Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Columbia, South Carolina
There are 25 open waiting lists in the Columbia area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 3 housing authorities serving Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina is served by 3 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 25 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Columbia area. There are also 4 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Columbia include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (3 open), PBV (2 open), RAD (1 open), Mainstream (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Cayce opened its Senior Housing (Haven at Palmer Pointe) waitlist on Feb 27, 2026.
About Housing in Columbia, South Carolina
Affordable housing in Columbia, South Carolina, is managed by three key agencies: the Housing Authority of the City of Columbia, the SC State Housing Authority, and the Housing Authority of the City of Cayce. These authorities oversee approximately 8,209 assisted housing units across the area. For those seeking assistance, there are currently 24 open waiting lists available for various programs, though 6 lists are closed.
Applicants can find opportunities through programs such as Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, and RAD. Several Senior Housing options are available, including specific properties like Haven at Palmer Pointe, Oak Read High Rise, Arrington Manor, Fair Street, and Spencer Place. Other programs include Foster Youth to Independence. While Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) lists exist, none are currently accepting applications. To qualify for many programs, income limits apply; for example, a family of four's Very Low Income limit in the Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area is $46,350 annually for FY2025. It is important for prospective tenants to regularly check specific program requirements for each open waiting list. The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority also serves the state.
Housing Authorities in Columbia
Housing Authority of the City of Cayce
Columbia, South Carolina · SC061
Housing Authority of the City of Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina · SC002
SC State Housing Authority
Columbia, South Carolina · SC911
How to Apply for Section 8 in Columbia
To apply for housing assistance in Columbia, South Carolina, submit an application directly to one of the 3 housing authorities serving the Columbia area (listed above). Right now, 25 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 $46,350/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 Columbia include Senior Housing (Haven at Palmer Pointe), Senior Housing (Spencer Place - Cayce), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Senior Housing (Spencer Place), Senior Housing, Senior Housing (Fair Street), Senior Housing (Oak Read High Rise), Senior Housing (Arrington Manor), Foster Youth to Independence, Foster Youth to Independence Program, Mainstream, Senior Housing (Oak Park), Foster Youth to Independence Program (FYI), Apartments (Oak Park), Apartments (Haven at Palmer Pointe), Other, RAD, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Senior Housing (Christopher Towers), Apartments (Schoolhouse Road). 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).
Columbia, South Carolina Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Columbia, South Carolina, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $46,350 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $92,700.
| 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 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Columbia 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 Columbia and have active housing programs.