SC 211
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in South Carolina. Dial 211 or call 866 892 9211.
Official page: sc211.org
Find Help Near You in South Carolina
Free, private help lines for South Carolina, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in South Carolina who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local county DSS office. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. SC Housing at 803 896 9001 can tell you about affordable housing programs and rental resources across the state. Ask what is open now.
Official page: sc211.org, schousing.sc.gov/contact-details
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. The South Carolina Judicial Branch self help center has legal information, and South Carolina Legal Services takes calls at 888 346 5592.
Official page: sccourts.org, sclegal.org/contact-us
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. LIHEAP helps qualified households pay heating and cooling bills. Dial 211, or contact your local community action agency or the Office of Economic Opportunity at 803 734 0662 to apply.
Official page: oeo.sc.gov
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The South Carolina Human Affairs Commission takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: schac.sc.gov
What does SC Housing offer renters?
SC Housing provides housing resources across South Carolina. Its renter pages offer tools to help you search for affordable apartments, understand rental programs and connect with local housing support. Questions about who qualifies for a program? Check the official page below.
Official page: schousing.sc.gov/contact-details
How do I find my local county DSS office?
Dial 211, or use the office finder on the SC DSS website.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can make the visit go faster. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in South Carolina
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Your local county DSS office
County DSS offices serve all 46 South Carolina counties. They can tell you about emergency housing programs, cash help, SNAP and other local services. DSS information line: 800 616 1309.
Official page: dss.sc.gov/contact-dss, dss.sc.gov/assistance-programs/snap
South Carolina LIHEAP (energy help)
Help paying home heating and cooling bills for qualified households, through local community action agencies across South Carolina.
Official page: oeo.sc.gov
South Carolina Association of Community Action Partnerships
Local community action agencies across South Carolina help with utility bills, weatherization, job support and emergency family needs.
Official page: scacap.org/contact-us.php
South Carolina Legal Services
Civil legal help for qualified residents with low incomes across South Carolina, including housing, family law, foreclosure and public benefits. Regional offices across the state.
Official page: sclegal.org/contact-us
South Carolina Human Affairs Commission
The state agency that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints across South Carolina.
Official page: schac.sc.gov
SC Housing
The state housing finance agency, with affordable homebuyer programs, rental assistance tools and housing resources for South Carolina families.
Official page: schousing.sc.gov/contact-details
Columbia Housing Authority
Public housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and affordable housing communities across Columbia and Richland County.
Official page: columbiahousingsc.org
Richland County Department of Social Services
County office for SNAP food help, Medicaid enrollment and family support services for Richland County residents.
Official page: dss.sc.gov/contact-dss/midlands-region/richland
United Way of the Midlands 211
Help and community referrals for people in Columbia, Lexington and central South Carolina counties. Dial 211 or call 803 733 5400.
Official page: uway.org
Charleston County Department of Social Services
County DSS office helping residents apply for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid and child support services in Charleston County.
Official page: dss.sc.gov/contact-dss/lowcountry-region/charleston
Housing Authority of the City of Charleston
Public housing communities, housing vouchers and other subsidized housing options for families with low incomes in Charleston.
Official page: chacity.org/contact
United Way of Greenville County 211
Help and community referrals for people in Greenville and the Upstate. Dial 211 or call 864 467 3333.
Official page: unitedwaygc.org
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say your hours got cut in Spartanburg
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could apply for energy help through your local community action agency. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call legal aid the same day.
Or say you're behind on rent in Spartanburg. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call or visit your county DSS office and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and contact South Carolina Legal Services if you got court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (town or city)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
More help in South Carolina
Find Help in South Carolina: Where to Start with 211, SNAP, Medicaid and IDEmergency Shelter Tonight in South Carolina: Columbia, Charleston, Greenville and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in South Carolina: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in South CarolinaFree Job Help and Job Training in South Carolina: SC Works, Job Corps and MoreFree and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Care in South CarolinaDomestic Violence Help, Safety and Housing in South CarolinaHelp for Veterans in South Carolina: Housing, Crisis Support and BenefitsHelp for Youth and Young Adults in South Carolina: Safe Places, Support and TrainingGetting ID and Documents Back in South Carolina: State ID and Birth CertificateFree and Low Cost Phone and Internet Help in South CarolinaFree Legal and Tenant Help in South Carolina: Evictions, Benefits and CourtHow to Make Blessing Bags in South Carolina: Safe Food, Water and Heat Tips
Nearby states
Last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
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- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.