Horry has handed out $16M+ in rent and utility aid over the past year. Are you eligible?
As Horry County’s rental market continues to explode alongside many of its Sun Belt neighbors, a newly created rent and utility assistance program has doled more than $16 million in help to thousands of low-income households.
The agreement between county leaders and the East Carolina Housing Organization, launched with seed money from the U.S. Treasury Department, remains open for applicants year-round. Here’s a look into how it works.
Income eligibility part of application process
Applicants must live in Horry County and prove they’re in arrears at a primary residence. At least one adult must have qualified for unemployment benefits or have a verifiable household income reduction.
Landlord confirmation of overdue rent and a willingness to accept payment on the applicant’s behalf is also required.
Household income must be at or below $34,000 to $64,500, depending on the family size. The program does not cover outstanding mortgage payments.
How, where and when to apply for housing assistance
Applications can be completed online at erap.echousing.org/tenant or by calling (843) 492-2600. There are deadlines for submission, but assistance is provided based on priority. Federal rules require households with incomes less than 50 percent of the area median income or those with one or more members that have been unemployed for at least 90 days to be considered first. Applicants with pending evictions receive further priority.
Rental assistance by the numbers for Horry County
Since its inception, the program has handed out more than $16.1 million in assistance for overdue rent and utilities to residents from Nicholls to Murrells Inlet.
- 17,230 months of combined rental help
- 2,607 households helped
- 1,028 applicants in Myrtle Beach and 991 in Conway
- 245 months of internet utility assistance
- 261 months of water and sewer payment help