Georgetown County (Myrtle Beach) is one of 11 counties eligible for SC Safe Home — check current application status before planning around it.

What's available for Georgetown County homeowners

The SC Safe Home Mitigation Grant Program, administered by the South Carolina Department of Insurance, provides matching and non-matching grants for coastal homeowners to retrofit against hurricanes and high winds. For a full FORTIFIED Roof upgrade: up to $7,500 non-matching, or $6,000 matching. For other qualifying wind mitigation work that doesn't reach the full FORTIFIED standard: up to $5,000 non-matching, or $4,000 matching. A completed FORTIFIED project also qualifies for South Carolina's separate wind mitigation tax credit, worth up to $1,000 on top of the grant.

Who qualifies in Georgetown County

• Own and occupy the home as your primary residence — single-family, site-built or manufactured/modular
• No income restriction to apply, though lower-income applicants can qualify for larger, non-matching grants
• Home must have no existing storm damage and not have previously received a SC Safe Home grant
• Duplexes, condos, townhouses, and multifamily buildings do not qualify

Check the application window before planning around it

The program's 2026 cycle opened February 10 with one of its largest funding rounds yet, but multiple sources reported the portal showing "not accepting new grant applicants" by June 2026. That's consistent with how the program has run historically — funds have gone quickly in past cycles, and it typically reopens roughly twice a year. Sign up for notifications on the official site so you're not checking manually.

How to apply / check status

• doi.sc.gov/605/SC-Safe-Home — official program page with current status and the "Apply for a Grant" link when open.
• online.scsafehome.sc.gov — direct portal to register and check application status.
• Questions: [email protected] or 803-737-2100

Sources

• South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI) — eligible county list, program terms, current status.
• SCDOI Bulletin 2024-02 — dual Safe Home / IBHS FORTIFIED designation pathway.

Last reviewed: August 28, 2026