How Child Support Is Calculated in South Carolina

South Carolina's child support guidelines are based on the Income Shares Model, and the guideline amount is presumed correct unless a court finds it unjust or inappropriate and makes written findings. The guidelines (2024 edition, codified at S.C. Code of Regulations Chapter 114, Article 47) are published by the Department of Social Services, which also offers an online Child Support Calculator for estimates.

It is free to apply for child support services from the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). Parents can apply online through the DSS Child Support Customer Service Portal or by downloading and submitting the paper application (English and Spanish versions are available).

Child support runs until the child turns 18, marries, or becomes self-supporting (as determined by the court), whichever comes first. It continues past 18 if the child is enrolled in and still attending high school, but not beyond high school graduation or the end of the school year after the child turns 19, whichever is later. Support can also continue past 18 under a prior agreement or order, or, in the court's discretion, for as long as a child's physical or mental disability or other exceptional circumstances continue.

In a divorce, the Family Court can change orders about the care, custody and support of children at any time after the final judgment. A parent can ask for a modification when either parent's financial situation changes. DSS can help modify an order at no cost: it requests updated financial information from both parents on request or at scheduled times, can make the change administratively if the parents agree, and otherwise presents the case to a Family Court judge. A parent can also send DSS a written request for modification by certified mail; if DSS finds no showing of changed circumstances, the parent may petition the Family Court. Only payments that come due after the modification can be changed.

DSS can use income withholding from wages; a Rule to Show Cause (contempt) hearing, where a judge can fine a parent up to $1,500 and/or jail the parent for up to a year, with a bench warrant if the parent does not appear; suspension or revocation of driver's, occupational, professional and business licenses ($500 or more owed and no payment in 60 days, after 45 days' notice); federal tax refund intercept ($150 and three months behind on TANF cases, $500 otherwise); state tax refund intercept ($100 and three months behind); unemployment benefit intercept; liens on bank accounts, insurance claims and other property ($1,000 or more owed), including seizure of assets; passport denial ($2,500 or more); federal administrative offset; and credit bureau reporting. Unpaid support of $1,000 or more is also a lien in favor of the parent owed support.

South Carolina's child support agency is the Child Support Services Division of the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). It locates parents, establishes paternity, and establishes, modifies and enforces support orders. Applying is free: a parent whose child lives with them can apply online through the Child Support Customer Service Portal or with the downloadable application (English or Spanish); a parent whose child does not live with them can use the Non-Custodial Parent Application (DSS Form 27103) to establish paternity. The portal (also in a mobile version) shows case information, appointment times and payment histories. Payment information is available 24 hours a day through the State Disbursement Unit's automated phone system. Customer Service Center: 1-800-768-5858.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) provides an online Child Support Calculator so you can get an estimate of how much child support may be ordered in your case, based on the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (updated guidelines took effect January 15, 2024). DSS says the result depends on the accuracy of the income and deduction amounts entered, some attorneys may use other models that produce slightly different results, and in all cases the Family Court judge has the authority to determine the amount of support.