What Star Services Does and How to Reach Them
Star Services is South Carolina's appliance repair hotline for low-income households
Star Services is a program run by the South Carolina Department of Social Services that helps people with limited income pay for essential appliance repairs. If your refrigerator, stove, water heater, or washer stops working and you cannot afford to fix it, Star Services may cover the cost of the repair or replacement through a local contractor network.
The program works by connecting you with approved repair companies in your area. Star Services pays the contractor directly, so you do not pay out of pocket. The repairs must be for appliances that are necessary for basic living—cooking, food storage, heating water, and laundry.
may be able to access is based on household income. Your income must fall at or below a certain threshold, which varies depending on your household size. You will also need to show that the appliance is essential and that you cannot afford the repair yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Star Services covers repairs or replacements for essential appliances like refrigerators, stoves, water heaters, and washers for households with limited income.
- The program pays approved contractors directly, so you do not pay the repair bill yourself.
- You must meet income limits based on your household size to be considered.
- Contact your local DSS office or call the state hotline to learn about you meet the income requirements and whether funds are currently available in your area.
How to contact Star Services
Star Services is managed through the South Carolina Department of Social Services. The easiest way to reach the program is to contact your local DSS office directly. You can find your county office on the SCDSS website by entering your county name.
When you call, have your household income information ready, along with details about which appliance needs repair and why it is essential. The DSS worker will tell you whether your income qualifies and whether the program has funds available in your county at that time. Funding varies by county and can run out during the year.
You can also call 211, South Carolina's information and referral line, and ask to be connected to Star Services in your area. The 211 operator can tell you the phone number for your local DSS office and may have current information about whether the program is accepting new requests.
What appliances Star Services covers
Star Services focuses on appliances that are necessary for daily living. The most common covered repairs are for refrigerators, electric or gas stoves, water heaters, and washing machines. These are considered essential because they relate to food storage, cooking, hot water, and laundry.
Other appliances may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but the program prioritizes those four categories. If you are unsure whether your appliance qualifies, ask when you call your local DSS office. They can tell you whether your specific situation meets the program's guidelines.
The program covers both repairs and replacements. If a repair would cost nearly as much as a new appliance, or if the appliance cannot be safely repaired, Star Services may pay for a replacement instead.
Income limits and how they work
Star Services uses federal poverty guidelines to set income limits. These limits change each year and depend on how many people live in your household. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four.
When you contact your local DSS office, they will ask about your household size and total monthly or annual income. They will compare your income to the current year's limit for your household size. If you are at or below that limit, you may be considered.
Income includes wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular money coming into your household. The DSS worker will explain what counts as income and may ask for recent pay stubs or benefit letters to verify your information.
What happens after you contact Star Services
Once you call your local DSS office and provide your information, the worker will determine whether you meet the income requirement. If you do, they will ask you to identify a repair company from the program's approved contractor list in your area. You do not get to choose any contractor—it must be one that has a contract with Star Services.
The DSS office will contact the contractor on your behalf and authorize the repair. The contractor will schedule a time to come to your home, assess the appliance, and complete the work. You should not have to pay anything; Star Services pays the contractor directly.
The entire process typically takes one to two weeks from the time you call until the repair is completed, though this can vary depending on contractor availability and how busy the program is in your county.
Funding and availability by county
Star Services is funded through the state budget, and the amount available varies from year to year. Some counties may have more funding than others, and some counties may run out of money before the end of the fiscal year. When funds run out, the program may stop accepting new requests until the next budget cycle.
This is why it is important to call as soon as you know you need a repair. If you wait, the program in your county may have exhausted its budget. Your local DSS office can tell you whether funds are currently available and whether you should apply right away.
If the program is temporarily out of funds in your county, ask the DSS worker whether there are other resources available to you, such as community action agencies or nonprofit repair assistance programs that may help.
Other resources if Star Services cannot help
If you do not meet Star Services' income limit, or if the program has no funds available in your county, there are other places to look. Community action agencies in South Carolina sometimes offer appliance repair or replacement assistance. Your local DSS office can refer you to the agency nearest you.
Some utility companies offer repair assistance programs, particularly for water heaters and other appliances related to their services. Call your electric or gas company and ask whether they have a low-income repair program.
Nonprofit organizations and churches in your area may also have emergency assistance funds that can help with appliance repairs. Calling 211 again and asking specifically about appliance repair assistance can connect you to these local resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use a specific repair company?
Yes. Star Services only pays contractors that have a contract with the program in your county. Your local DSS office will provide you with a list of approved companies. You cannot choose your own contractor and then ask Star Services to reimburse you.
What if my appliance is brand new and still under warranty?
If the appliance is under warranty, you should contact the manufacturer or the store where you bought it first. Star Services is meant for appliances that are no longer covered by warranty or when the warranty does not apply to your situation. The DSS worker can advise you on this.
How long does it take from calling to getting the repair done?
Most repairs are completed within one to two weeks of your initial call to DSS, but timing depends on contractor availability and how busy the program is in your county. Some urgent repairs may be prioritized and completed faster.
What if I do not know my exact household income?
When you call, give the DSS worker your best estimate based on recent pay stubs, benefit letters, or tax returns. They may ask you to bring documentation to verify your income, but you do not need to have exact figures memorized before you call.
Can Star Services help with appliances that are not essential, like a dishwasher or dryer?
Star Services focuses on essential appliances needed for basic living—refrigerators, stoves, water heaters, and washers. Dishwashers and clothes dryers are generally not covered unless there are special circumstances. Ask your local DSS office if you are unsure about a specific appliance.