Last Updated
Feb 22, 2026
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 26, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Columbia Housing will accept pre-applications for 3 bedroom public housing units beginning at 8:00 am on Monday, January 26, 2026 until January 26, 2027. Applicants for this property will be selected using a computer-generated lottery system.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Waitlist
Status
open
Additional Notes
Columbia Housing will open a Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list ONLY for Public Housing tenants residing in properties converting to RAD. Applications will be accepted only at the time of HUD approval of relocation for the applicable RAD property. Public Housing tenants will be notified ...
Other Programs
3 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
The HCVP waiting list is currently closed to all categories of applicants until further notice. It is currently taking three to five years to offer assistance to a family on the waiting list.
Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.
Project-Based Vouchers are tied to specific housing units rather than following the tenant. Landlords or developers partner with the housing authority to reserve units for eligible low-income families. Unlike tenant-based HCV vouchers, PBV assistance stays with the unit if the tenant moves.
Status History
Official Application
Contact SC State Housing Authority directly at (803) 896-8888 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
WARNING: 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 SC State Housing Authority
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
Contact SC State Housing Authority directly at (803) 896-8888 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
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 SC State Housing Authority
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.
RAD
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact SC State Housing Authority 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 SC State Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher
Project-Based Vouchers are attached to specific apartment complexes or units. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at SC State Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at SC State Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact SC State Housing Authority?
SC State Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the SC State Housing Authority 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 SC State Housing Authority — including across state lines.