Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP)

man and girl both hands open with a small house sitting in their hands

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) assists very low-income families to afford decent, safe, and affordable housing in the private market. Participants choose their own housing. The amount of voucher assistance is determined by a number of factors including total annual gross income and family size. Depending on annual U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding, SC Housing provides up to 2500 vouchers in seven counties: Clarendon, Colleton, Dorchester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee and Lexington.

Map showing Clarendon, Colleton, Dorchester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee and Lexington counties eligible for Housing Choice Vouchers

For a list of all SC Public Housing Agencies and their jurisdictions please see the HUD Public Housing Authority Contact Information.

How do I apply for a waiting list?
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 us to assist those families. When we open our waiting lists again, we will advertise on this website and on the applicant portal. When the wait list is open, you may apply online or request a paper application in the mail. We do not accept applications in person at our office.

How long is the waiting list?
SC Housing's goal is to offer rental assistance to applicants within 24 months of application. However, due to the large number of applicants on the waiting list and HUD funding, we are unable to predict exactly when you will receive an offer of rental assistance. It is currently taking three to five years to offer assistance to a family on the waiting list. Unfortunately, there is no emergency assistance.

Questions and Address Changes:
If you are currently on the waiting list and want to check the status of your application, please call 803.896.8888 (toll-free 1.800.236.4009) or login to your applicant portal.

How to update existing application?
Updates to your existing applications must be made in writing to SC Housing. If you do not update your mailing address with SC Housing when it changes, you may miss important information and your name may be removed from the waiting list. Telephone requests to change your application are not accepted. Please submit all address changes via applicant portal, mail, fax or email to:

SC Housing Voucher Program
300-C Outlet Point Blvd.
Columbia, SC 29210
Fax: 803.551.4998
Email: voucher@schousing.com

General Voucher Program information may be obtained by calling 803.896.8888, (toll-free 1.800.236.4009) or on the HUD Housing Choice Vouchers Fact Sheet.

Please review the HCVP Participant Handbook (PDF) for other program requirements. You may find all SC Housing HCVP policies and guidelines in the Admin Plan.