South Carolina parents paying child support must submit payments through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU), the centralized payment processing center established under S.C. Code § 63-17-610. The SDU accepts payments via income withholding orders (the most common method), online through ExpertPay at 2.95% fee (maximum $60), MoneyGram cash payments at $3.99 per transaction, or mailed checks to PO Box 100302, Columbia, SC 29202-3302. Payments are credited within 2-5 business days depending on method. Over 50% of South Carolina child support cases use automatic wage withholding, which deducts support directly from paychecks before the paying parent ever receives the funds.
Key Facts: South Carolina Child Support Payments
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Processing Center | SC State Disbursement Unit (SDU) |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 100302, Columbia, SC 29202-3302 |
| Online Payment Portal | ExpertPay (www.expertpay.com) |
| ExpertPay Fee | 2.95% of payment, max $60 |
| MoneyGram Cash Fee | $3.99 per payment |
| Wage Withholding | Mandatory in most cases |
| Processing Time | 2-5 business days |
| Customer Service | 1-800-768-5858 |
| DSS Annual Fee | $35/year (non-assistance cases after $500 collected) |
| Delinquency Threshold | 30 days triggers automatic wage withholding |
Understanding How to Pay Child Support in South Carolina
South Carolina law requires all child support payments to flow through the State Disbursement Unit rather than directly between parents. Under S.C. Code § 63-17-610, the SDU collects and distributes child and spousal support payments for both DSS-managed cases and private support cases enforced by the Clerks of Court. This centralized system creates a complete payment record, protects both parties legally, and enables enforcement when payments are missed. The system processes millions of dollars annually and provides multiple payment methods to accommodate different financial situations.
The SDU accepts five primary payment methods: income withholding orders (automatic paycheck deductions), ExpertPay online payments, MoneyGram cash payments, mailed checks or money orders, and telephone payments. Each method has different processing times and fees. Income withholding remains the preferred method under South Carolina law because it ensures consistent, timely payments without requiring the paying parent to take monthly action.
Income Withholding Orders: The Primary Payment Method
Income withholding is the default child support payment method in South Carolina, with over half of all arrangements using this automated system. Under S.C. Code § 63-17-1210, state law requires immediate income withholding in most child support cases. When a court issues an Income Withholding Order, it is served directly on the paying parent's employer. The employer then deducts the support amount from each paycheck and remits it directly to the State Disbursement Unit, which distributes it to the custodial parent.
Employers must begin withholding no later than the pay period immediately following receipt of the income withholding order. The withheld amount must be remitted to the SDU within seven working days of the pay date. Federal and state law give child support withholdings priority over all other income withholdings except taxes. Employers may charge up to $3.00 per paycheck for processing the withholding.
If a paying parent is not subject to immediate withholding (rare circumstances), withholding will automatically begin when payments become 30 days delinquent. The Child Support Enforcement Division monitors all cases and issues income withholding orders when delinquency is confirmed and new employment information is verified. Types of income subject to withholding include wages, salaries, commissions, vacation pay, bonuses, independent contractor payments, workers' compensation, disability payments, annuity and retirement benefits, and interest income.
ExpertPay Online Payment Portal
ExpertPay serves as South Carolina's official online child support payment portal, allowing paying parents to submit support electronically from any computer or smartphone. The platform is accessible at www.expertpay.com and accepts multiple payment methods including bank account withdrawals, credit cards, debit cards, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Payments made through ExpertPay are received at the State Disbursement Unit within 4-5 business days.
The ExpertPay fee structure charges 2.95% of the payment amount, with a maximum fee capped at $60 per transaction. For example, a $500 child support payment would incur a $14.75 fee, while a $3,000 payment would hit the $60 maximum cap. Parents can make one-time payments or set up recurring automatic payments tied to their pay schedule. Telephone payments are also available at 1-800-403-0879 using the same fee structure.
To enroll in ExpertPay, paying parents need their child support case number and Social Security number. The system allows users to view payment history, track which payments have been credited, and manage multiple cases if supporting children from different relationships. For parents making larger monthly payments, ExpertPay's $60 fee cap can make it more cost-effective than percentage-based alternatives.
MoneyGram Cash Payment Options
MoneyGram provides South Carolina parents with in-person cash payment capabilities at thousands of retail locations throughout the state. Walmart and CVS Pharmacy are the primary retailers offering MoneyGram services for child support payments. Each cash payment incurs a flat $3.99 fee regardless of the amount. Walmart locations also accept PIN-based debit card payments through the MoneyGram system.
Payments made through MoneyGram locations are credited to the State Disbursement Unit within 2 business days, making this one of the faster payment methods available. To complete a MoneyGram payment, parents need their child support case number and the receive code specific to South Carolina child support (available from DSS or the SDU). The payment is electronically transmitted to the SDU, eliminating mail delays.
MoneyGram also offers online credit and debit card payments through their website. Online payments use a tiered fee schedule based on payment amount. Telephone payments are available at 1-800-926-9400. Online MoneyGram payments are credited within 2 business days, matching the speed of in-person cash payments. This option works well for parents who prefer not to visit physical locations but want faster processing than ExpertPay provides.
Mailing Checks and Money Orders to the SDU
The State Disbursement Unit accepts personal checks, certified checks, cashier's checks, and money orders by mail with no additional processing fees. Mail payments to: South Carolina State Disbursement Unit, PO Box 100302, Columbia, SC 29202-3302. All payments must be made payable to "South Carolina State Disbursement Unit" and include the payer's full name, assigned Member ID Number, and Social Security number for proper crediting.
Personal check privileges can be revoked if a check is returned for insufficient funds. After a returned check, subsequent payments must be made via certified check, money order, cash payment through MoneyGram, or electronic payment through ExpertPay. Processing time for mailed payments depends on postal delivery plus 2-3 business days for SDU processing after receipt.
Payments by mail work best for parents who prefer traditional payment methods and plan payments well in advance of due dates. Certified mail with return receipt provides proof of payment submission. However, mail delays can cause late posting, so parents should mail payments at least 10 days before the due date to ensure timely crediting.
How Recipients Receive Child Support Payments
Custodial parents receiving child support in South Carolina have two options for payment delivery: direct deposit to a personal bank account (free of charge) or the South Carolina Way2Go Card prepaid debit MasterCard issued by Comerica Bank. Under S.C. Code § 63-17-620, all recipients must select one of these electronic disbursement methods by completing an enrollment form or registering online through the CS Portal.
Direct deposit transfers support payments directly into the recipient's checking or savings account at their chosen financial institution. There are no fees for direct deposit, and properly identified payments are typically available within 2 business days of SDU receipt. Recipients provide their bank routing number and account number during enrollment. Direct deposit is the fastest and most cost-effective option for recipients.
The Way2Go Card provides an alternative for recipients who do not have bank accounts or prefer a dedicated card for child support funds. The card can be used for purchases anywhere MasterCard is accepted and for ATM cash withdrawals. To minimize fees, cardholders should use in-network ATMs (limit 4 free withdrawals per month), request cash back with purchases when possible, and use the mobile app at GoProgram.com to check balances instead of calling customer service. The Way2Go Card customer service line is 1-844-207-3226.
Wage Withholding Requirements for Employers
South Carolina employers play a critical role in child support enforcement through mandatory compliance with Income Withholding Orders. Under S.C. Code § 63-17-1220, employers must honor all properly served withholding orders, including orders from other states under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. Failure to comply exposes employers to liability for the amounts that should have been withheld.
When an employer receives an Income Withholding Order, withholding must begin no later than the first pay period following receipt. The employer must remit withheld amounts to the SDU within seven working days of each payday. Maximum withholding is limited to 50% of the employee's net disposable income, though most orders fall well below this threshold. Employers may deduct a fee of up to $3.00 per paycheck for administrative costs.
Employers can submit child support withholdings electronically through ExpertPay's employer portal. After a one-time $2.50 setup fee, there are no transaction charges for electronic remittance. Electronic submission provides faster crediting and creates an automatic payment record. Employers with multiple employees under child support orders find the electronic system particularly efficient. Paper checks can still be mailed to the SDU with proper case identification.
Consequences of Failing to Pay Child Support
South Carolina aggressively enforces child support obligations through multiple legal mechanisms. Under S.C. Code § 63-17-2310, parents who accumulate $500 or more in arrears and have not made a payment within 60 days face license suspension. The state can suspend driver's licenses, professional licenses (including medical, legal, and contractor licenses), and recreational licenses (hunting and fishing). Parents receive 45 days notice before suspension, during which they can contact DSS to establish a payment agreement.
Contempt of court is the primary judicial enforcement tool for willful non-payment. A custodial parent files a "rule to show cause" requiring the delinquent parent to explain their failure to pay. If found in contempt, penalties include fines up to $1,500, up to 300 hours of community service, or incarceration for up to one year. Parents can often purge contempt and secure release by paying the overdue amount. However, contempt requires proving willful violation—that the parent knew of the order and had the ability to pay.
Additional enforcement mechanisms include tax refund interception (federal and state), property liens under S.C. Code § 63-17-2710, passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500, and credit bureau reporting. Federal criminal charges apply when support is past due for more than one year or exceeds $5,000 for a child in another state (misdemeanor). Arrears exceeding $10,000 or two years overdue constitute a federal felony punishable by up to two years imprisonment. Importantly, there is no statute of limitations for child support arrears in South Carolina.
Modifying Child Support Payments
South Carolina allows child support modification when a substantial change in circumstances occurs, such as job loss, significant income change, disability, or changes in custody arrangements. Under S.C. Code § 63-17-320, either parent can petition the court for modification. The filing fee for a modification request is $150, paid to the Clerk of Court when submitting Form SCCA431 (Support Complaint) with the "increase support" or "decrease support" box checked.
Fee waivers are available for households earning below 125% of federal poverty guidelines, which equals $19,500 for a single person or $40,000 for a family of four in 2026. To request a fee waiver, file Form SCCA700 (Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis) along with the modification petition. The court will review financial eligibility before waiving fees.
Parents receiving DSS child support services can request a review of their support order every three years or whenever a significant change in circumstances occurs. This administrative review is free for DSS cases. If the review shows a difference of at least 15% from the current order, DSS will pursue a modification. Until a court enters a modified order, the original support amount remains in effect and must be paid—do not reduce payments based on anticipated modification.
Filing for Child Support Through DSS vs. Family Court
South Carolina provides two pathways for establishing child support: through the Department of Social Services (DSS) or directly through Family Court. The DSS route costs nothing to apply if you receive public assistance and only $35 per year for non-assistance cases (charged after $500 is collected). Family Court filings require a $150 filing fee plus potential attorney costs. Understanding these differences helps parents choose the appropriate path.
DSS Child Support Enforcement handles paternity establishment, support order creation, enforcement, and modification. Apply online through the DSS portal or at your local DSS office. DSS cases typically take longer than private court actions but provide free ongoing enforcement. DSS cannot represent either parent legally but will pursue collection and enforcement actions on behalf of the child.
Private Family Court filings give parents more control over timeline and case strategy. The $150 filing fee applies, plus attorney fees if you hire representation. Family Court can typically resolve cases faster than the DSS administrative process. Motions and modifications are also handled through Family Court. An administrative fee of 5% is added when payments are processed through Family Court rather than DSS.
Tracking Your Child Support Payments
The South Carolina Child Support Portal (available through DSS) allows both paying and receiving parents to monitor payment history, verify payment crediting, and access case information online. Parents can register at the DSS website using their case number and personal information. The portal shows payment dates, amounts, and whether payments have been distributed to the receiving parent.
Keeping personal payment records is essential even with portal access. Save confirmation numbers from ExpertPay and MoneyGram payments. Retain receipts from cash payments. For mailed checks, use certified mail with return receipt and keep copies of all checks with bank statements showing when checks cleared. These records prove payment if disputes arise or if the SDU experiences processing delays.
The SDU customer service line at 1-800-768-5858 can answer questions about payment posting, provide case balance information, and explain any holds or issues affecting payment distribution. Representatives are available during business hours and can research payment discrepancies. Have your case number and Member ID ready when calling.
H2: Frequently Asked Questions About Paying Child Support in South Carolina
What is the fastest way to pay child support in South Carolina?
MoneyGram payments (in-person cash or online) provide the fastest processing at just 2 business days to the State Disbursement Unit. ExpertPay online payments take 4-5 business days. Mailed checks require postal delivery time plus 2-3 business days for SDU processing. Wage withholding processes automatically within 7 days of each paycheck.
How much does ExpertPay charge for child support payments?
ExpertPay charges 2.95% of the payment amount, with a maximum fee capped at $60. A $500 payment costs $14.75 in fees, while any payment of $2,034 or higher incurs the $60 maximum. MoneyGram cash payments charge a flat $3.99 regardless of amount. Mailed checks have no SDU processing fee.
Can I pay child support directly to my ex instead of through the SDU?
No, South Carolina law under S.C. Code § 63-17-610 requires all child support payments to flow through the State Disbursement Unit. Direct payments to the other parent do not count as official child support and provide no legal protection. Always pay through the SDU to create an official record.
What happens if I miss a child support payment in South Carolina?
If you become 30 days delinquent, automatic wage withholding will be issued to your employer. At $500 in arrears with no payment for 60 days, license suspension proceedings begin. Continued non-payment can result in contempt of court (up to one year jail), tax refund interception, property liens, and credit damage. There is no statute of limitations on child support arrears.
How do I set up automatic child support payments?
Wage withholding through your employer is the most reliable automatic method. Alternatively, register at ExpertPay.com and enroll in automatic bank account withdrawals tied to your pay schedule. Both methods ensure consistent, on-time payments without requiring monthly action from you.
Can my employer charge me for processing child support withholding?
Yes, South Carolina law allows employers to deduct up to $3.00 per pay period for administrative costs of processing Income Withholding Orders. This fee is charged in addition to the support amount and is deducted from your paycheck along with the child support.
How do I receive child support payments in South Carolina?
Custodial parents must enroll for either direct deposit to a personal bank account (free) or the South Carolina Way2Go Card prepaid debit MasterCard. Complete enrollment online through the CS Portal or by submitting a form to the SDU. Properly identified payments are typically available within 2 business days.
What is the $35 annual DSS fee for child support?
If you have never received public assistance (AFDC/TANF), DSS charges a $35 annual fee for child support services. This fee is only collected after you have received at least $500 in child support. The fee covers administrative costs of locating parents, establishing orders, and enforcement services.
How do I prove I paid child support in South Carolina?
The SDU maintains official payment records accessible through the online Child Support Portal. Keep ExpertPay and MoneyGram confirmation numbers and receipts. For mailed payments, use certified mail with return receipt and retain bank statements showing cleared checks. These records provide evidence in any payment disputes.
Can child support be modified if I lose my job?
Yes, job loss constitutes a substantial change in circumstances under S.C. Code § 63-17-320. File Form SCCA431 with the Family Court, pay the $150 filing fee (waivable for low-income parents), and request a hearing. Continue paying the current amount until a court modifies the order—unilaterally reducing payments creates arrears.