Everything you need to know about South Carolina child support laws, updated for 2026.
Last verified: February 2026
South Carolina child support laws, administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS), aim to ensure children receive the financial and emotional support they need from both parents. The state uses the Income Shares Model to calculate support obligations based on both parents’ incomes.
South Carolina Child Support: Quick Summary
- Governing Law: S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-17 and the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines
- Model Used: Income Shares Model
- Age of Termination: 18 (or high school graduation, up to age 19)
- Administering Agency: Department of Social Services (DSS), Child Support Services Division (CSSD)
- Contact: 1-800-768-5858
- Online Portal: SC DSS Child Support
Table Of Contents
How to Apply for Child Support in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) administers child support through the Child Support Services Division (CSSD). The state offers a customer service portal where parents can access support services online.
To apply for services:
- Download the Custodial Parent’s Application for Child Support Services
- Complete all sections thoroughly
- Submit to your local DSS office
Locate DSS offices and contact information
Services provided by the CSSD:
- Non-custodial parent (NCP) location services
- Paternity establishment
- Support order establishment
- Support order enforcement
- Review and modification of support orders
What to remember:
- The CSSD does not handle visitation or custody matters. Those must be addressed separately through Family Court.
- The CSSD may close your case for failure to communicate or provide requested information.
- The South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families offers educational services for fathers in the state.
How is Paternity Established in South Carolina?
Under South Carolina law, if a child is born to a married couple, the husband is presumed to be the father. However, a child born to unmarried parents has no legal father until paternity is formally established.
Methods of paternity establishment:
Voluntary:
- Sign the Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form at the hospital after birth
- Sign the AOP at County Health Department offices or the State Office of Vital Records (small fee applies)
Involuntary:
- Either parent petitions the DSS or court for genetic testing
- The DSS provides free paternity testing services through the courts
Important considerations:
- An unmarried father has no legal visitation or custody rights until paternity is established.
- If uncertain about paternity, do not sign the AOP at the hospital. Instead, enroll in the Responsible Father Registry, which protects your rights should the child be placed for adoption.
Apply for paternity services through DSS
How is Child Support Determined in South Carolina?
South Carolina uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. The formula considers:
- Gross incomes of both parents (excluding TANF, SSI, and food stamps)
- Alimony payments
- Number of children covered by the support order
- Health insurance costs
- Childcare costs
- Custody and visitation arrangements
Grounds for deviation from the guidelines:
- Child has significant income of their own
- Equitable distribution of property
- Extraordinary educational expenses (private or specialized schooling)
- Extraordinary medical expenses
- Families with more than six children
- Very low-income or very high-income households
How to Calculate Child Support in South Carolina
South Carolina provides several tools for estimating child support:
- Online Calculator: SC DSS Child Support Calculator
- Worksheets: Child Support Guidelines and Worksheets Booklet (includes Worksheet A for standard custody and Worksheet B for split custody)
- Guidelines Schedule: Available at local Clerk of Court offices
How the schedule works: The South Carolina Child Support Guidelines Schedule shows basic support obligations based on the combined gross income of both parents and the number of children. Use the calculator or worksheet, then locate the resulting figure on the schedule.
Important notes:
- For combined gross incomes below $750 per month, support is determined on a case-by-case basis.
- For combined gross incomes above $30,000 per month, calculation is also case-by-case.
- If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court will impute income based on earning capacity.
How to Modify Child Support in South Carolina
South Carolina allows parents to request modification when there has been a “substantial change” in circumstances.
Two ways to request modification:
- Through CSS (Administrative): Contact the Child Support Services office handling your case at 1-800-768-5858 or submit a written request. This process typically takes around 6 months.
- Through Family Court (Judicial): Hire an attorney to file a petition with the court. This process typically takes 2 to 4 months.
Valid grounds for modification:
- Significant change in either parent’s income (involuntary job loss, reduced hours, disability)
- Change in custody arrangements
- Change in the child’s needs
- Change in childcare expenses
- Addition of other children to support
How to apply:
- Download the appropriate modification form (SCCA 400.29 for self-represented litigants seeking decreased support)
- Complete and file with the court or submit to CSS
Important notes:
- Parents can agree to a modification and sign a “consent order” to avoid the formal court or DSS process.
- Parents pursuing the judicial route may need to pay a $150 service fee.
- Consult with a family court attorney to determine if your situation qualifies for modification.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay Child Support in South Carolina?
The CSS and South Carolina courts have multiple enforcement tools to collect unpaid child support:
- Income Withholding: Automatic deduction from wages and other income
- State Tax Offset: Interception of state and federal tax refunds
- Unemployment Benefits Intercept: Garnishment from unemployment income
- License Suspension: Driver’s, professional, business, or occupational licenses may be suspended for arrears over $500
- Financial Institution Lien: Bank accounts can be levied for arrears over $1,000
- Insurance Lien: Life insurance, workers’ compensation, auto liability, and other insurance proceeds may be seized for arrears over $1,000
- Passport Denial: Federal passport denial through the State Department
- Credit Bureau Reporting: Past-due support reported to credit agencies
What is a “Rule to Show Cause” Hearing?
Similar to contempt of court proceedings, a “rule to show cause” hearing occurs when you fail to meet your child support obligation. The court summons you to explain why you have not paid.
What happens at the hearing:
- The judge hears from both parties
- If you cannot provide a valid reason for non-payment, the judge may order any of the enforcement actions listed above
- Penalties may include fines up to $1,500, imprisonment for up to one year, or both
- If you have a valid excuse, the judge may offer alternatives such as a modification or payment plan
Warning: Failure to appear for a rule to show cause hearing will result in a bench warrant, making you subject to arrest at any time.
When Does Child Support End in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, child support continues until the child graduates high school or turns 18, whichever occurs later. This means support may extend to age 19 if the child is still in high school.
Extended support:
- Support may continue indefinitely if the child is mentally or physically disabled and cannot support themselves.
- For college tuition, South Carolina courts cannot order support past high school graduation. However, parents may create a legally binding agreement to extend support through higher education.
Creating a valid agreement for college support: A legally enforceable agreement must include:
- Offer and acceptance
- Mutuality of intention
- Legality
- Capacity of both parties
- Consideration
- Witness signatures (preferably from an attorney or notary public)
Emancipation: South Carolina does not have formal rules and procedures for emancipation. However, a child may become emancipated through:
- Marriage
- Parental consent
- Joining the U.S. military
Frequently Asked Questions
What income counts for child support in South Carolina?
South Carolina considers gross income from all sources, including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, dividends, interest, pensions, Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, and workers’ compensation. TANF, SSI, and food stamps are excluded.
Can I get child support if the father is not on the birth certificate?
You must first establish paternity. Apply for paternity services through the DSS. Once paternity is established through an Acknowledgment of Paternity or court-ordered genetic testing, you can proceed with a child support case.
How long does it take to get a child support order in South Carolina?
Timelines vary based on case complexity. If paternity is not contested and both parties cooperate, an order can typically be established within 60 to 90 days. Cases requiring paternity establishment or court hearings may take longer.
What if the other parent moves out of state?
South Carolina participates in the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), which allows enforcement across state lines. The CSSD can work with other states’ agencies to locate parents, establish paternity, and enforce orders.
Can I stop paying child support if I am denied visitation?
No. Child support and visitation are separate legal matters. You cannot withhold support because visitation is being denied. If visitation is being interfered with, you must address that issue separately through the Family Court.