South Carolina calculates child support using a formula, not a fixed dollar amount

South Carolina does not have a single number that applies to every parent paying support for two children. Instead, the state uses the Income Shares Model, which takes both parents' incomes, subtracts certain costs, and divides the remaining obligation based on each parent's share of total income. The result is different for every case.

The calculation starts with the combined monthly income of both parents. From that, South Carolina subtracts the cost of health insurance for the children, work-related childcare, and any existing child support orders for other children. What remains is the "combined parental income." The state then looks up that income level in a table to find the base support amount for two children. Each parent pays their portion of that base, proportional to their income.

Because the formula depends on both parents' actual earnings, a parent earning $2,000 per month and another earning $4,000 per month will produce a different support order than two parents each earning $3,000 per month — even though the combined income is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • South Carolina uses a formula based on both parents' combined income, not a flat rate, so support amounts vary widely between cases.
  • The state subtracts health insurance, childcare costs, and other child support obligations before calculating the base amount owed.
  • Each parent pays their portion of the total obligation based on what percentage of the combined income they earn.
  • The court can adjust the formula amount if it finds the result unjust or if either parent has significant other financial obligations.
  • A family court judge or the South Carolina Department of Revenue can calculate the amount; you do not need to do the math yourself.

How the income table works

South Carolina publishes a child support table that shows the base monthly obligation for different income levels. The table is updated yearly and covers combined parental incomes from roughly $1,000 per month up to a threshold (currently around $30,000 per month combined), above which the court has discretion.

For example, if both parents' combined monthly income after deductions is $4,000, you would find that row on the table and look across to the column for "two children." That number is the total obligation — the amount both parents together are responsible for. The parent without primary custody (usually the noncustodial parent) then pays their percentage of that total based on their income share.

The table assumes a standard custody arrangement. If one parent has the children more than 50 percent of the time, or if custody is split roughly equally, the calculation changes because both parents are sharing the day-to-day costs.

What gets subtracted before the calculation

South Carolina allows deductions from gross income before the formula is applied. These include:

  • Health insurance premiums for the children (the actual amount paid, not an estimate)
  • Work-related childcare costs (daycare, after-school programs, babysitters needed because of work)
  • Child support or spousal support the parent is already paying for other children or a former spouse
  • Court-ordered alimony or maintenance payments

These deductions lower the income used in the formula, which lowers the support obligation. If a parent pays $300 per month for childcare and $150 per month for health insurance, those $450 come off their income before the calculation begins.

Income itself is defined broadly and includes wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, Social Security benefits, unemployment, workers' compensation, and disability payments. It does not include means-tested benefits like TANF or SNAP.

When the court can change the formula amount

The formula produces a starting point, but a family court judge can order a different amount if applying the formula would be "unjust or inappropriate." This happens in cases where one parent has very high income, where a parent is intentionally underemployed, where there are substantial assets, or where the child has special needs requiring extra support.

A parent can also ask the court to deviate from the formula if the custody arrangement is unusual — for instance, if the children spend equal time with both parents, or if one parent has the children for most of the year. The court must document in writing why it is deviating and what factors led to the different amount.

Either parent can request a modification if circumstances change significantly — a job loss, a substantial raise, a change in custody, or a new child born to either parent. The change must be material (usually at least 10 percent of the current order) for the court to reopen the case.

How to find out the amount for your specific situation

You have two main routes: ask the South Carolina Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement division, or work with a family law attorney.

The Department of Revenue can calculate the amount if you provide both parents' income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, or self-employment records), proof of health insurance costs, and childcare expenses. You can contact them through the South Carolina Department of Social Services website. They do not charge for this service if you are receiving TANF or Medicaid, but there may be a fee otherwise.

A family law attorney can also run the calculation and explain how it applies to your case, including whether the court is likely to deviate. This costs money but gives you legal advice tailored to your situation.

If a child support order already exists and you believe the amount is wrong, you can file a motion to modify with the family court in the county where the order was issued. You will need to show that circumstances have changed or that the original calculation was incorrect.

What happens after an amount is set

Once a judge signs a child support order, the obligated parent (usually the noncustodial parent) must pay on the schedule stated in the order — typically monthly. Payment can go directly to the other parent, or it can be routed through the South Carolina Department of Revenue's payment processing system, which keeps a record and can enforce the order if payments stop.

If the paying parent falls behind, the Department of Revenue can take enforcement action: wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver's license, or contempt of court charges. These steps are automatic if payments are not made.

If the paying parent's income drops or they lose their job, they should file a motion to modify the order rather than simply stop paying. Continuing to owe while not paying creates arrears, which accrue interest and can result in legal consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does South Carolina have a minimum child support amount?

No. If both parents' combined income is very low, the formula may produce a small amount or even zero. However, the court can order a parent to pay something if they have any income or assets, depending on the circumstances and the child's needs.

What if one parent makes much more than the other?

The higher-earning parent pays a larger share of the total obligation, proportional to their income. If one parent earns $6,000 per month and the other earns $2,000, the higher earner pays 75 percent of the obligation and the lower earner pays 25 percent. The court can also deviate upward if the higher income parent's share seems too low to meet the child's standard of living.

Can child support change if I get a new job or lose my job?

Yes. A significant change in income — job loss, a new job with different pay, a promotion, or retirement — can be grounds to modify the order. You must file a motion with the family court and provide documentation of the income change. The order does not change automatically; you have to request it.

Do I have to pay child support if I share custody equally?

Not necessarily. If both parents have the children roughly 50 percent of the time, the calculation changes because both are covering day-to-day costs. The formula may produce a lower amount, zero, or even require the higher-earning parent to pay the lower-earning parent. The court looks at the actual custody arrangement, not just what the order says.

What if the other parent is self-employed or has irregular income?

Self-employment income is included in the calculation. The court typically uses tax returns from the past two years to average income, or it may require the self-employed parent to provide business records. If income is highly variable, the court may use an average or may order the parent to report income changes quarterly.