SC Housing to launch 2026 Palmetto Heroes Program with $10,000 down payment assistance for public servants

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Beginning March 16, South Carolina’s public service heroes can apply for $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance through SC Housing’s 2026 Palmetto Heroes Program, with funds available on a first-come, first-served basis.

$10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance and low, fixed interest rates form the cornerstone of the Palmetto Heroes Program – the agency’s most popular homebuyer program that supports those who play a vital role in our communities, including teachers, nurses, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, veterans, active-duty military, and National Guard members.

Eligible participants can access financing through SC Housing’s First-time Homebuyer Program, benefiting from a stable, low-interest rate mortgage. Since funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, buyers must have an executed sales contract to secure assistance. Loan rates for the program will be announced on Monday, March 16.

SC Housing’s executive director, Robert Macdonald, says the program underscores the importance of providing an affordable homeownership option for the state’s public service heroes.

“Our public service professionals are the backbone of South Carolina’s communities,” said Macdonald. “The Palmetto Heroes Program is one way we demonstrate our commitment to them. We want those who care for our communities to have the opportunity to live and build equity in the same communities they serve.”

The program offers 30-year mortgage loans that are available through SC Housing’s network of more than 100 lenders statewide and are subject to first-time homebuyer and income qualifications. 

For more details on Palmetto Heroes, visit schousing.sc.gov or contact SC Housing at 803.896.2211.

Historically, the Palmetto Heroes Program has been one of SC Housing’s most in-demand programs, with last year’s version exhausting the bulk of its funding allocation soon after the program’s launch. 

For those who do not qualify for the Heroes program, SC Housing offers other homebuyer programs, with or without down payment assistance and low, fixed-rate loans. Funding for Heroes is limited, but SC Housing’s homebuyer programs are available statewide all year long.

Media Contact: Matthew McColl
Marketing and Public Information Director
matthew.mccoll@schousing.com
803-896-9520

SC Housing is a self-sustaining housing finance agency committed to ensuring that South Carolinians have the opportunity to live in safe, decent and affordable housing. Agency operations are supported by a funding base that includes fees and other revenue earned through the administration of agency programs. For more information, visit SCHousing.sc.gov.