Finding affordable housing in South Carolina is especially challenging given that over 14% of South Carolinians live below the poverty line, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, and rental prices have risen by more than 10% in the past five years. These economic pressures make programs like Section 8 crucial for providing stability to low-income families and individuals.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in South Carolina?

Section 8 housing is designed to provide affordable housing to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who are unable to afford decent and safe housing without assistance. To be eligible for Section 8 housing in South Carolina, applicants must meet certain criteria.

Applicants must be citizens or legal residents of the United States and have a valid social security number. Additionally, their household income must not exceed the income limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which vary by area and household size.

Other eligibility considerations for Section 8 housing in South Carolina include special eligibility for veterans, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Applicants who fall under any of these categories may have different eligibility requirements or may be given priority over other applicants.

What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in South Carolina?

Section 8 housing provides rental assistance to eligible low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in South Carolina is based on the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area in which the rental property is located.

Rent assistance covers the difference between 30% of the tenant’s income and the FMR. For example, if the FMR for a two-bedroom unit is $1,149 and a family’s income is $1,800 per month, the family contributes $540 (30% of their income), and Section 8 pays the remaining $609. Check HUD FMR Data for updates.

While Section 8 housing can be a valuable resource for low-income families, the amount of rental assistance provided is subject to annual appropriations from Congress, which means that funding levels can vary from year to year. Additionally, the amount of rental assistance provided may be impacted by changes in the family's income or household size.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in South Carolina

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in South Carolina, applicants must meet income limits set by HUD. These income limits are based on the area median income and vary depending on the size of the household. The following chart shows the current income limits set by HUD for South Carolina.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in South Carolina

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) is a crucial factor in determining the amount of rental assistance provided by Section 8 housing. The FMR is determined by HUD and is based on the average rental rates in the area. The following tables shows the current fair market rents across South Carolina.

The FMR is used to calculate the amount of rental assistance that Section 8 provides to eligible households. The rental assistance is calculated as the difference between the FMR and the tenant's contribution toward rent, which is generally 30% of their income. For example, if the FMR for a two-bedroom unit in a particular area is $900 per month, and a family's income is $1,500 per month, their monthly contribution toward rent would be $450, and Section 8 would pay the remaining $450.

The FMR is updated annually to reflect changes in the rental market and other economic factors. It's important for families to stay informed about FMR data for their area to ensure that they receive the appropriate amount of rental assistance and can access safe and affordable housing.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in South Carolina?

Applying for Section 8 in South Carolina involves several steps:

Locate Your Local Housing Authority: Start by identifying the housing authority in your area. Examples include:

Complete the Application: Submit accurate details, including proof of income, Social Security numbers, and legal residency documentation. Missing or incorrect information can delay processing.
Prepare for Eligibility Verification: Be ready to attend an interview and provide supporting documents like identification and rental history.
Monitor Your Status: Most applicants are placed on waiting lists due to high demand. Ensure your contact information is current and respond promptly to requests from the housing authority.

To apply for Section 8 housing in South Carolina, visit the housing authority that serves your area either in-person or online and begin the application process.

South Carolina Housing Authorities

Housing Authorities play a vital role in administering Section 8 housing in South Carolina. They are responsible for overseeing the application process, verifying eligibility, and distributing rental assistance to eligible households.

There are several Housing Authorities operating in South Carolina, each serving a specific geographic area. These Housing Authorities are funded by HUD and work in collaboration with other agencies and organizations to provide affordable housing options to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Here is a list of Housing Authorities in South Carolina and their contact information:

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Visit Website
Charleston Housing Authority	(843) 720-3978 573 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403 Email	Visit Website
Columbia Housing Authority	(803) 254-3886 1917 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29204 Email	Visit Website
Greenville Housing Authority	(864) 467-4250 100 W. McBee Avenue, Greenville, SC 29601 Email	Visit Website
Myrtle Beach Housing Authority	(843) 918-1525 605 10th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Email	Visit Website
Anderson Housing Authority	(864) 224-3056 220 McGee Road, Anderson, SC 29625 Email	Visit Website
Aiken Housing Authority	(803) 648-5154 100 Rogers Terrace, Aiken, SC 29801 Email	Visit Website
Rock Hill Housing Authority	(803) 327-6146 529 S. Cherry Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730 Email	Visit Website

While each Housing Authority operates independently, they all adhere to the same guidelines and regulations set forth by HUD. Additionally, each Housing Authority may have its own policies and procedures for administering Section 8 housing in their area.

Section 8 Housing South Carolina Waiting List

The Section 8 waiting list in South Carolina is a list of eligible applicants waiting to receive rental assistance through the program. Due to the high demand for affordable housing, the waiting list for Section 8 housing in South Carolina can be long, with some families waiting for several months to receive rental assistance.

To be placed on the waiting list for Section 8 housing in South Carolina, applicants must first meet all eligibility requirements and submit a completed application form with all required documentation. Once the application is received, it will be reviewed to ensure that all eligibility criteria are met, and the family will be placed on the waiting list.

The following table shows the current waiting list status for Housing Authorities in South Carolina.

  
        Housing Authority
        Waiting List Status
      
        Charleston Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        Columbia Housing Authority
        CLOSED
      
        Greenville Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        Myrtle Beach Housing Authority
        CLOSED
      
        Anderson Housing Authority
        CLOSED
      
        Aiken Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        Rock Hill Housing Authority
        CLOSED

To check your Section 8 waiting list status in South Carolina, you can typically contact your local Housing Authority by phone or email. They can provide you with an estimated wait time and information on how to update your contact information if needed.

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in South Carolina?

The timeline for Section 8 application approval in South Carolina can vary depending on a variety of factors.

Factors that can impact the approval process timeline include the number of applicants on the waiting list, the availability of rental units in the area, and the amount of rental assistance funding available from Congress. Additionally, the completeness and accuracy of the application and required documentation can also impact the approval timeline.

After submitting a completed Section 8 application, it will be reviewed by the local Housing Authority to verify eligibility and determine the amount of rental assistance for which the applicant qualifies. Once eligibility is confirmed, the applicant will be added to the waiting list.

For those unable to access Section 8 immediately, alternatives can help bridge the gap to affordable housing. Public housing offers government-managed units with rent based on income, while LIHTC properties provide privately-owned options at reduced rates under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. Subsidized apartments are another solution, where federal funding helps keep rental costs manageable. These options can provide temporary or long-term relief while waiting for Section 8 approval.

Additional programs, such as LIHEAP for utility assistance and TANF for financial support, address specific needs and can be accessed alongside housing solutions.

Common Questions About Section 8

How long does approval take?

Approval timelines depend on application completeness, funding availability, and demand. The process may take weeks or months.

Can I transfer my voucher to another state?

Yes, Section 8 vouchers are portable and can be used in other states, provided the receiving housing authority accepts transfers.

What if my income changes?

Report income changes immediately to the housing authority. Adjustments may affect your rent contribution or eligibility.

Securing Affordable Housing in South Carolina

Affordable housing is critical for many South Carolinians, and Section 8 provides essential support for those in need. By understanding eligibility, navigating the application process, and exploring additional resources, families can work toward stable housing solutions.

For further assistance, contact your local housing authority or check out our weekly updates on the Affordable Housing Hub.