Palmetto Heroes · Firefighters, EMTs and paramedics

Home buying help for South Carolina firefighters and EMS

SC firefighters (including volunteers), EMTs and paramedics: Palmetto Heroes is closed for 2026. Here's the $10,000 forgivable DPA you can use now.

Who is included

The 2026 Palmetto Heroes list named firefighters, full-time or volunteer, along with EMTs and paramedics.

Your lending partner confirms how SC Housing wants your role verified, since the 2026 program guide was not publicly posted.

Palmetto Heroes is SC Housing's seasonal program for educators, licensed medical workers, first responders and military: $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance plus a lower fixed rate on a 30-year SC Housing mortgage. The 2026 round closed April 13, 2026 and no 2027 dates have been announced. Between rounds, the year-round SC Housing Homebuyer Program offers the same $10,000 forgivable assistance.

Volunteer firefighters count

Many South Carolina departments run on volunteers. The 2026 list included volunteer firefighters by name, so your day job does not have to be in public safety. Your lender confirms what proof of volunteer service is needed.

Be ready when a round opens

Heroes money goes first-come, first-served and needs a signed purchase contract. The 2026 round closed in under four weeks. Getting pre-approved between shifts now is the difference.

Papers to have at hand

Proof of your firefighter, EMT or paramedic role your lender requests
Pay stubs and tax documents
An executed sales contract, once you find a home
Proof you finished the homebuyer education course

Questions often asked

Do volunteer firefighters qualify?

Yes. Volunteer firefighters were on the 2026 Palmetto Heroes list.

Can I use a VA or USDA loan?

Yes. SC Housing programs offer FHA, VA, USDA and conventional 30-year fixed loans.

Is there a job rule for the year-round program?

No. The SC Housing Homebuyer Program has no job requirement, only income, price, credit and first-time buyer rules.