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South Carolina Child Support Calculator (2026)

In South Carolina, child support is based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The total is split between you based on how much each parent earns, and parenting time can change the amount. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.

How it's calculated
Both parents' income combined
Income used
Before-tax (gross)
Last updated
2024
Verified
2026-05-31

Source: South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (SC Code § 63-17-470)

Calculate Your South Carolina Child Support

Free estimate — official South Carolina guidelines

Include wages, salary, bonuses, and other income

How Much Is Child Support in South Carolina?

If you make $60,000 a year in South Carolina, child support for 1 child is estimated at $647 per month ($7,764 per year). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody time, and add-on expenses (child care, health insurance).

$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $591/month for 1 child.

South Carolina Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $526/mo $790/mo $942/mo
$50,000/yr $576/mo $860/mo $1,019/mo
$60,000/yr $647/mo $959/mo $1,128/mo
$70,000/yr $695/mo $1,030/mo $1,211/mo
$80,000/yr $758/mo $1,118/mo $1,309/mo
$100,000/yr $886/mo $1,297/mo $1,505/mo
$120,000/yr $1,002/mo $1,471/mo $1,712/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in South Carolina

Factors That Affect Child Support in South Carolina

Both parents' gross monthly incomes
Number of children
Parenting time (overnights per year)
Health insurance premiums for the children
Work-related child care costs
Extraordinary medical expenses
Alimony obligations
Other child support obligations
Technical details and legal basis

South Carolina uses the Income Shares model (South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (SC Code § 63-17-470)) to calculate child support. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share.

Important Notes for South Carolina

  • South Carolina uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • Each parent's share of the obligation is proportional to their percentage of the combined gross income.
  • South Carolina applies a shared parenting adjustment when the non-custodial parent exercises visitation for more than 109 overnights per year (approximately 30% of the time).
  • The court adds work-related child care costs, health insurance premiums for the children, and extraordinary medical expenses to the basic obligation before dividing between parents.

Example Calculation

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined income: $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).

Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Key Facts: Child Support in South Carolina

  • South Carolina uses the Income Shares model, meaning child support is based on both parents' combined gross income.
  • The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from $100/month at $750 combined income to $3,183/month at $40,000 combined monthly income (2024 schedule).
  • Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined income.
  • South Carolina applies a shared parenting adjustment when the non-custodial parent has the children for more than 109 overnights per year.
  • Health insurance, work-related child care costs, and extraordinary medical expenses are added to the basic obligation and shared proportionally between parents.

South Carolina Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in South Carolina?
South Carolina uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and a basic child support obligation is determined from the state schedule. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined income. Health insurance, child care costs, and extraordinary medical expenses are added to the basic obligation and shared proportionally.
How does shared custody affect child support in South Carolina?
South Carolina applies a shared parenting adjustment when the non-custodial parent has the children for more than 109 overnights per year (approximately 30% of the time). The adjustment accounts for the additional direct expenses the non-custodial parent incurs during those overnights and generally reduces the child support obligation.
What income counts for South Carolina child support?
South Carolina uses gross income from all sources, including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, workers' compensation, disability benefits, Social Security, pensions, rental income, and investment income. The court may impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.
Can South Carolina child support be modified?
Yes, child support in South Carolina can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. This includes significant changes in either parent's income, changes in the custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in health insurance or child care costs. Either parent can file a motion to modify with the family court.
How long does child support last in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, child support generally continues until the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school at age 18, support may continue until age 19 or graduation, whichever occurs first. Support may also be ordered for a child with a physical or mental disability who is unable to be self-supporting.

About This Calculator

Uses the official South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (SC Code § 63-17-470) (2024 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-31.

Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by South Carolina courts. Full disclaimer.

Methodology: Income Shares model per South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (SC Code § 63-17-470).

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