First Palmetto: South Carolina's Affordable Housing Program for Renters

What First Palmetto Does

First Palmetto is South Carolina's rental assistance program, run by the state housing authority to help renters pay rent, utilities, and other housing costs. The program provides money directly to landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income and other requirements. It is not a loan—the money does not have to be repaid.

The program exists because housing costs can suddenly become unaffordable when income drops, hours are cut, or an unexpected expense hits. First Palmetto steps in to prevent eviction and keep people housed while they stabilize their situation. The program has Free Educational Resource of South Carolina renters stay in their homes since it began.

Key Takeaways

• First Palmetto pays landlords directly, so you will need a signed lease and your landlord's contact information before you reach out.
• Your household income must fall below 80 percent of the area median income for your county, and you must show a recent hardship caused the rent problem.
• The program covers back rent you already owe, current rent, and sometimes utilities or other housing-related costs.
• You can reach First Palmetto through your local housing authority or by calling 211, which connects you to local resources and can tell you if the program is currently accepting new requests.

Who Can Participate

To work with First Palmetto, you must be a renter in South Carolina with a signed lease. Your household income must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income for your county—this threshold varies by location and household size. The program also requires proof that a recent hardship made it hard to pay rent: job loss, reduced hours, illness, unexpected medical bills, or a similar event that happened recently enough to explain why rent became difficult.

You do not need to have an eviction notice to reach out, though having one does not disqualify you. You must be a U.S. citizen or have a may have access to immigration status. Landlords must be willing to accept the payment and work with the program—most do, but some may decline.

What the Program Covers

First Palmetto pays landlords for back rent—the amount you already owe. It also covers current rent and, in some cases, utilities or other housing costs tied directly to keeping you housed. The program does not cover other debts, damage deposits, or costs unrelated to your current housing.

The amount available varies depending on funding and your specific situation. When you contact the program, staff can tell you what your household may receive based on your rent amount, the arrears you owe, and what funds are currently available.

How to Reach First Palmetto

The fastest way to learn whether First Palmetto is currently accepting new requests is to call 211 from any phone in South Carolina. This free service connects you to local resources and can tell you the status of the program in your area. Staff can also refer you directly to your local housing authority, which administers First Palmetto in your county.

You can also contact your county's housing authority directly. Search online for "[your county name] housing authority" to find the phone number and office location. When you call, have your lease, landlord's contact information, and details about your recent hardship ready. The program will ask for proof of income, the lease, and documentation of the hardship—such as a termination letter, medical bills, or a bank statement showing reduced deposits.

Processing typically takes two to six weeks from the time you submit all required documents. During that time, tell your landlord that you have reached out to First Palmetto and ask them to hold off on filing for eviction if possible. Many landlords will wait once they know assistance is being pursued.

What Happens After You Contact the Program

Once you call or visit, a staff member will ask about your household income, rent amount, how much you owe, and what caused the hardship. They will explain what documents you need to provide and walk you through the next steps. Some counties allow you to submit documents by mail or online; others ask you to come in person.

After you submit everything, the program reviews your information. If you meet the requirements, First Palmetto contacts your landlord to confirm the lease and the amount owed, then arranges payment. The landlord receives the money, not you. This protects both you and the program by ensuring the money goes directly to housing costs.

If your request is denied, the program will tell you why and may explain whether you can reapply later or if circumstances change. If you are approved, you will receive written confirmation, and your landlord will be notified of the payment.

When First Palmetto Runs Out of Funding

First Palmetto operates on a fixed budget that varies by year. When demand is high, the program may stop accepting new requests until more funding becomes available. This can happen in any month, and reopening dates are not always predictable.

If the program is closed when you call 211, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can be added to a waiting list. Some counties maintain a list and contact people in order as funds return. In the meantime, ask 211 about other rental assistance programs or emergency housing resources in your area—South Carolina has multiple programs, and one may have funds available.

Other Resources If First Palmetto Is Not Available

If First Palmetto is closed or cannot cover your full need, 211 can connect you to other programs. Some nonprofits, community action agencies, and local governments run their own rental assistance funds. The availability and rules vary by location, but 211 staff know which programs are currently open in your county and what each one covers.

You can also contact your local community action agency directly—these organizations often run multiple assistance programs and can tell you what is available. Search online for "[your county name] community action agency" to find contact information. Legal aid organizations can also advise you on eviction prevention and may know of additional resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an eviction notice to contact First Palmetto?

No. You can reach out as soon as rent becomes hard to pay. In fact, contacting the program before you fall behind or receive a notice is often faster, because you will not be in an emergency situation. If you already have a notice, bring it when you contact the program—it does not disqualify you.

What if my landlord will not accept the payment?

Most landlords accept First Palmetto payments because it resolves the debt. If yours refuses, tell the program staff immediately. Some programs can pay you directly instead, though this is less common. The program will document the refusal and advise you on next steps.

Can I use First Palmetto if I am behind on utilities?

First Palmetto can sometimes cover utility arrears if they are tied to your housing—for example, if the electric company is threatening to shut off power. When you contact the program, explain the situation. Staff can tell you whether utilities are covered under current funding and rules.

How long does it take to get the money?

Processing usually takes two to six weeks from the time you submit all required documents. The timeline depends on how quickly you provide paperwork and how busy your local housing authority is. Once approved, the program pays your landlord directly, not you.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

Income limits are set by county and household size, and they are firm. If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the requirement. However, ask 211 about other programs—some have higher income limits or different rules that might work for your situation.