How child support is calculated in South Carolina
How the guideline works, what the official calculator needs, and the low-income and health insurance rules.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.
Short answer
South Carolina uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. Both parents' monthly gross incomes are added together. The state schedule gives the basic support for that combined income and number of children, and each parent's share matches his or her percentage of the combined income.
- Model
- Income shares
- Official calculator
- Official South Carolina child support calculator
The official South Carolina calculator
Both parents' monthly gross incomes are added together. The state schedule gives the basic support for that combined income and number of children, and each parent's share matches his or her percentage of the combined income. Health insurance, extraordinary medical costs and work-related child care are added and shared.
Law: S.C. Code Regs. 114-4710 to 114-4750; S.C. Code 63-17-470, 43-5-580
We don't estimate South Carolina's amount here: its formula uses both parents' incomes and other facts, and a home-made number could mislead you. The official tool gives the real starting number:
Health insurance in South Carolina
The court must provide for the children's health care through health insurance and/or cash medical support, usually from the parent who can get the most complete coverage at the most reasonable cost. The parent who pays the premium for the children gets credit in the calculation.
Law: S.C. Code Regs. 114-4720 (guidelines section 12)
How South Carolina's formula works
Both parents' monthly gross incomes are added together. The state schedule gives the basic support for that combined income and number of children, and each parent's share matches his or her percentage of the combined income. Health insurance, extraordinary medical costs and work-related child care are added and shared.
Law: S.C. Code Regs. 114-4710 to 114-4750; S.C. Code 63-17-470, 43-5-580
How this kind of formula works
Income shares means the child should get what the parents would spend if they lived together. Both incomes are combined, and each parent's share of the total sets their part.
Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.
Law: 45 CFR 302.56
Low incomes in South Carolina
The guidelines include a self-support reserve of $1,010.50 a month for the paying parent; in the shaded low-income part of the schedule the amount is figured to protect that reserve. The schedule's lowest amount is $100 a month (at $750 combined income).
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
- North Carolina: Income shares
- Georgia: Income shares
- Virginia: Income shares
- West Virginia: Income shares
Steps to a support amount in South Carolina
Collect proof of income
Pay stubs, tax returns and benefit letters for both parents, if you have them.
Run the official numbers
Get the guideline amount from Official South Carolina child support calculator.
Add the extra costs
Health insurance, child care and other costs can be added or shared as the state's rules say.
Get an order
The agency can set up an order: contact South Carolina Department of Social Services, Child Support Services Division (CSSD) (1-800-768-5858) · Apply online
Talk to legal aid
Legal aid can help for free: South Carolina Legal Services.
Free legal help in South Carolina
Questions about the South Carolina guidelines
How is child support calculated in South Carolina?
Both parents' monthly gross incomes are added together. The state schedule gives the basic support for that combined income and number of children, and each parent's share matches his or her percentage of the combined income. Health insurance, extraordinary medical costs and work-related child care are added and shared.
Where is the South Carolina child support calculator?
Is there a low-income rule in South Carolina?
The guidelines include a self-support reserve of $1,010.50 a month for the paying parent; in the shaded low-income part of the schedule the amount is figured to protect that reserve. The schedule's lowest amount is $100 a month (at $750 combined income).
How are medical costs shared in South Carolina?
The court must provide for the children's health care through health insurance and/or cash medical support, usually from the parent who can get the most complete coverage at the most reasonable cost. The parent who pays the premium for the children gets credit in the calculation.