Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Charleston, South Carolina
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Charleston area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Charleston, South Carolina and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Charleston, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Charleston area. There are also 8 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Charleston include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (2 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Charleston opened its Public Housing waitlist .
About Housing in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, is served by two primary housing authorities: the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston and the Charleston County Housing & Redevelopment Authority. For individuals and families seeking affordable housing assistance in the area, there are currently two waiting lists open, while four others remain closed. Programs currently accepting applications include Public Housing, which has two open waiting lists. Other programs such as Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) currently have closed waiting lists in the region.
Eligibility for many of these programs is based on income. For example, a family of four in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSA area is generally considered Very Low Income with an annual household income at or below $55,450 (FY2025). The area provides approximately 4,493 assisted housing units in total. The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority also contributes to affordable housing initiatives across the state. Prospective applicants should regularly contact both the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston and the Charleston County Housing & Redevelopment Authority for the most current information on waiting list openings and application procedures.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Charleston
To apply for housing assistance in Charleston, South Carolina, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Charleston area (listed above). Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $55,450/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Charleston include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), LIHTC, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, RAD. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Charleston, South Carolina Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Charleston, South Carolina, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $55,450 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $110,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $23,300 | $38,850 | $62,100 |
| 2 Persons | $26,600 | $44,400 | $71,000 |
| 3 Persons | $29,950 | $49,950 | $79,850 |
| 4 Persons | $33,250 | $55,450 | $88,700 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $59,900 | $95,800 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $64,350 | $102,900 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $68,800 | $110,000 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $73,200 | $117,100 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Charleston use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Charleston and have active housing programs.