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About SC State Housing Authority
The SC State Housing Authority, located in Columbia, Lexington County, South Carolina (PHA Code: SC911), manages approximately 2,217 assisted housing units. These units primarily consist of Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), also known as Section 8 vouchers.
Currently, the authority has open waitlists for its Public Housing and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is presently closed to new applicants. For a family of four in the Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area, the Very Low Income limit is $46,350 per year. Applicants should consult specific program guidelines for eligibility.
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 due to the number of applicants currently on the waiting list and the amount of time it is taking to assist those families. It is currently taking three to five years to offer assistance to a family on the waiting list. No emergency assistance is available.
No current waitlist information found for Mainstream Voucher programs administered by SC State Housing Authority (SC911).
No current waitlist information found for Project-Based Voucher programs administered by SC State Housing Authority (SC911).
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
SC State Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (Public Housing, RAD). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at SC State Housing Authority, 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
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 at SC State Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. SC State Housing Authority manages approximately 2,217 assisted housing units (2,217 Section 8), 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 SC State Housing Authority
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at SC State Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration open
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at SC State Housing Authority 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.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at SC State Housing Authority 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 2,217 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at SC State Housing Authority 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.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at SC State Housing Authority 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.
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?
What are the income limits for 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.