Palmetto Heroes · Educators
Home buying help for South Carolina educators
South Carolina teachers, librarians and counselors: Palmetto Heroes is closed for 2026, but $10,000 forgivable DPA is still available year-round.
Who is included
The 2026 Palmetto Heroes list covered classroom teachers, librarians, guidance counselors, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists and college professors.
The SC Department of Education adds two rules for teachers: you need a valid South Carolina educator certificate, and you must live and work full-time in South Carolina, or have a contract to begin teaching.
If you're new to the classroom
A signed contract to begin teaching counts, so a first-year teacher who has accepted a South Carolina position can start the process. Your lender confirms the exact paperwork SC Housing wants.
Using the off-season
Heroes rounds have opened in March, mid school year. Use the months before then to get pre-approved, finish the homebuyer course and know your county's limit. If you'd rather not wait, the year-round SC Housing Homebuyer Program has no job requirement and offers the same $10,000.
Papers to have at hand
- Your valid South Carolina educator certificate
- Proof of full-time SC employment, or your contract to begin teaching
- Pay stubs and tax documents your lender requests
- Proof you finished the homebuyer education course
Questions often asked
Do college professors qualify?
Yes. College professors were on the 2026 Palmetto Heroes educator list.
Do I need a South Carolina certificate?
Yes. The SC Department of Education says teachers must hold a valid South Carolina educator certificate and live and work full-time in the state, or have a contract to begin teaching.
Can I buy before a 2027 round is announced?
Yes. The year-round SC Housing Homebuyer Program offers $10,000 in forgivable DPA with no job requirement. You just won't get the lower Heroes rate.
