Click here to complete the initial application. People who qualify can get up to 12 months of aid for rent or utility bills that date back to March of 2020. If you do not have an account, please create one using the requested information. His call logs and emails show he is not just been sitting around and waiting, but any communication with SC Housing over the last three months still leaves him empty handed. Its important for them. Click NO to return to payment options. Please note that this is an external link. Service Request - NMA Portal - onlinepha due to the COVID-19 outbreak. shortly before the application window opens. Anderson, Berkeley, Charleston, Greenville, Horry, Richland and Spartanburg counties received federal approval to set up their own rent assistance programs. Or maybe theyve gotten an eviction notice and they know they only have a certain amount of time to hurry up and get those payments into their landlord or they risk being put out on the street. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Pause here to collect the required documents before beginning your application. Welcome to the SC Stay Plus Portal - onlinepha Identification forms that have expired after March 13, 2020, are still acceptable). His work has appeared in numerous national and regional publications as well as on NPR and MSNBC. We do want to make sure we are taking care of people who need it the most -- the hardest hit folks.. This person packs away what is left of his almost empty apartment. In addition to the many assistance programs and payment plans we offer, we are proud to join forces with SC Housing to promote SC Stay Plus, a critical program providing support to renters who have been directly impacted by the pandemic.. You will not be able to leave and then return to complete it later. But the moratorium does not stop all evictions and does require renters to take action for eviction protection. Public Notices Talk to a trained housing counselor to see what you can do to keep your home. Once the SC Stay Plus application launches, renters will be asked to provide the following materials: People shouldnt be discouraged from applying if they dont have all documents at their fingertips, said Chris Winston, a spokesman for SC Housing. SC Stay Plus, South Carolina's Rent and Utility Assistance program, is pausing operations. For more details and specific step-by-step application Priority will be given to lower income Has qualified for unemployment or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship directly or indirectly due to COVID-19 (since March 2020), Can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, Has a household income at or below 80% of the county median income (, Girl in custody after stabbing in Sumter County, Search for suspects in after-prom park shooting continues, West Columbia Dunkin Donuts giving away free coffee for a year. It provides payments directly to landlords and utility companies on Renters: The SC Stay Plus Program is no longer accepting new applications. SC Housing welcomes feedback from the public on proposed changes to programs and other requirements. after obligating funds to all other eligible residents in the state. General Voucher Program information may be obtained by calling 803.896.8888, option 1 (toll-free 1.800.236.4009) or on the HUD Housing Choice Vouchers Fact Sheet. Example video title will go here for this video. SC Stay Plus program staff works diligent to keep both landlords (and tenants) informed about the status of their application as they go through the review process. Filing for SC Stay Plus, he says, can help show landlords and the state's magistrate courts that you are working to resolve your owed-money issues. Must demonstrate that they are unable to pay all or part of the rent or mortgage, or are behind on their rent or mortgage, due to circumstances stemming from the coronavirus. [1] These criteria are derived from: 1) US Treasury Department guidance regarding requirements of the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program as established by the Consolidated Renters in Boiling Springs, Gaston, Swansea, Pelion, Sharpe's Hill, Mack Edisto, Edmund, Fairview, Samaria, Batesburg-Leesville, The Ridge, Hollow Creek, Summit, Gilbert. Representatives are trained to give status updates, clarify program information, and provide general assistance to help the caller complete their application. Funding for the program was provided through the Consolidated Appropriations Act that Congress passed in December 2020. You may submit an application online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800.621.FEMA (3362). Town of Lexington announces large development near Lake Murray, May features the Moon and the celestial twins, Here's how to apply for rental, utility assistance in South Carolina, $12.5 million in rental assistance funds now available for Richland County residents, Lexington County to offer rent, mortgage, utility assistance due to COVID-19, click here for information about these programs, Federal judge overturns CDC's national eviction moratorium. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Applications are now open for people who need help paying back rent and utilities during the pandemic. He cut his teeth as a newspaper reporter and editor in New Jersey before finding a home in public radio in Texas. Spanish-language support is available at the call center and designated in-person applicant support centers in the community. However, some of the reasons things could go wrong include the check being late, the person not having all of the updated information in the portal or an application being reviewed. The application period is now open for the program that may cover up to six months of rental or mortgage payments, up to $7,500, for eligible applicants. Rent and Utility Bill Assistance Available for Consumers through SC All rights reserved. Tenants can also receive help in-person at. People who qualify can get up to 12 months of aid for rent or utility bills that date back to March 2020 through the SC Stay Plus program. The SC Stay program for rental and mortgage relief opened in February 2021 and is currently closed to new applications. Review of all open applications will be paused. click here to learn more. Eligible applicants may receive up to 12 months of assistance for rent and utility payments dating back to March 2020, and some may be considered for up to three months of additional assistance to cover future payments. assistance. SC Stay Plus . Those are the process improvements that were making so applicants can feel supported, she said. Login - NMA Portal - onlinepha Inability to work due to infection with COVID-19 and required quarantine or a quarantine of a family member, etc. Answer each question honestly. SC Housing This free service helps connect customers to local community agencies supplying aid for a wide range of needs, including help with energy bills. ET Monday - Friday. Assistance is available for households in which one or more individuals meet all the following criteria: RELATED: $12.5 million in rental assistance funds now available for Richland County residents, Applications for SC Stay Plus, a state-wide rental assistance program, are NOW OPEN! If the eligibility requirements for SC Stay below 80% of the Area Median Income as defined by the Federal Government, AND. The SC Stay Plus program is a rental and utility assistance program, funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury, that launched in May 2021 to assist those who are experiencing financial hardships and housing challenges as a result of the COVID-19 global health emergency that has disrupted the lives of so many. SC Stay Plus will provide up to 12 months of Providing quality service is our greatest responsibility. to ensure housing stability of those at risk of experiencing homelessness or SC Housing attempts to send the landlords or property management company the money first so that everything can be handled. How to Get Help If You're Facing Eviction in South Carolina This program differs from, To qualify for rental assistance, an ERA The SC Homeowner Rescue Program (SC HRP) is a federally funded program established to provide financial assistance to eligible homeowners experiencing pandemic-related financial hardship that began before January 21, 2020, and continued after that date. Maybe they missed a payment or two back in the summer or fall Maybe theyre safe and secure now, but they still have these lingering missed payments over their head and theyre worried about eviction.. More information is available at DominionEnergySC.com/assistance. Eligible households with income at or She also says that supervisors check certain calls to make sure the quality of work is still up to par and applicants needs are getting addressed. Click HERE. Find a full listing of in person assistance opportunities at, Counter reset on January 30, 2018 with total hits of 966,512 to date, 2023 by "This Just In". INDIAN LAND, S.C. (WBTV) - For weeks, WBTV has been telling you about the sticker shock of people struggling to pay rent in the Carolinas. Many of Dominion Energys assistance options can also be conveniently accessed 24/7 through a customers online account or Dominion Energys mobile app. Personal identification (Identification must be valid up to March 13, 2020. Application Information ChecklistCommunication Designee FormLimited Power Of AttorneySC Stay Third-Party Authorization Form Mortgage AssistanceSC Stay Third-Party Authorization Form Rent Assistance, Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce - 2021. Winston said they expect a large pool of applicants. behalf of affected renters. Ive never faced eviction before. pandemic. Proof of having a lease (Note: If you do not have a formal, signed lease, you can still apply for SC Stay Plus. Please note that this is an external link. Duke Energy connects South Carolina customers to utility assistance (803) 336-3420, (800) 476-0412 Mon - Fri, 8:00am - 9:00pm scstayplus@schousing.com; English English Spanish . Cayce / West Columbia, Springdale, South Congaree, Pine Ridge, Three Fountains. Click NO to return to Agency Information & Resources. Residents in 39 counties are eligible to participate in the program. All rights reserved. Customer Care jobs in Columbia, SC Payment assistance is also offered through state and federal programs, such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the S.C. Stay Plus Program. must meet one of the following: Experienced a reduction in household You can find the complete list of acceptable documents in our FAQs page(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab). Learn more here, Copyright 2023 NMA Portal. SC Housing launched a similar program called SC Stay in February, in which $25 million in emergency renters assistance was given out. Representatives are trained to give status updates, clarify program information, and provide general assistance to help the caller complete their application. You will need to submit the following documentation. To be eligible for SC Stay Plus, a household (defined as As required by applicable state and/or federal laws, public notices are listed here for your comment. All rights reserved. rental assistance. rent on a residential dwelling, AND, One or more members of the household We value your questions or comments. This portal services the SC Stay Plus and its affiliated programs. Remember, you are required to submit documents to complete your application. The number of COVID-19 cases reported in the Palmetto State since the start of the pandemic is nearing 2 million. . Click here to learn more: https://t.co/AMkYRQvxhY #SCStayplus #COVIDAssistance #RentRelief #EvictionMoratorium #RentalAssistance #SCHousing pic.twitter.com/BUhjfxjQ2B, RELATED: Lexington County to offer rent, mortgage, utility assistance due to COVID-19. Instead of a lease, you must provide evidence that you are regularly making rental payments, such as bank statements, check stubs, or a Perform customer service duties such as processing customer orders, tracking product availability, . . She answered saying all situations are so individualized it is hard to say exactly what could have gone wrong. Find more information and applications at SCHousing.com. Please call 803.702.5222 or click here for more information. Welcome to the South Carolina (ERAP) Portal This portal services the SC Stay Plus (South Carolina (ERAP)) and its affiliated programs.If you have an account, please login to have full access to forms, transactions, useful information and more. RELATED: Here's how to apply for rental, utility assistance in South Carolina. Payment plans: If a customer is having trouble paying their bill, the company will help them determine the best option for their unique situation. The, Coroner IDs victim in deadly crash with golf cart, Woman facing DUI charges, Charlotte auto shop owner sentenced to prison for falsifying emisson inspections, Rowan man charged with kidnapping ex-girlfriend, demanding ransom, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video, Tenants grapple with rent hikes amid overall inflation spike, United Way of York County, S.C. receives $500,000 for housing stability. Carolina households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 Rebecca Liebson covers housing and livability for The State. Research led him to SC Housings rental assistance program called SC Stay Plus. a rolling basis until the funds are exhausted. The SC Stay Plus program for rental and utility relief will open for new applications in May 2021. and rental assistance program, and is administered by the South Carolina State Housing Due to the Program's success, SC Stay Plus will begin to wind down in South Carolina, as it is doing in many other states, and must stop accepting new applications at 11:59 p.m. on Dec.16, 2022. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THIS APPLICATION. You can find your loan information on our Borrower Portal. Call 1.800.476.0412. service request; Service Request. those counties are encouraged to contact their county offices to apply for For more coverage, sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. SC Stay Plus has provided approximately 90,000 South Carolinians with more than $267 million in rent and utility assistance across the 39 counties the program serves. Has qualified for unemployment or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship directly or indirectly due to COVID-19 (i.e., since March 2020); Can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and. It details the steps that renters must take to seek protection. I lost my job. instructions, applicants are encouraged to consult the User Guide, which will The Commissioners and staff of the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority believe that the attached Audited Financial Statements accurately reflect the financial condition of SC Housing as of the dated date. Background. During this pause: Review of all open applications will be paused. Please feel free to contact us at 803.896.9521 or toll free at 800.476.0412 or email us at servicing@schousing.com. Thankfully I was able to hold up my rent for a few months, he said. Dominion Energy encourages customers to reach out to its customer assistance team online for help with applying for utility bill assistance. individual who has been unemployed for 90 days or more before applying for . If you continue, you will exit the NMA Portal. The SC Homeowner Rescue Program (SC HRP) is a federally funded program established to provide financial assistance to eligible homeowners experiencing pandemic-related financial hardship that began before January 21, 2020, and continued after that date. Through ERA2, a similar federal program enacted in March 2021, the County received another $9.9 million to continue . a renter household in which one or more individuals Call center staff can also provide updates on the status of payment. It is our hope that SC Stay Plus will help them to get back on track,. SC Stay Plus has been created to assist South This article has Unlimited Access. Requirements: To qualify for rental assistance, an The following seven counties received other funding andwill provide their own rental assistance programs: Anderson, Berkeley, Charleston, Greenville, Horry, Richland and Spartanburg click here for information about these programs. Columbia, SC 29210. Its important for the children in forms of continuity. Even as our state continues its recovery efforts, the economic hardships of the pandemic have placed many families in jeopardy of losing their homes, said Bonita Shropshire, executive director of SC Housing. Richland County . Payment assistance: Assistance is offered through EnergyShare, which is funded with company contributions, along with donations from customers, employees and retirees. for renters living in Anderson, Berkeley, Charleston, Greenville, Horry, There are also tips people can use to help their situation: Helping people stay in the homes they have is very very important. The following resources are available to help South Carolina renters who may be struggling to pay their bills. Federal funds for rental and utility SC Stay Plus is for renters only; the program will not The $272 million SC Stay Plus program, funded by the U.S. Treasury, offers up to 12 months of assistance for past due rent and assistance for delinquent utility payments for qualifying individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 39 S.C. counties. who qualifies to pay rent on a residential dwelling) S.C. Resources for Rental Assistance welcome to the south carolina (erap) portal. The reason for this validation step is to prevent automated spam submissions. Funding from the US Treasury has been fully dispersed to applicants, and it is unknown at this time if any additional funding will be received.During this pause: This question is to test whether you are a human visitor or a robot. Click here to complete the initial application. Please note that this is an external link. Rebecca joined The State in 2020. We understand the benefits, Long said. CLICK HERE for more information. Millions in rent, utility assistance available in South Carolina - WLTX.com SC Stay Plus is pausing operations and is no longer accepting new applications. be posted to www.southcarolina.onlinepha.com shortly before the application window opens. by dialing 211 or visiting sc211.org online. behalf of affected renters. I asked how the situation could have reached this point. COLUMBIA, S.C. Applications are now available for people who need help paying back rent and utilities in South Carolina because of the pandemic. Emergency Rental Assistance Program/SC Stay Plus Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds are available to help eligible residential renters pay up to 12 months of past-due rent and utility bills . eviction notice or a notice of nonpayment. The call center is also accessible with hours until 9 p.m. so that people can have a better chance to catch up with someone even after work. Awards will be made to eligible households on Millions in rent and utility assistance now available in SC. Homeowners: The SC Homeowner Rescue Program is accepting applications for mortgage, property tax and utility assistance. With more than 35 years of experience serving housing authorities across the nation, Nan McKay and Associates (NMA) is widely known as the gold standard for performance excellence in the public housing and affordable housing industry. Plus change, this information and page will be updated. If you need additional assistance, SC Stay's toll-free hotline can be reached by calling 833.985.2929 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The funding was made available through ERA (ERAP), which was enacted in December 2020.. With more than 35 years of experience serving housing authorities across the nation, Nan McKay and Associates (NMA) is widely known as the gold standard for . Resolution R.26. SC Stay Plus Program Assistance available for qualified residential renters in South Carolina If you are a renter in South Carolina and are in need of help with your energy bill, financial assistance may be available through the SC Stay Plus rental utility assistance program. Applicants can also check the status of their application online. Throughout South Carolina, residents who are struggling with housing, utilities and other needs can find resources through the United Way by visiting www.sc211.org or calling 211. unemployed for over 90 days, and applicants who have been provided with an To support our commitment to public service journalism: Subscribe Now. The South Carolina Department of Administrations Office of Economic Opportunity administers the EnergyShare program through community action agencies. COVID shots are low priority for healthy kids, teens, WHO says. To get some answers, WBTV reached out to Renaye Long with SC Housing. Our anonymous renter says both he and the property managers have reached out several times to rectify the situation. The agency also hosts pop-ups throughout the state with resources to help people. She is also a Report for America corps member. assistance in the amount of $272 million have been made available to SC Housing The application period is now open for the program that may cover up to six months of rental or mortgage payments, up to $7,500, for eligible applicants. Through Community Development Block Grants made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the S.C. Department of Commerce, approximately $25 million in CARES Act funding will be made available for rental and mortgage assistance to eligible low-income families in South Carolina. All Rights Reserved. If you are facing a foreclosure or at risk of facing a foreclosure, you can find legal representation through: Click YES to accept the above Terms & Conditions to process your online payment. If the landlord does not want the money from SC Housing, the agency sends it directly to the tenants instead so they can pay for rent themselves. Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing). Frequently Asked Questions Added July 30: This checklist from the U.S. interagency Council on Homelessness about what to do if you're facing eviction. This site is intended only for use by authorized individuals or entities. Payment assistance is also offered through state and federal programs, such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the S.C. Stay Plus Program. To check the status of your application, or to refuse an award, visit scstay.org or call 833.985.2929. Learn more here, Copyright 2023 NMA Portal. If you continue, you will exit the NMA Portal. types of eligible households are to be prioritized for assistance pursuant to Its unfortunate. She graduated from Stony Brook University in 2019 and has written for The New York Times, The New York Post and NBC. SC Stay Plus has been created to assist South In April, South Carolina lawmakers passed a joint resolution outlining how the funds should be distributed. If you do not have an account, please create one using the requested information. 300-C Outlet Point Blvd. Proof of risk of housing loss or experiencing homelessness an eviction notice or a past due notice for rent or utilities To apply for assistance through SC Stay Plus, residents should fill out the application at SCHousing.com or call 1-800-476-0412/803-336-3420. What does that mean? . Winston adds that even if you have been given an eviction notice, SC Housing might be able to help. Gov. costs. SC Housing Scott Morgan is the Upstate multimedia reporter for South Carolina Public Radio, based in Rock Hill. The South Carolina Department of Administrations Office of Economic Opportunity administers the EnergyShare program through community action agencies. Those who qualify can receive help on their bills dating back to March 13, 2020. If you have submitted your application, you will be able to check your review status here. This site may contain information that is protected from disclosure by federal and/or state law, or is otherwise privileged or confidential. Reduced hours as a result of an employer going out of business or a reduction of staff; or. Ive always been the type of person to pay my bills, he said. South Carolina Legal Services has a guide to help renters who are facing eviction. No representation is made or implied by SC Housing that these Statements accurately reflect the financial condition on any date other than the date dated, and SC Housing can give no assurance that material changes in its financial condition have not occurred since such date. The program provided short-term rental and utility relief to . SC Housing Tenants with questions about their application can always call the call center at 803-336-3420, M-F, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for assistance. Applications for the state housing and development authority's "SC Stay Plus" program went live on Wednesday. eviction. There are electronic and paper check options. Applying for emergency rental assistance from SC Housing now easier SC Stay Plus; Housing Choice Voucher Program; Housing Choice Voucher Owner/Agent Info; . Contact: (803) 587-3144 Tips call the hotline at: (803) 587-3144, email: thelexingtonledger@gmail.com Content protected by US copyright laws, Advertising / marketing call Paul (803) 587-3144, 2023 by "This Just In".