What the Beaufort Housing Authority does
The Beaufort Housing Authority is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Beaufort County, South Carolina. It does not build or own all the housing in the area — instead, it administers federally funded programs that help low-income households afford rent, and it operates public housing properties where tenants pay rent based on their income.
The Authority's main programs are public housing (where you rent directly from them) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, sometimes called Section 8. Both require you to meet income limits, and both involve a waiting list. The Authority also handles other information programs that change based on available funding.
The Beaufort Housing Authority serves Beaufort County. If you live in a different county in South Carolina, you will need to contact that county's housing authority instead — each one operates independently.
Key Takeaways
- The Beaufort Housing Authority runs public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers, both of which have waiting lists and income requirements.
- Public housing means you rent from the Authority itself; Housing Choice Vouchers mean you find your own rental and the Authority pays part of the rent to your landlord.
- You must contact the Authority directly to learn current waiting list status, income limits, and whether new applications are being taken.
- The Authority's office is located in Beaufort, and you can reach them by phone or in person to ask about programs and get on a waiting list.
- If you are experiencing a housing crisis right now, contact your local 211 service or Beaufort County's emergency services to find when ready help while you wait for Authority programs.
Public housing managed by the Beaufort Housing Authority
Public housing means you rent an apartment or house directly from the Beaufort Housing Authority. The Authority owns or controls these properties, and your rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though the exact amount depends on the property and your household size.
To live in public housing, you must meet income limits set by the federal government. These limits change yearly and depend on household size. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four's limit. You will also need to pass a background check and meet other lease requirements, such as not having been evicted for non-payment in the past three years.
Public housing has a waiting list. How long you wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available. The Authority can tell you the current wait time when you call or visit.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
A Housing Choice Voucher is a subsidy that lets you rent from a private landlord instead of living in public housing. The Authority gives you a voucher, you find a rental property that meets program standards, and the Authority pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference.
Like public housing, vouchers require you to meet income limits and pass a background check. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and allow the Authority to inspect the property. Not all landlords participate, so finding a rental can take time.
The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is often longer than the public housing list. In some areas, the list is closed because demand is so high. Contact the Authority to find out whether the list is open and how long the current wait is.
Income limits and who can participate
Both public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers are limited to households earning below a certain amount. The limit depends on your household size and is set by the federal government each year. For example, a single person's limit might be around $35,000 to $40,000 annually, but this varies and changes yearly.
You will need to provide proof of income when you explore. This can be recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security statements, or unemployment benefits letters. If you are self-employed or have irregular income, bring documentation for the past two years.
The Authority also checks your background and rental history. They look for evictions, criminal convictions, and drug-related offenses. Some issues disqualify you permanently; others may disqualify you for a set number of years. Ask the Authority about their specific policies when you contact them.
How to contact the Beaufort Housing Authority
The Beaufort Housing Authority office is located in Beaufort, South Carolina. You can visit in person, call, or check their website for current contact information and office hours. When you call or visit, ask about current waiting list status, income limits for the current year, and whether applications are being taken.
Have your household size, current income, and any special needs (such as mobility issues or medical conditions) ready when you contact them. This helps them explain which programs might work for you and what documents you will need to bring.
If you cannot reach the Authority by phone or prefer to start online, many housing authorities now accept inquiries through their websites. Check whether Beaufort Housing Authority has an online portal or email contact option.
Other programs and emergency information
Beyond public housing and vouchers, the Beaufort Housing Authority may administer other programs depending on available funding. These can include emergency rental information, utility information, or rapid rehousing programs. Funding for these programs changes year to year, so what is available now may not be available next month.
If you are facing eviction or homelessness right now, do not wait for a public housing or voucher process to process. Contact Beaufort County's emergency services, call 211 (a free referral line), or reach out to local nonprofits that provide emergency housing information. These organizations can often move faster than the Authority's regular programs.
The Authority can also tell you about other local resources when you call. Staff can point you toward utility information, food banks, and other support services in Beaufort County.
Waiting lists and how long they take
Both public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers have waiting lists. How long you wait depends on the program and current demand. In some cases, the wait is a few months; in others, it can be several years. The Authority prioritizes certain households — for example, people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities may move up the list.
While you are on the waiting list, your circumstances may change. If your income increases, you may no longer meet the income limit. If you move out of Beaufort County, you will need to transfer to a different housing authority or withdraw your process. Tell the Authority about major changes so your file stays current.
The Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. You will have a set amount of time to respond and complete the next steps. If you do not respond by the important date, you may lose your place on the list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get on the waiting list?
Contact the Beaufort Housing Authority directly by phone or in person. They will tell you whether the list is open and what documents you need to bring. You will need proof of income, identification, and information about your household. The Authority will explain the process and timeline.
What is the difference between public housing and a Housing Choice Voucher?
In public housing, you rent from the Authority itself and pay rent based on your income. With a Housing Choice Voucher, you find your own rental and the Authority pays part of the rent to your landlord. Vouchers give you more choice in where you live, but not all landlords accept them.
Can I be denied public housing or a voucher because of my criminal record?
It depends on the offense and how long ago it happened. The Authority has policies about which crimes disqualify you permanently and which ones disqualify you for a set period. Contact them to discuss your specific situation — they can tell you whether you are may be able to access.
What if I cannot afford rent right now while I wait for the Authority?
Call 211 or contact Beaufort County's emergency services to find when ready rental information. Local nonprofits and county programs may have emergency funds available. The Beaufort Housing Authority can also tell you about other resources when you call.
Do I have to live in Beaufort County to use the Beaufort Housing Authority?
Yes. The Authority serves Beaufort County only. If you live in a different county, you will need to contact that county's housing authority. Each housing authority operates independently and has its own waiting lists and programs.