Housing Authority of the City of Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina
Last Updated
15 hours ago
Foster Youth to Independence Program Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Columbia Housing is prescreening applicants for this program in partnership with HUD and the SC Department of Social Services. The program is available to young adults aged 18-24 who have left or will be leaving Foster Care within 90 days and are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Additional Notes
Wait list will open ONLY for Public Housing tenants residing in properties converting to RAD. Applications accepted only at the time of HUD approval of relocation for the applicable RAD property. Public Housing tenants will be notified when eligible.
Mainstream Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Columbia Housing in partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the SC Department of Social Services will begin prescreening applicants for the Foster Youth to Independence Program. The program is available to young adults between the ages of 18-24 who have left Foster Ca...
Other Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 15, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Pre-applications accepted for Oak Read High Rise and Arrington Manor. Qualified applicants must be at least 62 years of age. Selection using a computer-generated lottery system.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 27, 2026
Closing Date
Jan 27, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting pre-applications for Oak Park apartments (2 and 3 bedroom units). Up to 250 qualified applicants will be selected via lottery for placement on the wait list.
Status History
Deadline: Aug 31, 2025
Deadline: Jan 26, 2027
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026
Deadline: Jan 26, 2027
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026
Deadline: Aug 31, 2025
Deadline: Jan 26, 2027
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026
Deadline: Feb 9, 2026
Deadline: Jan 26, 2027
Deadline: Aug 31, 2025
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of Columbia portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia
Check Current Status
Before applying, verify that the waiting list is currently open. Housing authorities only accept applications during designated open periods, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
Most PHAs require: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of Columbia portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list, keep your contact information updated with the PHA. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on demand. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs Offered at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia
Foster Youth to Independence Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the City of Columbia directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for your area. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the City of Columbia directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the City of Columbia directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Public Housing Public Housing
Public Housing units are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Units range from apartments to townhomes and are maintained by the PHA. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of the City of Columbia?
Housing Authority of the City of Columbia Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the City of Columbia are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $46,350. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $19,500 | $32,450 | $51,950 |
| 2 Persons | $22,250 | $37,100 | $59,350 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $41,750 | $66,750 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $46,350 | $74,150 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $50,100 | $80,100 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $53,800 | $86,050 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $57,500 | $91,950 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $61,200 | $97,900 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Housing Authority of the City of Columbia — including across state lines.