How to collect unpaid child support in South Carolina
The agency's collection tools, what federal law adds, and a ready letter to ask for enforcement.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.
Short answer
Arrears means child support that is past due. Arrears of at least $500 with no payment in 60 days; you get 45 days' notice to make a payment agreement first.
- License suspension
- Arrears of at least $500 with no payment in 60 days; you get 45 days' notice to make a payment agreement first.
- Passport denial
- Over $2,500 past due (federal law)
What the agency can do in South Carolina
Arrears means support that is past due. The child support agency can use these tools to collect it:
- Income withholding
- Rule to Show Cause (contempt) hearing
- License suspension or revocation
- Federal and state tax refund offset
- Unemployment benefits intercept
- Liens on bank and insurance accounts ($1,000+ arrears)
- Administrative lien and seizure of property ($1,000+ arrears)
- Passport denial ($2,500+ arrears)
- Federal administrative offset
- Credit bureau reporting
Law: SC DSS, Available Enforcement Remedies
Ask the agency in writing to collect what is owed: Ask the agency to collect unpaid support
What federal law adds
- Tax refunds. The federal government can take a federal tax refund to pay past-due child support. Law: 42 U.S.C. 664
- Passports. A parent who owes more than $2,500 in past-due support can be refused a passport. Law: 42 U.S.C. 652(k)
- Pay withholding limit. For support, up to 50% of take-home pay can be withheld if the parent supports another spouse or child, or 60% if not. It is 55% or 65% when support is more than 12 weeks behind. Law: 15 U.S.C. 1673(b)
- Past-due support. Each unpaid payment becomes a judgment on the day it is due. It can't be lowered later, except back to the date the other parent got notice of a request to change the order. Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)
Contempt of court in South Carolina
At a Rule to Show Cause hearing, a judge can fine a parent up to $1,500 and/or jail the parent up to one year for not paying. Missing the hearing can lead to a bench warrant.
Licenses in South Carolina
Arrears of at least $500 with no payment in 60 days; you get 45 days' notice to make a payment agreement first
In nearby states
- Georgia: 7% a year
- West Virginia: 5% a year
- Mississippi: 8% a year
- New Jersey: No interest
Steps to collect support in South Carolina
Write down every payment
Note the date and amount of each payment, and each missed one.
Open a case or ask the agency
If you don't have a case yet, open one with South Carolina Department of Social Services, Child Support Services Division (CSSD) (1-800-768-5858) · Apply online
Give the agency leads
Tell the agency where the other parent works or lives.
Ask about interest
Ask whether interest is added and how much is owed in total.
Ask for free help
Legal aid can help for free: South Carolina Legal Services.
Free legal help in South Carolina
Questions about unpaid support in South Carolina
What can the agency do about unpaid support in South Carolina?
Arrears means support that is past due. The child support agency can use these tools to collect it: Income withholding; Rule to Show Cause (contempt) hearing; License suspension or revocation; Federal and state tax refund offset; Unemployment benefits intercept; Liens on bank and insurance accounts ($1,000+ arrears); Administrative lien and seizure of property ($1,000+ arrears); Passport denial ($2,500+ arrears); Federal administrative offset; Credit bureau reporting.
Can a license be suspended for unpaid child support in South Carolina?
Arrears of at least $500 with no payment in 60 days; you get 45 days' notice to make a payment agreement first
What can a court do about unpaid support in South Carolina?
At a Rule to Show Cause hearing, a judge can fine a parent up to $1,500 and/or jail the parent up to one year for not paying. Missing the hearing can lead to a bench warrant.