Not safe at home
If you are in danger now, call 911
You can talk with an advocate any time. It is free and private, and they can help you make a safety plan.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline800-799-7233
- 911Emergency
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineCall 988
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineText 988
If someone checks your phone, use a private window or a safer device.
What to do first
- If you are in danger now, call 911.
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. Someone answers any time.
- Use a phone or computer the other person cannot check, and a private browser window.
- Ask the hotline or 211 about shelter and your state's programs for people leaving abuse.
- When you are safe, apply for health coverage, food and cash help in your own name.
Talk it through
If it is safe to type, tell us what is going on. Use a private browser window on a device the other person cannot check.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
60 days
Health coverage
People leaving domestic abuse can sign up for their own Marketplace plan outside open enrollment. You have 60 days.
Source: HealthCare.gov
Help from South Carolina
South Carolina programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
South Carolina Department of Social Services
Domestic Violence Services
DSS provides information and referrals for people seeking help with domestic violence.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority
Homelessness Assistance
SC Housing funds programs that support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Ways to apply:In person
South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority
Rental Assistance and Affordable Housing
SC Housing connects renters to affordable housing resources and administers selected housing assistance programs.
Ways to apply:Online
South Carolina Department of Social Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides temporary cash assistance to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
South Carolina Department of Social Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Healthy Connections Medicaid
In South Carolina, Medicaid is called Healthy Connections.
Healthy Connections helps pay medical bills for eligible South Carolina residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
TheHotline.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Free and confidential. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find shelter near you.
LSC.gov
Free legal help
Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
HealthCare.gov
The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- South Carolina 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988