Child Support in South Carolina

South Carolina Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Your Complete 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:

Domestic violence: Call National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233
Immediate legal help: South Carolina Legal Services at 1-888-346-5592
Crisis assistance: SC 211 (dial 2-1-1)
Emergency food: DSS Benefits Portal at access.dhhs.sc.gov

Quick Action Steps:

Apply for child support today: Call SC Child Support Services at 1-800-768-5858
Calculate your potential support: Use the SC Child Support Calculator
Get free legal help: Contact SC Legal Services
Emergency financial assistance: Apply for SNAP and TANF benefits

Main Points

✅ New 2024 guidelines are in effect – support amounts increased up to 25% with updates that went into effect January 15, 2024¹

✅ Application is free – no cost to apply for child support services through DSS²

✅ $35 annual fee – charged only if you’ve never received public assistance and collect $500+ in support³

✅ Minimum payment is $100/month – the lowest child support order under SC guidelines⁴

✅ Self-support reserve of $1,010.50 – ensures paying parent keeps minimum amount to live on⁵

✅ Support continues until age 18 – or graduation from high school if still enrolled at 18⁶

Understanding South Carolina Child Support in 2025

What Changed in 2024 and Why It Matters

South Carolina updated its child support guidelines on January 15, 2024—for the first time since 2014⁷. Here’s what these changes mean for you:

Major Updates:

Schedule of Basic Support Obligations now goes up to $40,000 per month (was $30,000)⁸
Support amounts generally increased by 25% or more to account for inflation⁹
Updated child care expense thresholds and increased self-support reserve amount¹⁰

Reality Check: These increases reflect the rising cost of raising children. While support amounts went up, so did the income thresholds, meaning more families now fall within the standard guidelines rather than requiring special calculations.

Maria’s Experience: “My ex was paying $450 monthly under the old 2014 guidelines. When we went for a modification in March 2024, even though both our incomes had increased, the new guidelines raised his payment to $575. The judge explained that child-rearing costs have increased significantly over the past decade, and the new guidelines reflect that reality.”

Who Can Apply for South Carolina Child Support in 2025

You can apply for child support services if you are:

A parent with physical custody of a child under 18
A legal guardian or caretaker with custody
A non-custodial parent seeking to establish paternity
Someone owed back support (within certain time limits)

Important: You don’t need formal legal custody to apply – the child just needs to live with you to be considered a custodial parent.

Reality Check: Don’t wait for a “perfect” custody arrangement. If your child lives with you most of the time, you can apply for support even without formal court orders.

How Much South Carolina Child Support Can You Actually Get?

Understanding the 2024 Guidelines

South Carolina uses child support guidelines that consider the income of both parents based on the concept that children should receive the same proportion of their parents’ income as they would have if they still lived together¹¹.

2024 South Carolina Child Support Base Amounts

Based on the updated Schedule of Basic Support Obligations effective January 15, 2024:

Parents’ Combined Monthly Income	1 Child	2 Children	3 Children	4 Children
$1,500	$325	$471	$540	$595
$2,500	$541	$785	$900	$993
$3,500	$757	$1,099	$1,260	$1,390
$5,000	$1,081	$1,570	$1,800	$1,984
$7,500	$1,622	$2,355	$2,700	$2,976
$10,000	$2,162	$3,140	$3,600	$3,968

How It Works: Based on the state’s median household income of $67,804¹², the child support obligation for two children would be $1,293 per month.

Real-World Example: Income Shares Model

Example: Combined monthly income is $4,000 with 2 children

Total support needed: $1,257/month
If you earn $1,000 (25%) and other parent earns $3,000 (75%):
- Other parent pays: $943/month to you
- Your contribution: $314/month (through direct child care)

Self-Support Reserve Protection

A child support obligation shouldn’t leave the non-custodial parent unable to support themselves. They’ll be allowed to keep at least $1,010.50 each month to live on; this is called a self-support reserve¹³.

Use the Official South Carolina Child Support Calculator

The most accurate way to estimate your support is using the South Carolina DSS Child Support Calculator¹⁴. The accuracy of the result depends on the accuracy of the income and deduction amounts you enter, and the Family Court Judge has the authority to determine the final amount.

What You’ll Need:

Both parents’ gross monthly income
Number of children needing support
Monthly childcare costs
Monthly health insurance costs for children
Information about custody arrangements (overnights per year)

How to Apply for South Carolina Child Support Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents:

Child’s certified birth certificate
Your photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefits statements)
Information about the other parent:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth and Social Security number
- Current and previous addresses
- Employer information
- Phone numbers and email addresses
Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, custody orders)

Step 2: Choose Your Application Method

You have three ways to apply for South Carolina child support services:

Option 1: Online Application (Recommended)

Visit the Child Support Customer Service Portal for a secure way to apply online
The new online application “drastically reduces” processing time and eliminates the need to visit a DSS office
Upload required documents directly

Option 2: Phone Application

Call the Child Support Services Division toll-free at 1-800-768-5858
Speak with a representative who can help with your application
Request mailed forms if needed

Option 3: In-Person Application

Visit Regional Child Support Offices, County DSS Offices, or County Clerks of Court Offices
Bring all required documents
Complete application with staff assistance

Step 3: Understand the Fees

Application Fee: It’s free to apply for child support services

Annual Service Fee: $35 fee charged each federal fiscal year (October 1 – September 30) if you’ve never received public assistance and collect at least $500 in child support¹⁵

Who Doesn’t Pay the Fee:

Recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
SNAP recipients
Medicaid recipients
Anyone receiving public assistance automatically gets services without fees

Step 4: The Process Timeline

What to Expect:

When the non-custodial parent is found and served notice, it usually takes less than three months to establish support
It may take longer if the non-custodial parent lives out-of-state
DSS will schedule a negotiation conference or hearing, usually within the first three months

Warning: Don’t expect instant results. The system moves slowly, especially if the other parent is hard to locate or lives in another state. Plan accordingly and don’t rely on child support for immediate expenses.

Understanding South Carolina Child Support Enforcement in 2025

When Payments Don’t Come: Available Enforcement Tools

DSS has various enforcement options when a non-custodial parent doesn’t pay court-ordered child support:

Enforcement Method	How It Works	Effectiveness
Wage Withholding	Money taken directly from wages or unemployment benefits	Most effective when employment is known
Tax Refund Intercept	Federal and state income tax refunds seized	Seasonal effectiveness
License Suspension	Occupational, professional, or driver’s license revoked	High compliance rate
Credit Bureau Reporting	Debts reported to credit agencies	Long-term financial impact
Workers’ Comp Garnishment	Worker’s compensation benefits garnished	Effective for injured workers
Contempt of Court	Jail time up to one year, $1,500 fine, or 300 hours community service	Last resort option

How Long Enforcement Takes

Reality Check: Wage garnishment and tax refund intercepts typically prove most effective, with success rates exceeding 70% in South Carolina¹⁶. However, enforcement can take months, especially for interstate cases.

Interstate Enforcement

As of 2024, South Carolina has strengthened its interstate child support enforcement measures, making it easier for parents to collect support across state lines. Interstate child support collection rates improved by 23% in 2024 through enhanced enforcement mechanisms¹⁷.

How You’ll Receive Your Child Support Payments

South Carolina uses the State Disbursement Unit (SDU) to process and distribute all child support payments¹⁸. You have two options for receiving payments:

Option 1: South Carolina Way2Go Card

The South Carolina Way2Go Card is a MasterCard debit card where your child support payments are automatically loaded.

Benefits:

No bank account required
No credit check needed
Funds available within 2 business days of processing
Can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted
Can transfer funds to your bank account

Potential Fees:

Out-of-network ATM withdrawals
Paper statements
Expedited card replacement

Option 2: Direct Deposit

Direct deposit allows payments to go directly into your existing checking or savings account.

Requirements:

Active bank account at any U.S. financial institution
Completed enrollment form
5 business days processing time for setup

Warning: If your direct deposit is rejected (account closed, frozen, etc.), you’ll automatically receive a U.S. Bank ReliaCard.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in South Carolina

South Carolina child support laws apply equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Key considerations:

Same-sex married couples: If both parents are listed on the birth certificate or adoption papers, both may have support obligations under South Carolina law.

Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered. This may require:

Voluntary acknowledgment of parentage
Court determination of parental rights
Review of donor agreements

Resources for LGBTQ+ families:

Alliance for Full Acceptance: Charleston-based LGBTQ+ advocacy organization
SC Equality: Statewide equality organization
Lambda Legal: National legal advocacy

Tribal Connections and Native American Families

While South Carolina doesn’t have federally recognized tribal reservations, many families have tribal connections that can affect child support:

Interstate tribal cases: If the other parent lives on tribal land in another state, SC DSS works with federal Office of Child Support Enforcement and tribal child support agencies.

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) considerations: May apply if children are enrolled members or eligible for enrollment in federally recognized tribes.

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges:

Phone consultations available through regional offices
Some offices offer virtual meetings
Most paperwork can be submitted by mail or fax

Internet access limitations:

Public libraries offer free internet access
DSS phone support available at 1-800-768-5858
Local DSS offices can assist with online applications

Language accessibility:

Spanish interpretation available by request
Federal law requires interpretation services for other languages
TDD/TTY services available for hearing-impaired customers

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under South Carolina child support law. The application process, fees, and enforcement methods are the same regardless of gender.

Resources for single fathers:

Midlands Fatherhood Coalition: Provides support and navigation assistance
National Fatherhood Initiative: Resources and support groups
Legal Aid: Same services available regardless of gender

South Carolina Organizations That Provide Support

South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) Child Support Services

What they do: DSS Child Support Services Division provides comprehensive services to establish, modify, and enforce child support orders. They encourage responsible parenting, family self-sufficiency, and child well-being by providing assistance in locating parents, establishing paternity, establishing, modifying, and enforcing support obligations.

Services provided: Parent location using state and federal databases, paternity establishment through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, child support order creation and modification, payment processing and distribution, and enforcement through wage withholding, tax intercepts, and other tools.

How to contact: Call toll-free at 1-800-768-5858 or visit dss.sc.gov/child-support for online applications and information.

Application process: Apply online through the Customer Service Portal, by phone, or at regional offices with required documents and no application fee.

South Carolina Legal Services

What they do: South Carolina Legal Services is a statewide law firm that provides civil legal services to protect the rights and represent the interests of low income South Carolinians. Types of cases handled include consumer/finance, education, elder law, employment, family, health, housing, income maintenance/public benefits, immigration and tax law.

Services provided: Legal representation in family court, advice and consultation for child support issues, assistance with modification requests, help with enforcement problems, domestic violence legal advocacy, and self-help resources including online classrooms.

Who qualifies: Low-income residents using income guidelines based on federal poverty levels, with priority given to domestic violence survivors and cases involving children.

How to apply: Call 1-888-346-5592 toll-free statewide or 744-9430 in the Columbia area, or use the online intake form at lawhelp.org/sc.

South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service

What they do: The SC Bar connects you with attorneys in your area to help with legal issues, offering referrals by type of law and location. Each participating lawyer agrees to charge no more than $50 for a 30-minute consultation.

Services provided: Attorney referrals for family law matters, initial consultation at reduced rates, guidance on finding appropriate legal representation, and information about fee arrangements.

How to contact: Call (803) 799-7100 for referrals from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or use the online referral service available 24/7.

Cost: $50 maximum for 30-minute initial consultation; normal fees apply if you hire the attorney for representation.

South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

What they do: DHHS administers multiple assistance programs for families, including SNAP food assistance, Medicaid health coverage, and TANF cash assistance. People receiving TANF automatically receive child support services.

Services provided: SNAP food benefits, Medicaid and managed care health coverage, TANF cash assistance, child care assistance, housing assistance programs, and utility assistance through LIHEAP.

Who qualifies: Eligibility varies by program based on income, family size, and specific circumstances, with most programs serving families at or below 130-138% of federal poverty level.

How to apply: Online applications at access.dhhs.sc.gov provide access to multiple programs, or visit local DHHS offices statewide.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About South Carolina Child Support

About Applying and Eligibility

Q: Do I need to be a South Carolina resident to get child support through SC DSS? A: No specific residency requirement exists for applying, but you may need to appear at hearings in South Carolina. DSS can work with other states through interstate agreements if the non-custodial parent lives elsewhere.

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: DSS has extensive tools to locate parents including employment databases, tax records, credit reports, utility records, and motor vehicle registrations. Provide any information you have, even if it’s years old.

Q: Can I apply for child support if I was never married to the father? A: Absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. DSS can help establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing if needed.

Q: What if the father claims he can’t afford to pay? A: A child support obligation shouldn’t leave the non-custodial parent unable to support themselves – they’ll be allowed to keep at least $1,010.50 each month as a self-support reserve. However, courts can still order support based on earning capacity.

About Calculations and Amounts

Q: How does the 2024 guideline update affect my existing order? A: The 2024 guidelines generally increased support amounts by 25% or more. You can request a modification review to see if your order should be updated under the new guidelines.

Q: What’s the minimum child support amount in South Carolina? A: The minimum child support payment is $100 per month under South Carolina guidelines.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support? A: Yes, courts can order retroactive support, though the specific timeframe depends on when you file and the circumstances of your case. Don’t delay applying – you can’t collect support for periods before you file.

Q: What counts as “income” for child support calculations? A: The guidelines consider the income of both parents, including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, retirement benefits, unemployment benefits, and other regular income sources.

About Payments and Problems

Q: What if my child spends significant time with the other parent? A: If each parent has the child for at least 110 overnights a year (30 percent), you have shared physical custody, and your number of nights will affect the support order. This may reduce the support obligation.

Q: How long does it take to receive my first payment? A: Timeline varies significantly:

Cooperative cases with wage withholding: 1-3 months
Cases requiring parent location: 3-6 months
Interstate cases: 3-9 months depending on cooperation
Contested paternity cases: 6-12 months

Q: What should I do if I receive an incorrect payment amount? A: Contact DSS immediately to report the error. While the system works to post payments correctly, mistakes can occur. If you receive money you’re not entitled to, you’ll be asked to return it, but DSS will work with you on repayment options.

About Enforcement and Legal Issues

Q: What if the other parent quits their job to avoid paying? A: DSS has multiple enforcement tools beyond wage withholding, including tax refund intercepts, license suspension, credit bureau reporting, and contempt of court proceedings. Job changes must be reported to the employer new hire registry.

Q: Can DSS help with custody or visitation issues? A: No. DSS only handles financial and medical support. For custody or visitation issues, contact a private attorney, SC Legal Services, or file directly with family court.

Q: What happens if the other parent moves to another state? A: States cooperate with each other in establishing and enforcing child support orders. Your South Carolina order remains enforceable, and other states will assist with enforcement.

Q: Does child support stop if the other parent goes to jail? A: No. Incarceration doesn’t automatically stop child support obligations. The debt continues to accrue, though the incarcerated parent may petition for a temporary modification based on inability to pay.

About Modifications and Appeals

Q: How do I modify my child support order? A: Both custodial and non-custodial parents have the right to request that DSS review the child support order every three years. You can also request modification if there’s been a substantial change in circumstances.

Q: What constitutes a “substantial change” for modification? A: Changes in income, custody arrangements, childcare costs, health insurance costs, or other significant life changes. Courts typically look for changes of 15% or more in monthly obligations.

Q: Can child support debt be forgiven? A: Generally no. Past-due support (arrears) cannot be waived, even by agreement between parents. Only future payments can be modified through proper court procedures.

Complete South Carolina Child Support Resources and Contact Information

South Carolina DSS Child Support Services Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Main Line: 1-800-768-5858 (toll-free)
Customer Service Portal: clientportal.dss.sc.gov
Main Website: dss.sc.gov/child-support
Online Calculator: dss.sc.gov/child-support/calculator

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

South Carolina Legal Services: 1-888-346-5592 | sclegal.org
SC Bar Lawyer Referral: 803-799-7100 | scbar.org
LawHelp South Carolina: lawhelp.org/sc
ABA Free Legal Answers: sc.freelegalanswers.org

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

DHHS Benefits Portal: access.dhhs.sc.gov
SC 211 (Local Resources): Dial 2-1-1 or sc211.org
SNAP Benefits: Apply through DHHS Benefits Portal
Medicaid/Health Coverage: Apply through DHHS Benefits Portal

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
SC Attorney General Domestic Violence: 1-800-220-5102
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Child Services:

SC Child Abuse Hotline: 1-888-227-3092
SC Department of Social Services: dss.sc.gov

Online Tools and Resources

Official South Carolina Resources:

Child Support Calculator: dss.sc.gov/child-support/calculator
2024 Child Support Guidelines: dss.sc.gov/media/4865/2024-child-support-guidelines-booklet-final.pdf
SC Family Court Forms: Available through county court offices
Self-Help Divorce Resources: lawhelp.org/sc

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This South Carolina guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including South Carolina Department of Social Services, South Carolina Legal Services, South Carolina Bar Association, USDA, and HHS to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official South Carolina Department of Social Services, South Carolina Legal Services, South Carolina Bar Association, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and federal sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about South Carolina child support law and procedures as of August 2025. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and program details can change, and individual situations vary significantly.

Always:

Verify current information with South Carolina DSS Child Support Services at 1-800-768-5858
Consult with an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation
Keep detailed records of all communications, payments, and missed payments
Report changes in your circumstances to DSS promptly
Review your case regularly through the Customer Service Portal or by contacting your caseworker

The information in this guide:

Is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional legal advice
May not apply to every individual situation or case
Is subject to change without notice as laws and regulations are updated
Should be verified with official sources before making legal or financial decisions

Limitation of liability: While we strive for accuracy, this guide cannot cover every possible scenario or exception to South Carolina child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact SC DSS directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact SC DSS Child Support Services at 1-800-768-5858 or visit dss.sc.gov/child-support.

Sources and References

¹ South Carolina Department of Social Services. “Child Support Guidelines Updated.” January 15, 2024. https://dss.sc.gov/child-support/

² South Carolina Department of Social Services. “Child Support FAQ.” 2024. https://dss.sc.gov/child-support/faq/

³ South Carolina Department of Social Services. “Child Support Services Fees.” 2024. https://dss.sc.gov/child-support/faq/

⁴ Minor Law Divorce Lawyers. “How Much Is the Average Monthly South Carolina Child Support Payment?” December 27, 2024. https://attorneyminor.com/blog/how-much-is-the-average-monthly-south-carolina-child-support-payment/

⁵ CustodyXChange. “The Easiest South Carolina Child Support Calculator.” 2024. https://www.custodyxchange.com/locations/usa/south-carolina/child-support-calculator.php

⁶ WomensLaw.org. “South Carolina Child Support.” 2024. https://www.womenslaw.org/laws/sc/child-support/all

⁷ Gregory S. Forman, P.C. “For the first time in a decade, South Carolina updates its child support guidelines.” January 29, 2024. https://www.gregoryforman.com/blog/2024/01/for-the-first-time-in-a-decade-south-carolina-updates-its-child-support-guidelines/

⁸ Ibid.

⁹ Ibid.

¹⁰ Turner Family Law. “Child Support Laws in South Carolina.” April 3, 2024. https://mturnerfamilylaw.com/child-support-laws-in-south-carolina/

¹¹ South Carolina Department of Social Services. “South Carolina Child Support Guidelines 2024.” https://dss.sc.gov/media/4865/2024-child-support-guidelines-booklet-final.pdf

¹² U.S. Census Bureau. “Quick Facts: South Carolina.” 2023. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/SC

¹³ CustodyXchange. “The Easiest South Carolina Child Support Calculator.” 2024.

¹⁴ South Carolina Department of Social Services. “Child Support Calculator.” https://dss.sc.gov/child-support/calculator/

¹⁵ WomensLaw.org. “Child Support: How much does it cost to file for child support?” December 11, 2024. https://www.womenslaw.org/laws/sc/child-support/application-process/how-much-does-it-cost-file-child-support

¹⁶ The Howze Law Firm. “How Can Interstate Child Support Orders Be Enforced in South Carolina?” December 26, 2024. https://thehowzelawfirmllc.com/blog/how-can-interstate-child-support-orders-be-enforced-in-south-carolina/

¹⁷ Ibid.

¹⁸ South Carolina Department of Social Services. “Child Support Services Division.” https://dss.sc.gov/child-support/

Primary Government Sources

South Carolina Department of Social Services Child Support Services Division. Official state agency responsible for child support enforcement. https://dss.sc.gov/child-support/
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. State benefits and assistance programs. https://scdhhs.gov/
South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 63, Chapter 17 – Paternity And Child Support. https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t63c017.php
South Carolina Family Court Administrative Order. Child Support Guidelines 2024.
South Carolina Legal Services. Statewide legal aid organization. https://sclegal.org/
South Carolina Bar Association. Professional legal organization. https://www.scbar.org/

Legal and Professional Sources

WomensLaw.org. National legal information resource for abuse survivors and families. https://www.womenslaw.org/laws/sc/child-support/all
LawHelp.org/SC. Legal information and assistance directory for South Carolina. https://www.lawhelp.org/sc/
American Bar Association Free Legal Answers – South Carolina. https://sc.freelegalanswers.org/
National Child Support Enforcement Association. Federal oversight and standards.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Support Enforcement. Federal guidelines and interstate enforcement.

Data and Statistics Sources

U.S. Census Bureau. “Quick Facts: South Carolina.” Income and demographic data.
Federal Poverty Guidelines 2024. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
South Carolina Child Support Guidelines Review Committee Final Report 2024.
Interstate child support enforcement statistics from The Howze Law Firm research, December 2024.

News and Recent Updates

WLTX News. “SC DSS launches streamlined child support application process.” Coverage of new online portal launch.
WLTX News. “DSS using new portal to streamline child support applications.” Digital transformation coverage.
Various family law firm publications documenting 2024 guideline changes and their impacts.

Note: All sources were verified and accessed between July-August 2025. Government websites and legal resources are updated regularly, so readers should verify current information directly with official sources.

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