Last updated: June 26, 2026
Horry County residents affected by inflation or financial hardship can apply for rent and utility assistance through the Horry County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, administered by the Eastern Carolina Housing Organization (ECHO). Eligibility depends on Horry County residency, household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, and a qualifying financial hardship. Apply online through ECHO’s portal, or call the ERAP Line at 843-492-2600 for help.
About the Horry County Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Residents of Horry County who have been directly or indirectly impacted by inflation are eligible to apply for the Horry County Emergency Rental Assistance program, which provides rental and utility assistance to qualifying residents. The program is administered by the Eastern Carolina Housing Organization (ECHO) and requires a variety of documents to determine eligibility and, if approved, the amount of financial assistance awarded.
Most communication regarding applications is handled by email. If you’ve applied and haven’t heard back, check your spam folder for messages from horrycountyerap@echousing.org before assuming your application was lost. For questions or application help, call the ERAP Line at 843-492-2600.
Tenant Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a tenant, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Horry County residency: You must be a resident of Horry County, possess proof of residency, and be the primary occupant of the property in arrears.
- Financial hardship: One or more adults in the household must have qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced a loss in household income, incurred significant costs, or faced severe financial hardship during or as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
- Risk of homelessness or housing instability: Demonstrated by a past-due rent or utility notice, a pay-or-quit notice, a court-ordered eviction notice, fleeing domestic violence, or a documented inability to pay prospective rent.
- Documented rental agreement: A properly recorded rental contract or arrangement showing the applicant is the tenant responsible for monthly rent payments.
- Household income within limits: Your household’s annual income must fall at or below the applicable threshold for your household size (see table below).
Income Limits by Household Size
Income limits are based on 80% of Horry County’s Area Median Income (AMI), as determined by HUD:
| Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Limit | $38,300 | $43,750 | $49,200 | $54,650 | $59,050 | $63,400 | $67,800 | $72,150 |
Figures are based on HUD’s published income limits. You can verify current thresholds directly at the HUD Income Limits portal.
Pro Tip
Before submitting your application online, read the entire Terms & Conditions carefully — agreement is required, and reviewing it thoroughly before submission helps avoid mistakes that could delay processing.
Behind on rent or utilities in Horry County? Find out what assistance may be available to you.
Landlord Eligibility Requirements
Landlords seeking payment through the Horry County ERAP must meet the following requirements:
- Valid W-9 form: Required to process direct payment to the landlord of the rental property.
- Horry County properties only: Any rental arrears submitted for consideration must be for properties located exclusively within Horry County.
- Authorization for management companies: If you are not the property owner, your management company must provide paperwork confirming authorization to accept payment on the owner’s behalf.
- Terms & Conditions agreement: The full Terms & Conditions must be read and accepted before submitting an online application.
When a landlord refers a tenant to the program, a Housing Assistance Processor will contact the tenant directly to determine eligibility and confirm willingness to participate. South Carolina’s other counties operate similar landlord-tenant verification structures — for example, the Berkeley County Emergency Rental Assistance Program requires comparable documentation from both parties.
How to Apply and Check Your Status
Horry County ERAP applications are submitted entirely online through ECHO’s dedicated portal:
- Landlords: Begin your landlord application
- Tenants: Begin your tenant application
- Check status: Verify your application status
- FAQ: Review frequently asked questions
If you are currently experiencing homelessness, call the Housing Crisis Line at (843) 213-1798 or visit echousing.org/get-help for additional referrals and resources beyond rental assistance.
South Carolina renters outside Horry County have access to comparable resources. The statewide South Carolina Emergency Rental Assistance Program (SC Stay Plus) covers most counties, while Charleston County residents can apply through the Charleston rental assistance program and Richland County residents through the Richland County ERAP.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horry County Rental Assistance
Behind on Rent in Horry County? Get Help Today
ERAP funds may be able to cover your past-due rent or utilities. Connect with an advisor to find out what assistance you qualify for.
Hello,My Name is Michele Singleton I have a previous Appication where i was helped with rent and i would like to re-apply for additional rental assistance,I will appreciate if you can contact me (ASAP)to up-date my rental Appication i can be contact at 854-218-0210.
Sincerly,michele singleton