed by late June and offered $12,000; watch for 2025 news and be paperwork‑ready. Follow SC Housing email updates. (schousing.com)
• Rules differ by county: Income and price caps change by county and year. Always verify on SC Housing Income & Price Limits before you sign a contract. (schousing.sc.gov)
• Some city programs pause: Charleston’s Homeownership Initiative has paused new applications at times; always check program status and get on notification lists. (charleston-sc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If a program is closed, shift to Palmetto Home Advantage or a federal option and keep checking city sites weekly for reopenings. Ask your lender to place you on internal alerts. (schousing.com)

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Application Checklist You Can Screenshot

• Government ID, Social Security cards, and proof of legal residency for all borrowers. Use HUD’s checklist, SC Housing borrower pages, and your lender’s portal for exact forms. (hud.gov)
• 30 days of pay stubs and two years of W‑2s/1099s; two months of bank statements. Ask your counselor at Origin SC or Greenville HRC to review for missing pages. (originsc.org)
• Signed tax returns (two years) or IRS transcripts; proof of child support or alimony received/paid. Use SC Department of Consumer Affairs resources if you have loan servicer disputes. (consumer.sc.gov)
• Signed homebuyer education certificate from HUD counseling, Greenville HRC, or Origin SC. (hud.gov)
• Signed purchase contract (after program pre‑approval if your program requires it—Richland County does). Verify with RCHAP rules before ratifying. (richlandcountysc.gov)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a contract before you complete a required orientation. Programs like RCHAP require the workshop first—skip that and you may be ineligible. Also check City of Columbia and Rock Hill steps. (richlandcountysc.gov)
• Not verifying county caps. Always confirm with SC Housing Income & Price Limits, your lender, and your counselor at HUD counseling. (schousing.sc.gov)
• Waiting for funds to “come back.” City programs may pause for months. Keep a backup with Palmetto Home Advantage or USDA Guaranteed if you’re rural‑eligible. (schousing.com)
• Skipping fair housing help. If you suspect bias or steering, contact SC Human Affairs Commission, HUD Fair Housing, or SC Department of Consumer Affairs to report it. (schac.sc.gov)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• Best “start today” statewide: Palmetto Home Advantage (0/3/4% assistance); SC Housing Homebuyer (forgivable second); MCC tax credit for up to $2,000/year. (schousing.com)
• Best rural path: USDA Guaranteed (0% down); call USDA RD SC to confirm eligibility. (rd.usda.gov)
• Best veteran path: VA Loan; local support from SCDVA. (benefits.va.gov)
• Biggest local grants (examples): Richland County RCHAP up to $24,500;\ast [CityofColumbiaCityLender](https://communitydevelopment.columbiasc.gov/city-lender-programs/)\ast upto$18,500; City of Spartanburg + CommunityWorks up to $20,000. (richlandcountysc.gov)
• Add‑on lender grants: Chase $2,500–$5,000; Wells Fargo $10,000 (check coverage). (chase.com)

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How to Stop Utility Shutoff in South Carolina Today

If a sudden bill threatens your move or your current lease, handle it now so your mortgage pre‑approval isn’t derailed.

• Start with LIHEAP (energy bill help) through the Office of Economic Opportunity. Then dial SC 2‑1‑1 to find crisis funds, and ask your counselor at HUD counseling to write a letter for your file. (oeo.sc.gov)
• If you’re in arrears due to a hardship, your lender will want to see a plan. Use Weatherization (WAP) to reduce future bills, and keep receipts to show stability. Pair with SC Department of Consumer Affairs if a utility dispute arises. (oeo.sc.gov)

Charleston Water Bill Help: Use SC 2‑1‑1 to locate local agencies, ask Origin SC about emergency budgeting, and tell your USDA RD SC contact if a shutoff affects your USDA closing. (rd.usda.gov)

Greenville Water Bill Help: Call Greenville County Human Relations for referrals after you submit LIHEAP; use SC 2‑1‑1 for churches and seasonal funds. (greenvillecounty.org)

Columbia Water Bill Help: After a LIHEAP request, ask Wateree Community Actions about appointments and show any payment plan to your SC Housing lender to protect your loan file. (oeo.sc.gov)

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Eligibility Rules (Plain‑English)

• Income: Check county caps on SC Housing limits; many city/county programs use HUD’s 80% AMI. USDA Guaranteed caps at 115% AMI in eligible areas. (schousing.sc.gov)
• Property: Most programs need a primary residence in South Carolina. Some require city limits (e.g., Rock Hill) or unincorporated areas (e.g., RCHAP). Confirm on program pages and with your lender. (richlandcountysc.gov)
• Credit: Palmetto Home Advantage needs 640+; FHA will consider lower with compensating factors; lender overlays vary. Ask your counselor at HUD counseling for a plan if under 640. (schousing.com)

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Required Documents (Expect These)

• Government ID, Social Security card, and proof of citizenship/eligible residency; 30 days of pay stubs; two years W‑2/1099; two months of all bank statements; proof of child support received/paid. Your HUD counselor or SC Housing lender will confirm exact lists; see Greenville HRC class page for class details. (hud.gov)
• If self‑employed: two years of full tax returns and year‑to‑date P&L. Review with Origin SC or CommunityWorks advisors before submission to avoid delays. (originsc.org)

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Real‑World Examples (What “Stacking” Looks Like)

• Columbia buyer: $215,000purchase,FHAfirstmortgage+\ast [SCHousingforgivablesecond](https://schousing.sc.gov/homebuyers/programs-homebuyers/sc-housing-homebuyer-program)\ast +\ast [CityLender](https://communitydevelopment.columbiasc.gov/city-lender-programs/)\ast .Out‑of‑pocketloweredbymorethan$10,000. (schousing.sc.gov)
• Richland County buyer: $230,000purchasewith\ast [RCHAP](https://www.richlandcountysc.gov/Property-Business/Homes-and-Communities/Grants/Homeownership-Assistance)\ast$24,500 + MCC to help with annual taxes. (richlandcountysc.gov)
• York County buyer: $240,000purchasenearCharlotte—conventionalloan+\ast [WellsFargoAccess$10,000](https://newsroom.wf.com/news-releases/news-details/2024/Wells-Fargo-Expands-Down-Payment-Grant-Program-to-Help-Bridge-Homeownership-Gap-0/default.aspx)* + HFA Advantage channel to trim mortgage insurance. (newsroom.wf.com)

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Resources by Region

Upstate (Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson)

Use City of Greenville Homeownership for links to DPA and classes, Greenville County HRC for education, and CommunityWorks DPA for employer‑based grants. If buying in Spartanburg, check City Homeowner Resources and ask about CommunityWorks $5,000–$20,000 ties. (greenvillesc.gov)

Midlands (Columbia, Richland, Lexington)

Start with SC Housing lenders, then add RCHAP workshops, and City of Columbia City Lender I/II. If you’re a veteran, pair with VA Home Loans and contact SCDVA for state resources. (schousing.sc.gov)

Lowcountry (Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester)

Check status of City of Charleston Homeownership Initiative, link to classes through Charleston Area Urban League, and use Origin SC for counseling. Stack with SC Housing if city funds pause. (charleston-sc.gov)

Pee Dee and Grand Strand (Florence, Horry, Georgetown)

Confirm rural eligibility for USDA Guaranteed, contact your area USDA office from USDA RD SC, and ask local Community Action Agencies via OEO about energy and weatherization add‑ons that help debt ratios. (rd.usda.gov)

CSRA and Savannah River (Aiken, Edgefield, McCormick)

Use SC Housing County First for targeted rural counties, ask your lender to compare with the Homebuyer Program, and check USDA contacts in Aiken. (schousing.com)

Lowcountry Coastal (Beaufort, Jasper, Hilton Head/Bluffton)

Ask your HR department about CommunityWorks employer DPA options (Beaufort Memorial and Bluffton programs), verify USDA zones via USDA Guaranteed, and pair with SC Housing. (communityworkscarolina.org)

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Diverse Communities – Targeted Tips and Links

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask inclusive counselors at HUD housing counseling about programs and discrimination protections, save SC Human Affairs Commission for fair housing issues, and use SC 2‑1‑1 to locate safe‑space financial classes and child care resources. (hud.gov)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Confirm reasonable accommodation requests via SC Human Affairs Commission, ask SC Housing lenders to align closing timelines with medical needs, and use OEO Weatherization to cut utility costs. TTY callers can use 7‑1‑1. (schac.sc.gov)

Veteran single mothers: Use VA Home Loans for no down, get a Certificate of Eligibility early, and contact SC Department of Veterans’ Affairs for local support. Layer with SC Housing programs if income fits. (benefits.va.gov)

Immigrant/refugee single moms: Ask HUD counselors about acceptable residency documents for FHA/USDA, use Origin SC for bilingual classes, and dial SC 2‑1‑1 for translation and legal referrals.

Tribal‑specific resources: Contact HUD Office of Native American Programs for national help; for SC buyers, most grants are state/local and open to all—pair tribal income documentation with SC Housing lenders to check eligibility.

Rural single moms: Start with USDA Guaranteed zero down, confirm with USDA RD SC contacts, and add MCC if you pay federal taxes. (rd.usda.gov)

Single fathers: The same grants apply. Use SC Housing Homebuyers, HUD counselors, and USDA RD SC if rural‑eligible. (schousing.com)

Language access: Ask for large‑print forms and interpreter services at HUD counseling, request TTY at SC Human Affairs Commission 7‑1‑1, and use SCDCA if you need help with unclear lender disclosures. (schac.sc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact NACA (offices in Columbia and Charleston) for no‑down, no PMI mortgages with intensive counseling, or ask CommunityWorks about employer‑based options. (naca.com)

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Troubleshooting: If Your Application Gets Denied

• Ask for a written reason and a re‑underwrite. Bring it to HUD counseling, Origin SC, or Greenville HRC and request a 30‑day action plan. (hud.gov)
• For suspected discrimination, file with SC Human Affairs Commission and HUD Fair Housing. Average processing can take around 100 days. (schac.sc.gov)
• For predatory fees or servicing issues, file with SC Department of Consumer Affairs and talk to your lender’s compliance team the same day. (consumer.sc.gov)

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Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

• Origin SC (Charleston region) offers homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, and budgeting classes; call 1-843-628-3000. SC 2‑1‑1 can list church funds, and HUD counseling lists other local agencies. (originsc.org)
• CommunityWorks (Greenville/Upstate) provides DPA loans and employer‑assisted programs. Pair with City of Greenville and Spartanburg City resources. (communityworkscarolina.org)
• Habitat for Humanity affiliates can be long‑term paths to ownership; combine their program timelines with credit coaching from Greenville HRC and Origin SC.
• United Way SC 2‑1‑1 connects to rental bridges, child care scholarships, and utility help that stabilize your file before mortgage approval.

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County‑Specific Notes You Should Know

• Charlotte MSA spillover: Wells Fargo’s $10,000 Homebuyer Access includes the Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia metro that covers York, Lancaster, and Chester counties in SC—double‑check the address. (newsroom.wf.com)
• Rural targets (County First): SC Housing’s County First Initiative brings extra incentives to select rural counties—ask lenders to compare this track against standard SC Housing. (schousing.com)
• Rock Hill city‑limits rule: The Rock Hill First‑Time Homebuyer assistance applies only inside city limits; verify with your agent. (cityofrockhill.com)

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Frequently Asked Questions (SC‑Specific)

Can I combine a lender grant with SC Housing help? Yes—many buyers layer Palmetto Home Advantage or the Homebuyer Program with bank grants like Chase or Wells Fargo if the address qualifies. Your lender must confirm program rules. (schousing.com)

What income and price limits should I expect? Check SC Housing income and price limits for your county; city programs like RCHAP follow HUD limits and post caps on their pages. (schousing.sc.gov)

Is the Palmetto Heroes program available this year? 2024 opened in April with $12,000 DPA and closed June 21, 2024; watch the Palmetto Heroes page and SC Housing news for 2025 updates. (schousing.com)

How long does approval take? Many files close in 30–45 days after complete documents. For local grants, expect workshops and intake to add 1–3 weeks. Ask your lender about current SC Housing reservation timelines via SC Housing Homebuyers and city program waitlists at RCHAP and City of Columbia. (schousing.sc.gov)

Can MCC really lower my taxes every year? The SC Mortgage Tax Credit (MCC) can give you up to a $2,000 federal tax credit each year while you live in the home. Ask your tax pro how to adjust withholding. (schousing.com)

Is USDA only for farms? No—USDA Guaranteed is a zero‑down mortgage for eligible rural addresses and buyers with income under 115% AMI. Confirm with USDA RD SC contacts. (rd.usda.gov)

What if I’m denied because of childcare costs or medical debt? Ask a counselor at HUD counseling to write a budget and debt strategy, use SC 2‑1‑1 to find short‑term help, and re‑apply in 30–60 days.

Where do I report unfair treatment? For discrimination, file with SC Human Affairs Commission and HUD Fair Housing; for deceptive lender practices, file with SC Department of Consumer Affairs. (schac.sc.gov)

Can I buy a fixer and use these programs? Yes—pair FHA or conventional with SC Housing DPA; for repairs later, look at SC Housing Trust Fund repairs or Weatherization for energy fixes. (schousing.com)

Are there “teacher/health/first responder” discounts? Watch Palmetto Heroes (paused after 2024 round) and HUD Good Neighbor Next Door for 50% HUD REO discounts in designated areas if you qualify by occupation. (schousing.com)

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Tables You Can Use When Comparing Options

Table: Which Path Lowers Cash to Close the Most?

Table: Education and Counseling Shortlist

Table: Contact Your Local USDA Office

Table: Common Timelines

Table: Who to Call for Problems

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What to Do If This Doesn’t Work

• If everything is waitlisted, pivot to a federal zero/low‑down path (USDA or FHA), then request to add MCC to reduce taxes. (rd.usda.gov)
• If your income is just over a cap, have your lender check Palmetto Home Advantage (broader income limit) and lender grants. (schousing.com)
• If credit is the blocker, enroll with Origin SC or Greenville HRC for a 60‑day repair plan; re‑pull when ready.

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Spanish Summary / Resumen en Español

Este resumen fue producido con herramientas de traducción de IA para brindar ayuda rápida. Para asistencia personal, use recursos oficiales.

• Programas estatales: SC Housing Homebuyer (segunda hipoteca perdonable), Palmetto Home Advantage (0%, 3% o 4% de asistencia), y MCC (crédito fiscal hasta $2,000 por año). (schousing.sc.gov)
• Ayuda local: RCHAP – Condado de Richland, Ciudad de Columbia – City Lender, Rock Hill – Programa para Compradores por Primera Vez. Registre temprano. (richlandcountysc.gov)
• Préstamos federales: USDA – 0% de enganche, FHA – 3.5% de enganche, VA – 0% para veteranas. (rd.usda.gov)
• Consejería: Asesoría aprobada por HUD, Origin SC (Charleston) y Greenville HRC (Upstate).

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• South Carolina State Housing Finance & Development Authority (SC Housing)
• SC Housing – Palmetto Home Advantage and MCC
• USDA Rural Development – South Carolina and USDA Guaranteed Loan
• HUD – FHA Loans and Counseling and HUD South Carolina
• Local program pages: Richland County RCHAP, City of Columbia City Lender, City of Rock Hill Homeownership, City of Greenville Homeownership, City of Spartanburg Homeowner Resources
• Lender grants: Chase Homebuyer Grant and Wells Fargo Homebuyer Access

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance. Program amounts, income caps, and timelines change and may vary by county, lender, and funding availability. Always confirm current details with the program administrator or an approved lender before you sign any contract. Use SC Housing, USDA RD SC, and HUD counseling to verify your final numbers and eligibility. (schousing.com)

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What to do if this doesn’t work

If you tried the links above and still hit a wall, send a brief email to your nearest HUD counseling agency with your ZIP code, household size, and gross monthly income, and ask for a same‑week grant screen. Then call two SC Housing lenders from this list and ask each to quote: FHA + SC Housing DPA, Conventional + Palmetto Home Advantage, and USDA if rural‑eligible. Compare written Loan Estimates side‑by‑side before you commit. (hud.gov)

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Note on formatting: phone numbers use 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX, acronyms are defined on first use, and steps use bullets for easy scanning. If you need large‑print applications or TTY support, ask SC Human Affairs Commission and HUD counseling to provide accessible formats or interpreters. (schac.sc.gov)

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Learn more:

1. Talk to a Housing Counselor | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
2. SC Housing
3. SC Housing Homebuyer Program | South Carolina Housing
4. South Carolina Customer Service | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
5. Home | Consumer Affairs
6. Filing a Complaint | Human Affairs Commission
7. SC Housing
8. VA Home Loans
9. Homeownership Assistance | Richland County SC
10. Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program | Rural Development
11. Affordable low down payment mortgage options | Chase.com
12. Down Payment Assistance Loans – South Carolina | CommunityWorks
13. Homeownership – OriginSC
14. SC Housing Homebuyer and MCC Income and Home Price Limits | South Carolina Housing
15. Wells Fargo Newsroom – Wells Fargo Expands Down Payment Grant Program to Help Bridge Homeownership Gap
16. Down Payment Grants and Loan Assistance Programs for First-time Homebuyers
17. Loans | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
18. HFA Advantage® – Freddie Mac Single-Family
19. SC Housing
20. Homeownership Initiative (HI) | Charleston, SC – Official Website
21. Help for Homeowners | Consumer Affairs
22. S.C. Office of Economic Opportunity
23. S.C. Office of Economic Opportunity
24. South Carolina Contacts | Rural Development
25. County of Greenville, SC
26. S.C. Office of Economic Opportunity
27. https://greenvillesc.gov/1635/Homeownership-Opportunities/
28. SC Housing
29. Offices | NACA
30. How to File a Housing Complaint | Human Affairs Commission
31. Homeownership | Rock Hill, SC
32. SC Housing
33. SC Housing

🏛️More South Carolina Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in South Carolina

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• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
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• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery