SC Safe Home Grant 2026: Complete Guide for Myrtle Beach Homeowners

The SC Safe Home Program is a state-funded grant program run by the South Carolina Department of Insurance (SC DOI). Its sole purpose is to help coastal homeowners retrofit their homes to be more resistant to hurricanes and high-wind events. The program does not cover remodeling, general home repair, or new construction. It is strictly for wind mitigation improvements on existing homes.

The program was created by the South Carolina legislature after the devastating hurricane seasons of the mid-2000s exposed how vulnerable coastal homes were to wind damage. The concept is straightforward: it is far cheaper for the state to help homeowners strengthen their homes before a hurricane than to pay for disaster relief afterward.

How the Program Works

The SC Safe Home Program operates on a reimbursement model. Here is the basic flow:

1. You apply through the SC DOI portal and get approved for a specific grant amount
2. You hire a qualified contractor to perform the approved wind mitigation work
3. The work passes inspection and meets program standards
4. You get reimbursed for the approved grant amount

Critical point: You cannot get reimbursed for work already done. South Carolina law requires that you receive grant approval before any retrofitting begins. If you have already replaced your roof or added hurricane clips, you cannot retroactively apply for reimbursement.

2026 Program Update

The 2026 application cycle opened on February 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM. This cycle features expanded financial resources, upgraded technology to speed up application reviews, and enhanced contractor support. The SC DOI has described it as one of the largest funding cycles in program history. However, once funds are exhausted, the program stops issuing new grants until the next cycle -- so applying early is strongly recommended.

Program by the Numbers

• 6,100+ grants awarded since 2007
• $25+ million in total grant funding distributed
• 11 coastal counties eligible
• Grant amounts range from $3,000 to $7,500
• Program contact: (803) 737-6087 or scsafehome@doi.sc.gov

SC Safe Home grant amounts depend on two factors: the type of mitigation project you are doing and whether you qualify for a matching or non-matching grant. Non-matching grants are for lower-income households and do not require you to contribute funds beyond the project cost. Matching grants require you to match the state's contribution dollar for dollar.

Understanding the Difference: $5,000 vs. $7,500

The biggest grant amounts go to homeowners who pursue the Resilient Mitigation Award, which requires meeting both SC Safe Home standards and IBHS FORTIFIED Roof standards. The extra $2,500 incentivizes the higher FORTIFIED standard because it provides a nationally recognized third-party verification of your roof's wind resistance.

Here is a practical example for a Myrtle Beach homeowner:

Matching vs. Non-Matching: How Income Determines Your Grant

Whether you get a matching or non-matching grant is based on your total adjusted household income relative to the county area median income (AMI) or the state median family income, whichever is higher. The exact thresholds are adjusted for family size.

• Non-matching grant: You pay the full project cost, then get reimbursed up to the grant maximum. Your household income falls below the program's threshold. No dollar-for-dollar contribution required from the state.
• Matching grant: The state matches your contribution up to the grant maximum. Your household income is above the threshold. You still pay less than the full project cost.

The SC DOI provides an Estimate Calculator on their website to help you determine which type of grant you may qualify for. Visit doi.sc.gov/safehome to use it.

Not every South Carolina homeowner qualifies for the SC Safe Home Grant. The program has specific eligibility requirements. Here is what you need to know if you live in the Myrtle Beach area.

You Must Meet ALL of These Requirements

Common Disqualifiers for Grand Strand Homeowners

Based on our experience working with Myrtle Beach homeowners, these are the most common reasons applications get rejected:

• Vacation homes and rentals: Many homes along the Grand Strand are vacation properties or rental investments. Only primary residences qualify.
• Work already completed: Homeowners who already replaced their roof or added hurricane clips cannot get retroactive reimbursement. You must apply first.
• Condo and townhouse owners: Common in Myrtle Beach, but the roof is typically a shared structure managed by the HOA. Individual unit owners cannot apply.
• Existing storm damage: If your roof currently has damage, address it through your insurance claim first, then apply for grant funding for future mitigation improvements.

The SC Safe Home Grant is only available to homeowners in South Carolina's coastal counties. These 11 counties were designated as high-risk hurricane zones:

If you live in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Little River, Longs, Loris, Socastee, Carolina Forest, Forestbrook, or anywhere else in Horry County, you are in an eligible county. The same goes for homeowners in Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet, and Georgetown (Georgetown County).

Counties like Richland (Columbia), Greenville, and Spartanburg are not eligible because they are not designated coastal hurricane risk zones.

The SC Safe Home Grant application process involves several steps. Skipping or misordering these steps can disqualify your application. Here is exactly what to do.

The term "FORTIFIED" comes up repeatedly in the SC Safe Home program because the highest grant amounts require meeting IBHS FORTIFIED standards. Understanding what this means helps you decide which award level to pursue.

What Is IBHS FORTIFIED?

FORTIFIED is a national construction and re-roofing standard created by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Unlike building codes, which represent the minimum legal requirement, FORTIFIED standards go beyond code to provide enhanced protection against specific natural hazards -- primarily hurricanes and high winds in coastal areas.

Think of it this way: building code is the floor. FORTIFIED is significantly above the floor. Every component of a FORTIFIED roof is tested, specified, and verified by a third party.

FORTIFIED Designation Levels

IBHS FORTIFIED has three designation levels, each building on the one before it:

For the SC Safe Home Grant, the FORTIFIED Roof level is what qualifies you for the higher Resilient Mitigation Award (up to $7,500). You do not need Silver or Gold to get the top grant amount.

Key Elements of a FORTIFIED Roof

A FORTIFIED Roof includes specific improvements that most standard roof replacements skip:

• Sealed roof deck: The roof sheathing (plywood or OSB) is sealed with a peel-and-stick membrane or other approved secondary water barrier. This means even if shingles blow off in a hurricane, water cannot penetrate the roof deck.
• Enhanced nail pattern: Ring-shank nails instead of smooth-shank, with closer spacing for stronger attachment of sheathing to trusses.
• Wider drip edge: A wider metal drip edge at the roof's perimeter prevents wind-driven rain from getting under the edge of the roof.
• Fully adhered starter strips: The first row of shingles at the eaves uses a fully adhered starter strip for maximum wind resistance.
• Proper ridge and hip cap: Ridge caps are installed to manufacturer specifications with enhanced attachment.
• Third-party verification: An IBHS-approved evaluator inspects the work at critical stages and verifies compliance. This is what distinguishes FORTIFIED from other "above code" claims.

For a deeper look at hurricane-resistant roofing systems, see our hurricane roof damage guide for Myrtle Beach.

FORTIFIED Designation Expiration

One important detail many homeowners miss: FORTIFIED designations expire after 5 years. After 5 years, you need to have the roof re-evaluated and the designation renewed. This is because roofing materials degrade over time and the evaluation confirms the roof still meets FORTIFIED standards. The renewal process is simpler and less expensive than the initial certification.

Getting approved is just the beginning. Here is what to expect after you receive your SC Safe Home Grant approval letter.

Timeline Expectations

The process from approval to reimbursement typically involves:

• Contractor selection: Take your time choosing a qualified contractor. Do not rush this step. For FORTIFIED projects, the contractor needs experience with FORTIFIED standards.
• Scheduling the work: Roofing contractors in the Myrtle Beach area have seasonal demand fluctuations. Spring and fall are typically the busiest periods.
• Performing the work: The actual mitigation work may take a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the scope of improvements.
• Inspection and certification: After the work, the inspector must verify compliance. For FORTIFIED projects, the IBHS evaluator also needs to sign off.
• Reimbursement processing: Once the work passes inspection, the SC DOI processes your reimbursement. Allow time for the state to process payment.

Contractor Requirements

The SC Safe Home program requires that work be performed by a licensed contractor. For the Resilient Mitigation Award, the contractor should be familiar with IBHS FORTIFIED standards. Key qualities to look for:

• Licensed and insured in South Carolina
• Experience with wind mitigation retrofitting (not just standard roof replacement)
• Familiarity with SC Safe Home inspection requirements
• IBHS FORTIFIED training or certification (for Resilient Mitigation projects)
• Knowledge of Horry County building codes and permit requirements

Documentation You Will Need

Keep thorough records throughout the process. You will need receipts and invoices from your contractor, photos of the work at key stages (especially before and after), the inspection report, your FORTIFIED evaluation report if applicable, and your original grant approval letter. Good documentation makes the reimbursement process smoother.

The SC Safe Home Grant does not just save you money on the mitigation work itself. The certification you earn can lead to ongoing savings on your homeowner's insurance premiums.

How Wind Mitigation Reduces Insurance Costs

Homeowner's insurance premiums in coastal South Carolina are among the highest in the nation because of hurricane risk. Insurers calculate premiums partly based on how vulnerable your home is to wind damage. When you earn SC Safe Home or FORTIFIED certification, you have documented proof that your home is more wind-resistant than average. Many insurers offer premium discounts for homes with these certifications.

The exact discount varies by insurer, policy type, and your home's specific characteristics. Some homeowners report annual premium reductions that, over time, exceed the out-of-pocket cost of the mitigation work that the grant did not cover.

SC Tax Credit for Fortification

SC Safe Home grant projects automatically qualify as approved fortification projects for purposes of the South Carolina wind mitigation tax credit. This means you may be eligible for a state tax credit on top of the grant reimbursement. Consult a tax professional for details on how this applies to your specific situation.

Long-Term Value for Myrtle Beach Homeowners

When you add it up, the financial picture for Myrtle Beach homeowners who pursue the SC Safe Home Grant looks like this:

• Direct grant savings: $3,000-$7,500 off your mitigation project
• Insurance premium reductions: Ongoing annual savings (varies by insurer)
• Tax credit eligibility: Additional state tax benefit
• Reduced storm damage risk: A wind-resistant roof means less damage and fewer claims after hurricanes
• Increased home value: FORTIFIED certification is a selling point for buyers in hurricane-prone areas

For more on protecting your home and insurance investment, read our guides on insurance coverage for roof leaks in SC and roof replacement in Myrtle Beach.

Navigating the SC Safe Home Grant process is simpler with a contractor who knows the program inside and out. WeatherShield Roofing has been helping Myrtle Beach homeowners with wind mitigation and FORTIFIED roofing projects throughout Horry County and Georgetown County.

What We Do for SC Safe Home Grant Applicants

• Free wind mitigation inspection: We evaluate your home's current wind resistance and identify which improvements would qualify for grant funding
• Application guidance: We walk you through the application process and help you understand which award tier you should pursue
• FORTIFIED-qualified installation: Our crews are trained in IBHS FORTIFIED standards, so you can pursue the highest grant amount ($7,500)
• Inspection coordination: We coordinate with SC Safe Home inspectors and IBHS evaluators to ensure the work meets all program requirements
• Documentation support: We provide detailed documentation of all work performed, including photos at key stages

Why Choose a Local Contractor

The SC Safe Home Grant requires work that goes beyond a standard roof replacement. Many national roofing chains and storm chasers are not familiar with the program's specific standards. A locally owned roofing company that regularly works with the program understands the inspection requirements, common pitfalls, and how to ensure your work passes on the first inspection.