South Carolina program

Palmetto Heroes 2026

South Carolina ยท SC Housing

Forgivable second mortgage Forgivable if occupancy holds 2026-04-12

Quick answer

What this program appears to offer

Go to South Carolina program hub

Amount

The DPA is $10,000 which can be used to cover the borrower's down payment, closing cost and prepaid items only.

Type

Forgivable second mortgage

Forgivable second mortgage

Repayment

The DPA is a 15-year forgivable zero percent interest second mortgage. DPA must be paid in full upon sale, refinance, or if property is no longer the borrower's primary residence prior to maturity.

First-time buyer

Required

Trust layer

Program structure and lender rules

These fields stay free because they describe the official program rules, not a paid decision layer.

Participating lender

Required

Paired first mortgage

Required

Forgiveness term

15 years (180 months)

Repayment triggers

sale, refinance, non owner occupancy, term maturity

Who qualifies

Law enforcement officers, Correctional officers, Firefighters, Emergency medical technicians (EMTs), Paramedics

What support you get

The DPA is $10,000 which can be used to cover the borrower's down payment, closing cost and prepaid items only.

Do you repay it?

The DPA is a 15-year forgivable zero percent interest second mortgage. DPA must be paid in full upon sale, refinance, or if property is no longer the borrower's primary residence prior to maturity.

How to apply

Apply through a participating SC Housing lender and pair the assistance with an SC Housing Homebuyer (BOND) first mortgage.

Direct official links

Official source evidence

SC Housing is pleased to introduce our 2026 Palmetto Heroes Program. The program honors educators, first responders and community service personnel in the fields of law enforcement, corrections, firefighting, emergency medical services and health care. The DPA is $10,000 which can be used to cover the borrower's down payment, closing cost and prepaid items only. DPA must be paid in full upon sale, refinance, or if property is no longer the borrower's primary residence prior to maturity.

View official source

Official documents

Last verified

2026-04-12

Effective March 16, 2026