What Forward CHR Does and How It Works in South Carolina

Forward CHR is South Carolina's program to help homeowners repair or replace plumbing systems that fail

Forward CHR (Community Home Repair) is a state-funded program that provides money to South Carolina homeowners whose plumbing systems need repair or replacement. The program targets households with limited income and focuses on essential plumbing work—water lines, sewer lines, septic systems, and fixtures—that affect health and safety. The state administers Forward CHR through local governments and nonprofits in each county, so the organization you contact depends on where you live.

The program does not cover cosmetic upgrades or routine maintenance. It covers emergency repairs and replacements when plumbing failure creates a health hazard or makes the home uninhabitable. If your water line has burst, your septic system is backing up into the house, or you have no working toilet or sink, Forward CHR may cover the cost of fixing it.

Key Takeaways

• Forward CHR pays for essential plumbing repairs and replacements for homeowners whose income falls below state limits, with the exact threshold varying by household size.
• You must own and live in the home as your primary residence; the program does not cover rental properties or vacation homes.
• Contact your county's local government office or the nonprofit housing agency serving your area to learn whether the program is currently accepting requests in your county.
• The program typically covers the full cost of approved repairs, though you may be asked to contribute based on your ability to pay.

Who can use Forward CHR

To be considered, you must own the home, live in it as your primary residence, and meet income limits set by the state. Income thresholds vary based on household size—a single person has a different limit than a family of four. South Carolina updates these limits annually, so the exact number changes each year. You can find your county's current income limits by contacting the local administrator directly.

You must also have a documented plumbing problem that affects health or safety. This means a licensed plumber or inspector has assessed the damage and confirmed it needs repair. Forward CHR will not fund work based on a homeowner's description alone; professional documentation is part of the process.

How to find the Forward CHR administrator in your county

Forward CHR is managed locally, so the first step is identifying who runs the program where you live. Contact your county government's main office and ask for the Community Home Repair program coordinator. Many counties house this role in the planning and development department, community services department, or housing authority.

If your county government cannot direct you, call your local nonprofit housing agency or community action agency. These organizations often partner with the state to deliver Forward CHR. You can also contact your county's extension office—they maintain lists of local housing resources and can point you to the right administrator.

What information you will need to provide

When you contact Forward CHR, have your proof of income ready—recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements. You will also need proof that you own the home, such as a deed or mortgage statement, and proof that you live there as your primary residence. A utility bill in your name usually serves this purpose.

You will need to describe the plumbing problem in detail and provide contact information for a licensed plumber who has inspected it. Some administrators will help you find a plumber if you do not have one; others require you to arrange the inspection yourself. The plumber's written assessment becomes part of your request, so make sure it documents the problem and the cost to repair it.

The timeline from request to repair

After you submit your request, the program administrator reviews your income documentation and verifies your ownership and residency. This review typically takes two to four weeks. Once approved, the program coordinates with the plumber you selected (or one they recommend) to schedule and complete the work.

The total time from submission to finished repair usually ranges from four to eight weeks, though it can be longer if the program has a high volume of requests or if your county's funding is temporarily exhausted. Some counties maintain waiting lists when funds run out; others reopen the program when new money arrives. Ask the administrator about current timelines and whether the program is currently accepting new requests.

What Forward CHR covers and what it does not

Forward CHR covers the cost of repairing or replacing plumbing systems that are essential to the home's function. This includes water supply lines, sewer lines, septic systems, and fixtures like toilets, sinks, and showers when they are broken or non-functional. The program also covers the labor and materials needed to complete the work safely and to code.

The program does not cover upgrades, improvements, or cosmetic changes. Replacing an old but working toilet with a low-flow model, upgrading to a new water heater, or installing a new bathroom are not covered. Routine maintenance like drain cleaning or pipe inspection also falls outside the program's scope. Forward CHR is strictly for repairs and replacements that restore essential function.

What happens if your county's funding is exhausted

Forward CHR funding comes from the state budget, and each county receives an annual allocation. When that money runs out, the program stops accepting new requests until the next fiscal year or until additional funding becomes available. This timing varies by county and by year.

If your county's program is currently closed, ask the administrator when it is expected to reopen and whether you can be placed on a waiting list. Some counties prioritize requests based on the severity of the plumbing problem, so a health emergency may move you higher on the list when funding resumes. In the meantime, explore whether you may have access to for other state or federal home repair programs; your county administrator can point you toward alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I rent my home to tenants?

Forward CHR is for owner-occupied homes only. If you rent the property to others, you do not meet the program's requirements. Landlords seeking to repair rental properties should contact their county about other commercial or investment property programs, though these are less common than homeowner programs.

Can Forward CHR help if I have a septic system instead of city sewer?

Yes. Septic system repair and replacement are covered under Forward CHR. Septic failures are treated as urgent plumbing emergencies because they pose serious health risks. If your septic system is backing up or failing, document the problem with a professional inspection and include that documentation when you contact the program.

Do I have to use a specific plumber, or can I choose my own?

This varies by county. Some administrators let you select a licensed plumber and submit their estimate; others maintain a list of approved contractors and ask you to choose from that list. Ask the administrator about their process before you hire anyone. Getting approval for your chosen plumber before work begins prevents delays and disputes over cost.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

Income limits are firm, but they vary by household size and are updated annually. If you are close to the limit, confirm the exact threshold for your household size with the administrator—you may fall within range depending on how many people live in your home. If you are above the limit, ask whether other programs serve your income level.

Will Forward CHR pay the plumber directly, or do I pay and get reimbursed?

Forward CHR typically pays the plumber directly once the work is approved and completed. This protects you from having to front the money and ensures the contractor is paid for the work. Confirm the payment process with your county administrator before work begins so there are no surprises.