Housing Authority of the City of Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina
Last Updated
1 hours ago
About Housing Authority of the City of Columbia
Housing Authority of the City of Columbia (HUD agency code SC002) is the public housing agency serving Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina. It administers 1,277 public housing units and 4,674 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 34 waiting lists at this agency, covering FYI, Mainstream, Other, PBV, Public Housing, Senior, HCV, RAD. As of Mar 23, 2026, 28 are open and 6 are closed.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $46,350 per year, and as Low Income at or below $74,150 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 41 status changes at this agency, most recently on Oct 4, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Prescreening applicants for the Foster Youth to Independence Program. Available to young adults between 18-24 who have left or will be leaving Foster Care within 90 days. Qualified applicants will be currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Foster Youth to Independence
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Prescreening is available for young adults aged 18-24 who have left or will leave Foster Care within 90 days and are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Mainstream Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Foster Youth to Independence Program offers prescreening for young adults ages 18-24 who have recently left or are about to leave Foster Care and are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Prescreening is ongoing for the Foster Youth to Independence Program, available for young adults aged 18-24 who have left or will leave foster care within 90 days and are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Apartments (Arrington Manor)
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 15, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting pre-applications for senior housing units. Qualified applicants must be 50 years or older. Applicants are selected using a computer-generated lottery system.
Apartments (Fair Street)
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 26, 2026
Closing Date
Jan 26, 2027
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting pre-applications for senior housing units. Applicants must be 62 or older. Applicants are selected using a computer-generated lottery system.
Apartments (Haven at Palmer Pointe)
Status
open
Open Date
Feb 27, 2026
Closing Date
Mar 20, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are for senior units. Eligible applicants will be at least 62 years of age and meet the criteria for a 1 bedroom unit. Up to 250 qualified applicants will be selected for the wait list using a random lottery. Wait list lottery results are final and are not subject to appeal.
Apartments (Oak Park)
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program is currently accepting applications for senior housing options.
Apartments (Oak Read High Rise)
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 15, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Qualified applicants must be at least 62 years of age or older. Applications are selected using a computer-generated lottery system. Completing a pre-application does not guarantee placement on the waitlist. Not all households that apply will be eligible for placement. Waitlist lottery results are final and cannot be appealed.
Apartments (Schoolhouse Road)
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program is currently accepting applications for senior housing options.
Haven at Palmer Pointe
Status
open
Open Date
Feb 27, 2026
Closing Date
Mar 20, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are for senior units. Eligible applicants will be at least 62 years of age and meet the criteria for a 1 bedroom unit. Up to 250 qualified applicants will be selected for the wait list using a random lottery. Wait list lottery results are final and are not subject to appeal.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 26, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This waitlist is for senior housing units at Fair Street; applicants must be 62 or older and are selected by a computer-generated lottery.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 26, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting pre-applications for 3 bedroom public housing units. Selection is via computer-generated lottery. Not all applicants will be eligible.
Senior Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 15, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This entry consolidates information for senior housing properties with open waitlists. For Oak Read High Rise, qualified applicants must be at least 62 years of age or older. For Arrington Manor, qualified applicants must be at least 50 years of age or older. Applications are selected using a computer-generated lottery system. Completing a pre-application does not guarantee placement on the waitlist. Not all households that apply will be eligible for placement. Waitlist lottery results are final and cannot be appealed.
Arrington Manor
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 15, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Qualified applicants must be at least 50 years of age or older. Applications are selected using a computer-generated lottery system. Completing a pre-application does not guarantee placement on the waitlist. Not all households that apply will be eligible for placement. Waitlist lottery results are final and cannot be appealed.
Arrington Manor - Senior Housing
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 15, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Qualified applicants must be at least 50 years of age or older. Applications are selected using a computer-generated lottery system. Completing a pre-application does not guarantee placement on the waitlist. Not all households that apply will be eligible for placement. Waitlist lottery results are final and cannot be appealed.
Fair Street
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 26, 2026
Closing Date
Jan 26, 2027
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
You must be 62 or older to qualify for this property. Applicants for this property will be selected using a computer-generated lottery system. Completing a pre-application does not guarantee placement on the waitlist, and not all households that apply will be eligible for placement. The final waitlist will be determined using a random lottery. Applicants not selected in the lottery will not proceed in the process.
Fair Street - Senior Housing
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 26, 2026
Closing Date
Jan 26, 2027
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
You must be 62 or older to qualify for this property. Applicants for this property will be selected using a computer-generated lottery system. Completing a pre-application does not guarantee placement on the waitlist, and not all households that apply will be eligible for placement. The final waitlist will be determined using a random lottery. Applicants not selected in the lottery will not proceed in the process.
Haven at Palmer Pointe
Status
open
Open Date
Feb 27, 2026
Closing Date
Mar 20, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are for senior units. Eligible applicants will be at least 62 years of age and meet the criteria for a 1 bedroom unit. Up to 250 qualified applicants will be selected for the wait list using a random lottery. Wait list lottery results are final and are not subject to appeal.
Oak Read High Rise
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 15, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Qualified applicants must be at least 62 years of age or older. Applications are selected using a computer-generated lottery system. Completing a pre-application does not guarantee placement on the waitlist. Not all households that apply will be eligible for placement. Waitlist lottery results are final and cannot be appealed.
Schoolhouse Road
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Currently listed as an open senior housing option.
Senior Housing - Arrington Manor
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 15, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting pre-applications for senior housing; qualified applicants must be 50 years or older and are selected by a computer-generated lottery system.
Senior Housing - Fair Street
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 26, 2026
Closing Date
Jan 26, 2027
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting pre-applications for senior housing; applicants must be 62 or older and are selected by a computer-generated lottery system.
Senior Housing - Haven at Palmer Pointe
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Eligible applicants must be at least 62 years of age and meet criteria for a 1-bedroom unit; up to 250 qualified applicants are selected by a random lottery.
Senior Housing - Oak Read High Rise
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Qualified applicants must be at least 62 years of age or older and are selected by a computer-generated lottery system.
Senior Housing - Spencer Place
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 26, 2026
Closing Date
Jan 26, 2027
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applicants must be 62 or older to qualify and are selected by a computer-generated lottery system.
Spencer Place
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 26, 2026
Closing Date
Jan 26, 2027
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
You must be 62 or older to qualify for this property. Applicants for this property will be selected using a computer-generated lottery system. Completing a pre-application does not guarantee placement on the waitlist, and not all households that apply will be eligible for placement. The final waitlist will be determined using a random lottery. Applicants not selected in the lottery will not proceed in the process.
Spencer Place - Cayce, SC
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 26, 2026
Closing Date
Jan 26, 2027
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
You must be 62 or older to qualify for this property. Applicants for this property will be selected using a computer-generated lottery system. Completing a pre-application does not guarantee placement on the waitlist, and not all households that apply will be eligible for placement. The final waitlist will be determined using a random lottery. Applicants not selected in the lottery will not proceed in the process.
Other Programs
4 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.
Waitlist is ONLY open 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. Waitlist also opened for current residents of Latimer Manor Public Housing community from August 15, 2025 to August 31, 2025.
Additional programs administered by this housing authority that do not fall under a standard federal voucher or public housing category.
Additional programs administered by this housing authority that do not fall under a standard federal voucher or public housing category.
HCV waitlist is ONLY open 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.
This waitlist was open for 1-bedroom units for applicants 62 or older and used a random lottery system for selection.
Senior housing programs reserve affordable units for older adults, typically age 55 or 62 and above, sometimes with congregate meals or supportive services on site.
Status History
Deadline: Jan 26, 2027
Deadline: Mar 20, 2026
Deadline: Sep 16, 2026
Deadline: Mar 5, 2026
Deadline: Mar 5, 2026
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026
Deadline: Aug 31, 2025
Deadline: Jan 26, 2027
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026
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.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
-
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
Housing Authority of the City of Columbia currently has 28 open waiting lists (Foster Youth to Independence (FYI), Mainstream Voucher, Other Programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, Senior Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $46,350/year to qualify in this area. 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 to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the City of Columbia manages approximately 5,951 assisted housing units (4,674 Section 8, 1,277 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Columbia. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia
FYI Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) open
The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher open
Mainstream Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) open
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Columbia. 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. The application window closes on January 26, 2027.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of the City of Columbia manages approximately 1,277 Public Housing units in Columbia. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties. The application window closes on January 26, 2027.
Senior Senior Housing open
The Senior Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia 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 Columbia. This program serves approximately 4,674 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Columbia maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the 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?
What are the income limits for 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.