SC Department of Social Services – Emergency Assistance

Housing & Financial · South Carolina · Free

Emergency financial help for rent, utilities, and basic needs for eligible South Carolina fathers and families. DSS coordinates short-term aid and referrals to community partners from the Confederate Avenue office in Columbia. Call or visit weekdays to start intake. Bring a photo ID, recent pay stubs or benefits statements, a lease or utility bill, and any shutoff or eviction notices you have received.

Contact & Details

Address: 1535 Confederate Ave Ext, Columbia, SC 29201

Phone: 803-898-7601

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

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About Housing & Financial for Fathers

Housing and financial assistance for fathers comes through a combination of federal programs (HUD, SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP) and state/local efforts. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) with long waitlists in most markets. Emergency shelter and rapid rehousing are funded through the federal Continuum of Care program — every region has a Coordinated Entry system that assesses and places homeless adults and families. Rental assistance, utility assistance (LIHEAP), and one-time emergency funds are available through community action agencies and 211 referral lines. Fathers with children in their custody may qualify for Section 8 family priority and TANF, though state rules vary. This directory covers PHAs, shelter systems, 211 call lines, and community action agencies that serve single dads.

Housing & Financial in South Carolina

South Carolina family courts handle divorce, custody, and support in each of its 16 judicial circuits. The Child Support Services Division operates under the Department of Social Services. Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant are the largest cities. South Carolina Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program statewide.

More Housing & Financial in South Carolina

  • SC State Housing Finance Authority — Affordable housing programs, rental assistance, and homebuyer education for South Carolina fathers and families. The agency runs mortgage, d
  • Habitat for Humanity – South Carolina — Affordable homeownership opportunities and home-repair programs for qualified South Carolina fathers and families. Local Habitat affiliates
  • Salvation Army – South Carolina — Emergency rent assistance, utility help, and shelter services for fathers and families across South Carolina. Local corps offer short-term a
  • United Way 211 – Housing Help — Dial 211 for free 24/7 referrals to housing assistance, emergency rent programs, and utility help across South Carolina. Trained specialists
  • Greenville Housing Authority — Affordable public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for Greenville-area fathers and families. The authority manages waitlists an
  • Charleston Housing Authority — Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers for income-eligible Charleston-area fathers and families. Staff manage waitlists, inspections, an

Housing & Financial — Common Questions

How long is the waitlist for Section 8?
Varies wildly — from a few months in some markets to 5+ years in hot metros (LA, NYC, DC). Apply to multiple Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in your area. Some PHAs give preference to families with children, veterans, or homeless applicants.
What does 211 do?
211 is a free nationwide referral service operated by United Way and partners. Call or text 211 to reach a live specialist who connects you to local help with rent, utilities, food, childcare, employment, and more. Available 24/7 in most areas.
Can single dads get TANF?
Yes. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is gender-neutral — any qualifying parent or caretaker with a dependent child in the home can apply. Benefit amounts and time limits vary by state. Work requirements apply after a brief grace period.
What's LIHEAP?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. Apply through your state's LIHEAP office. Both annual assistance and emergency crisis payments are available. Don't wait until disconnection — apply at the start of the heating season.