The SC Stay Plus program is a rental and utility assistance program, funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury, that launched in May 2021 to assist those who are experiencing financial hardships and housing challenges as a result of the COVID-19 global health emergency that has disrupted the lives of so many. Payment assistance is also offered through state and federal programs, such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the S.C. Stay Plus Program. applicants (applicants at or below 50% of the Area Median Income), applicants Federal funds for rental and utility COLUMBIA, S.C. Applications are now available for people who need help paying back rent and utilities in South Carolina because of the pandemic. RELATED: Here's how to apply for rental, utility assistance in South Carolina. More information is available at, Community Events: For customers who need in-person support, Dominion Energy representatives attend community events throughout the year. It is our hope that SC Stay Plus will help them to get back on track,. Carolina households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 SC Housing will not be responsible for any errors in the information that you provide. For more coverage, sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. Click NO to return to Agency Information & Resources. Remember, you are required to submit documents to complete your application. These arrearages must have occurred during or after March 13, 2020. Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program, Housing Choice Voucher Program Standards & Allowances, Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan, Community Housing Development Organizations, How Developments Are Monitored for Compliance, Project-Based Rental Assistance Owner/Agent Information, SC Center for Heirs Property and Preservation, SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSING FINANCE & DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (SC HOUSING), SC Legal Services by calling 888.346.5592 or, Lowcountry Legal Volunteers by calling 843-815-1570 or, Charleston Legal Access by calling 843-64-5980 or, The SC Bar Referral Service by calling 1-800-868-2284 or, Payments submitted after 8:00 PM EST may be posted the next business day. Please note that this is an external link. With more than 35 years of experience serving housing authorities across the nation, Nan McKay and Associates (NMA) is widely known as the gold standard for performance excellence in the public housing and affordable housing industry. costs. If you have more than one loan with SC . If the landlord does not want the money from SC Housing, the agency sends it directly to the tenants instead so they can pay for rent themselves. Its important for the children in forms of continuity. Ive always been the type of person to pay my bills, he said. The S.C. State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) has been tasked by the State of South Carolina as the lead agency in providing safe, decent and affordable housing for all citizens of South Carolina. We value your questions or comments. What to know, Coronavirus updates for April 12: Heres what to know in South Carolina this week, Coronavirus updates for April 5: Heres what to know in South Carolina this week. shortly before the application window opens. who qualifies to pay rent on a residential dwelling) Payment plans: If a customer is having trouble paying their bill, the company will help them determine the best option for their unique situation. With more than 35 years of experience serving housing authorities across the nation, Nan McKay and Associates (NMA) is widely known as the gold standard for performance excellence in the public housing and affordable housing industry. If you do not have an account, please create one using the requested information. Pause here to collect the required documents before beginning your application. However, people who live in seven of the largest counties across the state, including Richland County, will use different programs for housing assistance, because those counties were sent money directly from the US Treasury. Emergency Rental Assistance Program/SC Stay Plus. allotment will be made available to eligible members of the public starting Wednesday, eligible household must meet several criteria, a renter household in which one or more individuals If you need additional assistance, SC Stay's toll-free hotline can be reached by calling 833.985.2929 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. behalf of affected renters. If you give incomplete or inaccurate information, your application may be delayed. To be eligible for SC Stay Plus, a household (defined as To get some answers, WBTV reached out to Renaye Long with SC Housing. Starting in May, South Carolina will begin doling out $271 million in federal funds to renters affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Copyright 2022 WBTV. Ive never faced eviction before. that have been covered by other federally funded rental assistance. a renter household in which one or more individuals Community Events: For customers who need in-person support, Dominion Energy representatives attend community events throughout the year. SC Housing launched a similar program called SC Stay in February, in which $25 million in emergency renters assistance was given out. Proof of housing instability. SC Stay Plus is for renters only; the program will not Call 1.800.476.0412. Residents in 39 counties are eligible to participate in the program. cover any mortgage expenses or utility expenses for homeowners. SC Stay Plus has been created to assist South behalf of affected renters. Winston adds that even if you have been given an eviction notice, SC Housing might be able to help. We still see people who have that little nudge in the back of their minds and are concerned that theyre going to get an eviction notice, Chris Winston, a spokesman for SC Housing, said. We want customers to know that we are here to help and ready to assist individuals, families and businesses in our service area, including those who may be struggling for the first time, said Sam Dozier, general manager of customer service at Dominion Energy. Requirements: To qualify for rental assistance, an INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THIS APPLICATION. below 50% of Area Median Income. Eligible households who are at risk of Households with an income at or below 50% of the median income, Individuals who have been unemployed for more than 90 days, Those whose landlords have already moved to evict them, A signed lease or other document that shows you have agreed to make rent payments, Proof of income such as 2020 tax returns or recent pay stubs, Proof of financial hardship, for example, an unemployment verification letter. Spanish-language support is available at the call center and designated in-person applicant support centers in the community. Click YES to accept the above Terms & Conditions to access SC Housing's Financial Statements. Secure Access Additionally, the payment delivery method (ACH/Direct Deposit or Mailed Check) you select will impact this timeline. a rolling basis until the funds are exhausted. Resolution R.26. To make it easier to find resources in your area, we . Tenants with questions about their application can always call the call center at 803-336-3420, M-F, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for assistance. Fax: 803.551.4998. In April, South Carolina lawmakers passed a joint resolution outlining how the funds should be distributed. to ensure housing stability of those at risk of experiencing homelessness or Must have landlord or lender confirmation of their past-due status and be willing to accept payment on their behalf. Please allow up to 45 days for the SC Stay Plus program to process your complete application. Emergency Rental Assistance Program/SC Stay Plus Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds are available to help eligible residential renters pay up to 12 months of past-due rent and utility bills . Long COVID and heart issues: What do we know about lingering symptoms and treatment? They can also qualify for up to three months of future rental assistance. The leasing office told me there were programs that offered assistance.. By, Spoleto Festival USA Chamber Music Series, South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center, Why viral reservoirs are a prime suspect for long COVID sleuths, The nursing staffing crisis is likely to continue for years, a new survey says, Senators to hear testimony on Supreme Court ethics, Japan's Kishida plans to visit Yoon in South Korea before G-7. The SC Homeowner Rescue Program (SC HRP) is a federally funded program established to provide financial assistance to eligible homeowners experiencing pandemic-related financial hardship that began before January 21, 2020, and continued after that date. click here to complete the online landlord-tenant certification form meet this requirement. Winston said they expect a large pool of applicants. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. CHECK THE EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE STATUS If you have submitted your application, you will be able to check your review status here. There could be 100,000 households in South Carolina, who because of COVID are in some sort of danger of housing instability, Winston said. WBTV asked why someone would have to reach out multiple times to get their claims heard and also was it concerning that someone was facing eviction despite being an accepted applicant. under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, and South Carolina Joint Henry McMaster and legislators passed a joint resolution in April to determine how South Carolinas funds should be distributed. You may submit an application online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800.621.FEMA (3362). Provided By Nan McKay & Associates. and rental assistance program, and is administered by the South Carolina State Housing Please note that this is an external link. Tenants can also receive help in-person at. be posted to www.southcarolina.onlinepha.com shortly before the application window opens. Email: voucher@schousing.com. due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The SC Stay program for rental and mortgage relief opened in February 2021 and is currently closed to new applications. [1] These criteria are derived from: 1) US Treasury Department guidance regarding requirements of the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program as established by the Consolidated People who qualify can get up to 12 months of aid for rent or utility bills that date back to March 2020 through the SC Stay Plus program. Proof of risk of housing loss or experiencing homelessness an eviction notice or a past due notice for rent or utilities To apply for assistance through SC Stay Plus, residents should fill out the application at SCHousing.com or call 1-800-476-0412/803-336-3420. Cayce, SC (06/03/2021) - Dominion Energy is connecting renters with additional customer assistance funding through the SC Stay Plus program, a new federally funded program from SC Housing. Has qualified for unemployment or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship directly or indirectly due to COVID-19 (i.e., since March 2020); Can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and. This program is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number HAFP011 awarded to the State of South Carolina by the US Department of Treasury. There were not a lot of answers to our questions about this situation as a whole. They can also qualify for up to three months of future rent assistance. This portal services the SC Stay Plus and its affiliated programs. You can find your loan information on our Borrower Portal. With more than 35 years of experience serving housing authorities across the nation, Nan McKay and Associates (NMA) is widely known as the gold standard for performance excellence in the public housing and affordable housing industry. Richland County . This has been going on for fourth months now so WBTV tried talking to SC Housing to find out why there is even a hold up to begin with. rent on a residential dwelling, AND, One or more members of the household . Learn more about how the national eviction moratorium from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control may protect you and your family, and find copies of the Declaration that every adult in your household must sign at this Q&A from the NLIHC (also available in Spanish). You can also contact them directly at 888.346.5592. You may be eligible for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for expenses such as temporary housing and home repair. Columbia, SC 29210. On Monday, the state's housing finance and development. Application status definitionscan be found here. back rent (arrearages) brought on by COVID-19 related financial instability. . Funding for the program was provided through the Consolidated Appropriations Act that Congress passed in December 2020. The following counties served by Dominion Energy received other federal funding and will provide their own rental assistance programs: Berkeley, Charleston, Horry and Richland click here for information about these programs. All Rights Reserved. During this pause: Review of all open applications will be paused. Anderson, Berkeley, Charleston, Greenville, Horry, Richland and Spartanburg counties received federal approval to set up their own rent assistance programs. Payoff statement requests are made by contacting a Customer Service representative at 803.896.9521 or toll free at 800.476.0412 (choose Option 3). South Carolina Act 17 of 2021: SC Stay Plus will not cover rent or utility expenses Resolution R.26. It provides payments directly to landlords and utility companies on SC Stay Plus will not cover rent or utilities Click HERE. Appropriations Act, 2021 (as revised March 16, 2021), and 2) South Carolina Joint Resolution R.26 requirements (as amended March 4, 2021). Learn more here, Copyright 2023 NMA Portal. must meet the following requirements: Three types of eligible households are to be prioritized for assistance pursuant to Starting in May, South Carolina will begin doling out $271 million in federal funds to renters affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dental insurance; 401(k) Easily apply: Hiring multiple candidates. To avoid being reported to the Credit Bureau, the online payment must be done by 8:00 PM on the last. Our anonymous renter says both he and the property managers have reached out several times to rectify the situation. Boiling Springs, Gaston, Swansea, Pelion, Sharpe's Hill, Mack Edisto, Edmund, Fairview, Samaria, Batesburg-Leesville, The Ridge, Hollow Creek, Summit, Gilbert. cover any mortgage expenses or utility expenses for homeowners. More information is available at DominionEnergySC.com/assistance. He's won numerous state, regional, and national awards for his work including a national Edward R. Murrow. Call center staff can also provide updates on the status of payment. assistance. Example video title will go here for this video. Click here to learn more: https://t.co/AMkYRQvxhY #SCStayplus #COVIDAssistance #RentRelief #EvictionMoratorium #RentalAssistance #SCHousing pic.twitter.com/BUhjfxjQ2B, RELATED: Lexington County to offer rent, mortgage, utility assistance due to COVID-19. COVID shots are low priority for healthy kids, teens, WHO says. SC Stay Plus will provide up to 12 months of And as for the anonymous renter, WBTV is told he will get some help from SC Housing for his situation. This program runs through September 30, 2026, or as long as funds remain available. eligible household must meet several criteria[1] Reduced hours as a result of an employer going out of business or a reduction of staff; or. South Carolina Public Radio News & Talk, South Carolina Public Radio - News & Music, South Carolina Public Radio | Those are the process improvements that were making so applicants can feel supported, she said. The city tells News 19 these funds have almost runs out, but encourages those in need to contact the ministry at at 803-799-3853 x608 or email ca@coopmin.org for more information. Funding from the US Treasury has been fully dispersed to applicants, and it is unknown at this time if any additional funding will be received. 300-C Outlet Point Blvd. Winston said SC Housing hopes to distribute all the funds to these households by September. by dialing 211 or visiting sc211.org online. Its important for them. Learn more here, Copyright 2023 NMA Portal. must meet one of the following: Experienced a reduction in household . As required by applicable state and/or federal laws, public notices are listed here for your comment. Additionally, SC Stay Plus will provide utility assistance Representatives are trained to give status updates, clarify program information, and provide general assistance to help the caller complete their application. Congress passed a $25 billion rental and utility assistance package in December. South Carolina Federal Credit Union 4.3. Just do to my unfortunate circumstance of me losing my job and then having to wait for SC Stay this is the situation Im in.. On Monday, the states housing finance and development authority announced that applications for the SC Stay Plus program would open by early May. The agency also hosts pop-ups throughout the state with resources to help people. Carolina households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 Town of Lexington announces large development near Lake Murray, May features the Moon and the celestial twins, Here's how to apply for rental, utility assistance in South Carolina, $12.5 million in rental assistance funds now available for Richland County residents, Lexington County to offer rent, mortgage, utility assistance due to COVID-19, click here for information about these programs, Federal judge overturns CDC's national eviction moratorium. SC Stay Plus Program Assistance available for qualified residential renters in South Carolina If you are a renter in South Carolina and are in need of help with your energy bill, financial assistance may be available through the SC Stay Plus rental utility assistance program. The following seven counties received other funding andwill provide their own rental assistance programs: Anderson, Berkeley, Charleston, Greenville, Horry, Richland and Spartanburg click here for information about these programs. Application Information ChecklistCommunication Designee FormLimited Power Of AttorneySC Stay Third-Party Authorization Form Mortgage AssistanceSC Stay Third-Party Authorization Form Rent Assistance, Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce - 2021. Many of Dominion Energys assistance options can also be conveniently accessed 24/7 through a customers online account or Dominion Energys mobile app. Due to the program's success, we must stop accepting new applications at 11:59 p.m. on December 16, 2022. If you are looking for immediate help paying your rent, please refer to to SC Housings list of resources weve created for renters. Answer each question honestly. You can fill one out through their online portal or by calling 803-336-3420. Rebecca joined The State in 2020. May 5, 2021. Rebecca Liebson covers housing and livability for The State. The call center is also accessible with hours until 9 p.m. so that people can have a better chance to catch up with someone even after work. The U.S. Department of Treasury awarded Richland County Government $12.5 million to help local households unable to pay rent and utilities because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thats a generic question that I cannot answer in a generic way but I can say there is some support so they dont just have to rely on the call center, Long said. Provided By Nan McKay & Associates. Has a household income at or below 80% of county median income. Our fax number is 803.896.8592. Added July 30: This checklist from the U.S. interagency Council on Homelessness about what to do if you're facing eviction. SC Stay Plus is for renters only; the program will not This portal services the SC Stay Plus (South Carolina (ERAP)) and its affiliated programs.If you have an account, please login to have full access to forms, transactions, useful information and more. HCVP Standards & Allowances. RELATED: Federal judge overturns CDC's national eviction moratorium. 2021 South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority. Funds from this If you continue, you will exit the NMA Portal. South Carolina Legal Services has a guide to help renters who are facing eviction. CDBG funding will be available for up to six consecutive months of short-term rental and mortgage assistance for applicant individuals and families who meet the following requirements: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has issued a national eviction moratorium through March 31, 2021. Awards will be made to eligible households on Click YES to accept the above Terms & Conditions to access Lender Online. SC Stay Plus has provided approximately 90,000 South Carolinians with more than $267 million in rental and utility assistance. Long answered those questions by pointing back to the many resources they have to help people who are having trouble. This article has Unlimited Access. Learn more here, Copyright 2023 NMA Portal. Tenants with questions about their application can always call the call center at 803-336-3420, M-F, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for assistance. After a year of economic hardship, the SC Stay Plus program aims to help keep evictions at bay, and help renters and landlords get back on their feet across the state. Payment assistance is also offered through state and federal programs, such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the S.C. Stay Plus Program. These statements are provided for information purposes only and should not be relied upon in making investment decisions with regard to any bond or other security issued by SC Housing. If more funds become available and the program is able to re-start operations and review applications, applicants will be notified by email or phone call if their application enters review. If you are not an authorized individual or an employee or agent of SC Housing, you are hereby notified that any access or attempt to access this site is strictly prohibited and violations of applicable federal and/or state law may subject you to civil and/or criminal penalties. Proudly created with Wix.com, Additional utility bill assistance for Dominion Energy customers, Payment assistance: Assistance is offered through EnergyShare, which is funded with company contributions, along with donations from customers, employees and retirees. Plus 11* Paid Holidays Per Year! We understand the benefits, Long said. All rights reserved. They have also expanded their call center to help more people. All rights reserved. She also says that supervisors check certain calls to make sure the quality of work is still up to par and applicants needs are getting addressed. There is a foreclosure moratorium currently in place for federally backed mortgages. All rights reserved. We are trying to prevent that from happening as much as we possibly can.. Click NO to return to payment options. Provided By Nan McKay & Associates. after obligating funds to all other eligible residents in the state. The financial condition of SC Housing may have changed since the dated date of these statements. His utilities got paid by the program, but his rent did not. Click here to complete the initial application. up to three (3) additional months of future rental assistance will be provided can demonstrate risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, AND, The total household income is at or SC Housing welcomes feedback from the public on proposed changes to programs and other requirements. In addition to the many assistance programs and payment plans we offer, we are proud to join forces with SC Housing to promote SC Stay Plus, a critical program providing support to renters who have been directly impacted by the pandemic.. If you do not have an account, please create one using the requested information. His call logs and emails show he is not just been sitting around and waiting, but any communication with SC Housing over the last three months still leaves him empty handed. (803) 336-3420, (800) 476-0412 . Proudly created with. Funding from the US Treasury has been fully dispersed to applicants, and it is unknown at this time if any additional funding will be received.During this pause: This question is to test whether you are a human visitor or a robot. Its nerve-wracking but unfortunately this is my reality, he said. Find a full listing of in person assistance opportunities at, Counter reset on January 30, 2018 with total hits of 966,512 to date, 2023 by "This Just In". Eligible households that include an Throughout South Carolina, residents who are struggling with housing, utilities and other needs can find resources through the United Way by visiting www.sc211.org or calling 211. There are electronic and paper check options. I asked how the situation could have reached this point. The SC Stay Plus program for rental and utility relief will open for new applications in May 2021. This person packs away what is left of his almost empty apartment. If you are facing a foreclosure or at risk of facing a foreclosure, you can find legal representation through: Click YES to accept the above Terms & Conditions to process your online payment. If the eligibility requirements for SC Stay unemployed for over 90 days, and applicants who have been provided with an Please note that your principal balance is not a payoff quote. The, Coroner IDs victim in deadly crash with golf cart, Woman facing DUI charges, Charlotte auto shop owner sentenced to prison for falsifying emisson inspections, Rowan man charged with kidnapping ex-girlfriend, demanding ransom, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video, Tenants grapple with rent hikes amid overall inflation spike, United Way of York County, S.C. receives $500,000 for housing stability. I lost my job. Applications for the state housing and development authority's "SC Stay Plus" program went live on Wednesday.