South Carolina child support payments typically range from $100 to $7,290 per month, with the statewide average payment of $458.75 per month as reported by the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Under the Income Shares Model established by S.C. Code Ann. § 63-17-470, both parents share financial responsibility proportionally based on their gross monthly incomes. The January 2024 guideline update increased support amounts by approximately 25% and expanded the combined income cap from $30,000 to $40,000 per month.
Key Facts: South Carolina Child Support
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Calculation Model | Income Shares Model |
| Average Monthly Payment | $458.75 (2025 DSS data) |
| Payment Range | $100 to $7,290 per month |
| Combined Income Cap | $750 to $40,000 per month |
| Filing Fee | $150 |
| Modification Threshold | 15% or greater difference from guidelines |
| Self-Support Reserve | $1,010.50 per month |
| Shared Custody Threshold | 109 overnights per year (30%) |
| Termination Age | 18 or high school graduation (up to age 19) |
How South Carolina Calculates Child Support
South Carolina determines how much is child support by using the Income Shares Model, which ensures children receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if both parents lived together under one roof. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-17-470 and South Carolina Social Services Regulation 114-4710, courts combine both parents' gross monthly incomes, locate the corresponding basic support obligation in the statutory schedule, then divide that obligation proportionally based on each parent's share of combined income.
The calculation follows a specific formula that accounts for the economic realities of raising children in South Carolina. A parent earning 60% of the combined household income pays 60% of the basic child support obligation plus 60% of approved add-on expenses such as health insurance premiums, extraordinary medical costs exceeding $250 per child annually, and work-related childcare expenses adjusted for applicable tax credits.
South Carolina operates as a gross-income jurisdiction, meaning courts calculate support based on total income before taxes and deductions. Gross income includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment earnings, rental income, Social Security benefits, disability payments, annuities, and retirement benefits. Courts may impute income to parents who are voluntarily unemployed or underemployed based on their employment potential, work history, qualifications, and available job opportunities under S.C. Code Regs. § 114-4720.
The 2024 Guideline Update: What Changed
South Carolina updated its child support guidelines on January 15, 2024, marking the first revision since 2014, and these changes significantly impact how much is child support in South Carolina for most families. The ten-year gap between updates meant the previous guidelines had not kept pace with inflation or the rising costs of raising children. The 2024 revision addressed these deficiencies with substantial increases across all income levels.
The basic child support obligations increased by approximately 25% or more compared to 2014 levels. A family with combined gross income of $5,000 per month and two children previously faced a basic obligation of approximately $1,050 under the 2014 guidelines; that same family now faces an obligation of approximately $1,312 under the 2024 guidelines, representing a 25% increase. The combined gross income threshold expanded dramatically from $30,000 to $40,000 per month, better serving higher-earning families who previously required judicial discretion for support determinations.
Parents with existing orders based on the 2014 guidelines may petition for modification if the new guidelines produce a 20% or greater difference from their current support amount. The self-support reserve increased to $1,010.50 per month, based on federal poverty guidelines, protecting low-income obligors from support orders that would push them below subsistence levels while still maintaining a minimum support obligation of $100 per month in most cases.
South Carolina Child Support Schedule: Payment Examples
The following table illustrates basic monthly child support obligations at various combined gross income levels under the 2024 South Carolina Child Support Guidelines. These amounts represent the total support obligation before division between parents.
| Combined Monthly Gross Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $385 | $563 | $660 | $726 |
| $4,000 | $664 | $972 | $1,139 | $1,253 |
| $6,000 | $886 | $1,295 | $1,518 | $1,670 |
| $8,000 | $1,074 | $1,571 | $1,841 | $2,025 |
| $10,000 | $1,244 | $1,820 | $2,133 | $2,347 |
| $15,000 | $1,593 | $2,330 | $2,731 | $3,004 |
| $20,000 | $1,843 | $2,695 | $3,159 | $3,475 |
| $30,000 | $2,318 | $3,390 | $3,973 | $4,371 |
| $40,000 | $2,793 | $4,085 | $4,788 | $5,267 |
Note: These figures represent approximate basic obligations from the 2024 Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations. Actual amounts may vary based on the official schedule. Always verify using the South Carolina DSS Child Support Calculator.
The Three Child Support Worksheets Explained
South Carolina uses three distinct worksheets to calculate child support based on custody arrangements, each applying slightly different formulas to account for the economic realities of various parenting structures.
Worksheet A applies to sole physical custody arrangements where one parent has primary custody and the other parent has standard visitation of fewer than 109 overnights per year. This worksheet calculates the basic support obligation from the schedule, adds approved expenses, and assigns each parent's share based on their percentage of combined gross income. The noncustodial parent pays their share directly to the custodial parent.
Worksheet B applies to split custody situations where each parent has primary physical custody of at least one child from the relationship. This worksheet performs separate calculations for each household, determining the support owed to each parent, then offsetting these amounts so that only the difference is paid from the higher-income parent to the lower-income parent.
Worksheet C applies when each parent exercises at least 109 overnights per year with the children, representing approximately 30% of annual time. This shared custody formula multiplies the basic obligation by 1.5 to account for duplicate household expenses—each parent maintains a full residence capable of housing the children. The multiplied obligation is then divided proportionally, with credits applied for the time each parent has the children.
Income Definitions and Imputation Rules
Understanding what counts as income is essential for determining how much is child support in South Carolina, as the guidelines cast a wide net over virtually all sources of revenue. Gross income encompasses wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, overtime pay, severance, self-employment income, partnership distributions, rental income, dividend and interest income, trust income, Social Security benefits (including disability and retirement), workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, veteran's benefits, annuity payments, pensions, and gifts or prizes if received regularly.
Courts may impute income to parents who are voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, meaning the judge uses the parent's earning potential rather than actual income for support calculations. Before imputing income, the court must evaluate the parent's employment history, education, training, job skills, health, age, and available employment opportunities in the local job market. The motivation behind any income reduction matters—a parent who quits a high-paying job specifically to reduce support obligations faces income imputation, while a parent who experiences legitimate job loss through no fault of their own may receive more favorable treatment.
In the Sanderson v. Sanderson case, a father earning $95,000 annually as a corporate manager lost his job and the trial court imputed $64,000 in income. The appellate court found the trial court abused its discretion by imputing too high an amount given the father's good-faith efforts to find employment, but still required some income imputation because the father should have been able to find some work. This case illustrates South Carolina courts' balanced approach: good-faith career changes may be respected, but complete unemployment by an able-bodied parent with marketable skills typically results in income imputation.
Add-On Expenses: Health Insurance, Medical, and Childcare
Beyond the basic child support obligation, South Carolina guidelines require parents to share certain additional child-related expenses proportionally based on their income shares. These add-ons can substantially increase the total support obligation and are calculated separately from the basic schedule amount.
Health insurance premiums paid for the children are divided between parents according to their income percentages. If the paying parent provides insurance and pays $300 monthly in premiums attributable to the children, and that parent has 40% of combined income, they receive credit for 60% of the premium cost ($180) because they are covering more than their proportional share. Extraordinary medical expenses exceeding $250 per child per year—including ongoing therapy, orthodontia, prescription medications, and medical equipment—are similarly divided.
Work-related childcare expenses necessary for either parent to maintain employment or attend education or training programs to enhance earning capacity are divided proportionally. These expenses are adjusted to account for the federal and state child care tax credits claimed by the parent who pays the childcare provider. If one parent claims a $600 childcare tax credit, the creditable childcare expenses are reduced by that amount before division between the parents.
When Child Support Ends in South Carolina
Child support in South Carolina terminates when the child reaches age 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, but in no event does the obligation extend past the conclusion of the school year in which the child turns 19. A child born in September who turns 18 in September of their senior year continues receiving support through their May or June graduation. A child who was held back a grade and turns 19 during the school year receives support through that school year but not beyond age 19.
Early termination occurs through emancipation, which happens automatically upon the child's marriage or entry into the armed forces. Courts may also declare emancipation if a minor becomes self-supporting and independent of parental control. Death of either the child or the obligor parent also terminates the support obligation, though arrearages owed at the time of death remain enforceable against the deceased parent's estate.
South Carolina does not require parents to pay for college education through the child support system, but courts may order contribution to post-secondary educational expenses if certain factors are met: the child has demonstrated academic ability and motivation, the child cannot otherwise afford college, the educational program would benefit the child, and the parent has the financial ability to contribute. These agreements typically must be established before the child turns 18 or as part of the original divorce decree.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Either parent may petition for modification of child support under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-17-310 when a substantial change in circumstances makes the current order unreasonable. South Carolina law presumes a substantial change exists when there is a 15% or greater difference between the current support amount and what the guidelines would produce based on current circumstances. The $150 filing fee applies to modification petitions.
Valid grounds for modification include involuntary job loss, significant income changes for either parent, disability affecting earning capacity, changes in the child's needs due to medical conditions or educational requirements, changes in custody arrangements, and emancipation of one child when support covers multiple children. The 2024 guideline update itself may constitute grounds for modification if applying the new guidelines produces a 20% or greater difference from the existing order amount.
Courts cannot retroactively modify child support, but modifications take effect from the date the petition was filed. This means parents experiencing changed circumstances should file promptly rather than waiting, as any support that accrues between the change in circumstances and the filing date cannot be adjusted. The filing fee for modification is $150, though parents in DSS-administered cases can request administrative review at no cost.
Enforcement: What Happens When Parents Don't Pay
South Carolina aggressively enforces child support obligations through multiple mechanisms designed to ensure children receive the financial support they are owed. Wage garnishment serves as the primary enforcement tool, with the Department of Child Support Services authorized to deduct payments directly from wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, vacation pay, workers' compensation, disability payments, and retirement benefits. For lump-sum payments like bonuses, CSSD typically withholds 50% or the total arrears amount, whichever is less.
Contempt of court proceedings carry serious consequences for non-paying parents. Under South Carolina law, a parent found in willful contempt faces fines up to $1,500, up to 300 hours of community service, or imprisonment for up to one year. Parents can purge the contempt finding and obtain release from jail by paying the overdue amount. Enforcement can begin when payments are just five days late, and bench warrants are issued immediately when obligors fail to appear for Rule to Show Cause hearings.
Additional enforcement measures include driver's license suspension, professional and recreational license suspension, passport denial for arrearages exceeding $2,500, property liens on real estate, vehicles, and other assets, bank account seizure, tax refund interception at both state and federal levels, 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 living in another state (misdemeanor) or when arrearages exceed $10,000 or payments are overdue for more than two years (felony punishable by up to two years in federal prison).
Deviations from the Guidelines
While the child support guidelines create a presumptive support amount, courts may deviate from the guidelines when applying them would be unjust or inappropriate under the circumstances. Judges must make written findings explaining any deviation, specifying the deviation amount and the factual basis for the departure, creating a record for potential appellate review.
Factors warranting deviation include educational expenses for the child exceeding normal costs, travel expenses associated with visitation when parents live far apart, significant income or assets of the child, extreme hardship on either party, special needs of a child requiring additional support beyond guidelines, and arrangements where the child spends significant time with each parent but below the 109-overnight threshold for shared custody calculations.
The self-support reserve provides automatic deviation protection for low-income obligors. If the paying parent's net income after child support would fall below $1,010.50 per month, the support obligation may be reduced to preserve a basic subsistence level. However, even with self-support reserve protection, courts typically order at least $100 per month unless the obligor has zero income.
How to Calculate Your Child Support: Step-by-Step
Determining how much is child support in South Carolina for your specific situation requires gathering financial information and applying the guidelines systematically. Following these steps provides an accurate estimate of potential support obligations.
First, calculate each parent's gross monthly income by totaling all income sources including wages, self-employment income, investment income, benefits, and any other regular revenue. Convert annual figures to monthly by dividing by 12. If either parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, estimate potential income based on employment history and qualifications.
Second, combine both parents' gross monthly incomes and locate the combined income on the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations. Find the corresponding basic obligation for your number of children. The South Carolina DSS provides an official calculator at dss.sc.gov/child-support/calculator/ that performs this lookup automatically.
Third, calculate each parent's income share as a percentage of combined income. If Parent A earns $4,000 and Parent B earns $6,000, their combined income is $10,000, with Parent A responsible for 40% and Parent B responsible for 60% of the support obligation.
Fourth, add any applicable add-on expenses—health insurance premiums for children, extraordinary medical expenses over $250 per child per year, and work-related childcare costs (adjusted for tax credits). Divide these expenses according to each parent's income percentage.
Fifth, determine which worksheet applies based on custody arrangement (Worksheet A for sole custody, B for split custody, C for shared custody with 109+ overnights) and apply the appropriate formula. The noncustodial parent's total obligation equals their share of the basic obligation plus their share of add-ons, minus any credits for expenses they pay directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average child support payment in South Carolina?
The average monthly child support payment in South Carolina is $458.75 according to 2025 data from the South Carolina Department of Social Services. However, actual payments range widely from $100 to $7,290 per month depending on combined parental income, number of children, custody arrangement, and applicable add-ons for health insurance, medical expenses, and childcare.
How is child support calculated if one parent refuses to work?
South Carolina courts impute income to voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parents under S.C. Code Regs. § 114-4720. The court examines the parent's employment history, education, job skills, health, and local job market opportunities to determine potential earning capacity. Support is then calculated based on this imputed income rather than actual earnings, preventing parents from avoiding support obligations by refusing to work.
Can child support be modified if I lose my job?
Yes, involuntary job loss qualifies as a substantial change in circumstances warranting modification under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-17-310. File a modification petition promptly, as modifications cannot be applied retroactively but take effect from the filing date. The $150 filing fee applies, and you must demonstrate the job loss was involuntary and show good-faith efforts to find new employment.
Does child support continue through college in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not automatically require child support through college. Support terminates at age 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later, but never past age 19. Courts may order contribution to post-secondary educational expenses only if the child demonstrates academic ability, cannot otherwise afford college, would benefit from the education, and the parent has financial ability to contribute.
What happens if the other parent doesn't pay child support?
Non-payment triggers enforcement through wage garnishment, contempt proceedings (up to $1,500 fine or one year imprisonment), license suspension, passport denial, property liens, bank seizures, and tax refund interception. Federal criminal charges apply for arrearages exceeding $5,000 (misdemeanor) or $10,000 (felony with up to two years imprisonment). All arrearages remain enforceable until paid in full.
How often can child support be modified in South Carolina?
There is no statutory limit on modification frequency, but each petition requires demonstrating a substantial change in circumstances. The state presumes substantial change exists when guidelines would produce a 15% or greater difference from the current order. DSS-administered cases are automatically reviewed every three years. Filing fee is $150 for court petitions.
Does shared custody reduce child support payments?
Yes, shared custody affects calculations when each parent exercises at least 109 overnights per year (approximately 30% of time). Worksheet C applies a 1.5 multiplier to the basic obligation to account for duplicate household expenses, then divides the total based on income shares with credits for time with children. The higher-income parent typically still pays support, but the amount is reduced compared to sole custody arrangements.
What income is counted for child support in South Carolina?
Gross income includes all sources: wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, overtime, self-employment income, rental income, dividends, interest, Social Security benefits, disability payments, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, veterans' benefits, pensions, annuities, trust distributions, and recurring gifts. The only exclusions are means-tested public assistance benefits like TANF and SSI.
Can I handle child support without an attorney?
Yes, the South Carolina Department of Social Services provides free assistance establishing and enforcing child support orders through their Child Support Division. Self-represented parties can use the official DSS calculator at dss.sc.gov/child-support/calculator/ and access court forms through the Family Court Clerk's office. The $150 filing fee can be waived for households earning below 125% of federal poverty guidelines.
How long does it take to get a child support order in South Carolina?
Initial child support orders typically take 30-90 days from filing to final order in uncontested cases. Contested cases requiring hearings may take 90-180 days. Temporary support orders can be obtained within 2-4 weeks through expedited motion practice. Modification petitions generally take 60-120 days depending on whether the other parent contests the change.
As of May 2026. Filing fees and court procedures subject to change. Verify current amounts with your local South Carolina Family Court Clerk before filing.
Author: Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. Florida Bar No. 21022 | Covering South Carolina divorce law