Palmetto Heroes · Military and veterans

Home buying help for South Carolina military and veterans

Active duty, veterans and SC Guard reservists: Palmetto Heroes is closed for 2026. Pair a VA loan with $10,000 forgivable DPA year-round.

Who is included

The 2026 Palmetto Heroes list covered active-duty members and veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, plus South Carolina reservists in the National Guard or Air National Guard.

Your lending partner confirms what proof of service SC Housing needs.

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.

VA loans and SC Housing

SC Housing's programs include VA 30-year fixed loans, so you can pair your VA benefit with the $10,000 forgivable second mortgage.

The first-time buyer question

SC Housing's sources did not say whether veterans are exempt from the first-time buyer rule. In 34 counties you only need to not own a home at closing anyway. A lender confirms how the rule applies to you.

Papers to have at hand

Proof of service, such as a DD-214 for veterans (your lender confirms what's accepted)
Your VA Certificate of Eligibility if using a VA loan
Pay stubs or LES and tax documents
Proof you finished the homebuyer education course

Questions often asked

Do Guard members qualify?

Yes. South Carolina reservists in the National Guard or Air National Guard were on the 2026 list.

Can I use a VA loan?

Yes. SC Housing offers VA 30-year fixed loans with its down payment assistance.

Are veterans exempt from the first-time rule?

That wasn't stated in the SC Housing sources we reviewed. A lending partner can confirm.