How to change child support in South Carolina
When a change is allowed, how to ask the agency or the court, and a free letter to ask for a review.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.
Short answer
To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. Either parent can ask CSSD to review the order every three years; if the order differs from the guideline amount, it can be adjusted.
- Agency review
- Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
- First form
- SC Judicial Branch self-help resources
When you can ask for a change in South Carolina
Either parent can ask CSSD to review the order every three years; if the order differs from the guideline amount, it can be adjusted. A parent can also ask the Family Court to change support when circumstances change.
Law: S.C. Code Regs. 114-4740
Can I ask for a change? Check your situation
How to ask for a change in South Carolina
Ask CSSD for a review (it requests updated financial information from both parents; if both agree the change can be made administratively, otherwise a Family Court judge decides), or file in Family Court yourself.
Write to the child support agency to ask for a review: Ask the agency to review (change) your order
What changed in 2024–2026 in South Carolina
Revised Child Support Guidelines took effect January 1, 2024, with new basic support tables and a higher self-support reserve; DSS released updated calculators on January 15, 2024 and reissued the guidelines booklet in November 2024. The next review is set for January 1, 2028.
Law: S.C. Code Regs. 114-4710 to 114-4750; $1,010.50 a month
If a parent is in jail or prison
State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.
Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)
In nearby states
What to do now in South Carolina
Get the order
Note the date it was made or last changed and the amount.
Compare with the rule
In South Carolina: Either parent can ask CSSD to review the order every three years; if the order differs from the guideline amount, it can be adjusted.
Gather proof
Bring proof of the change, such as pay stubs or a layoff notice.
Ask the agency or the court
Contact South Carolina Department of Social Services, Child Support Services Division (CSSD) (1-800-768-5858) · Apply online
Ask for free help
Legal aid can help for free: South Carolina Legal Services.
Free legal help in South Carolina
Questions about changing support in South Carolina
When can child support be changed in South Carolina?
Either parent can ask CSSD to review the order every three years; if the order differs from the guideline amount, it can be adjusted. A parent can also ask the Family Court to change support when circumstances change.
How do I ask to change child support in South Carolina?
Ask CSSD for a review (it requests updated financial information from both parents; if both agree the change can be made administratively, otherwise a Family Court judge decides), or file in Family Court yourself.