South Carolina Child Support Calculator (2026)
South Carolina calculates child support under income-shares guidelines (S.C. Code Ann. §§ 43-5-580(b), 63-17-470(D); S.C. Code Regs. 114-4710 et seq.). Estimate the guideline amount below.
Income basis: combined monthly gross income of both parents.
Enter the income above to see the guideline estimate.
Simplified guideline estimate, interpolated from the official schedule — before health-insurance, childcare, and parenting-time adjustments. For the exact figure use the official South Carolina calculator.
Your Case Details
Answer a few questions to see your estimated range.
Approximate gap between higher-earner and lower-earner.
Estimated Monthly Support
$840 — $1,560
State formulas vary significantly. This estimate uses national averages — your state's guidelines may produce a different number.
Editorially Reviewed — Content reviewed for accuracy using published legal research, government data, and verified court records. See our methodology
Reviewed by Leonard Goldberg, Editor · Last updated
South Carolina uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes are combined, the official schedule sets a basic support obligation, and each parent owes their proportional share (S.C. Code Ann. §§ 43-5-580(b), 63-17-470(D); S.C. Code Regs. 114-4710 et seq.). The calculator above interpolates the official schedule for a quick estimate — health-insurance, child-care, and parenting-time adjustments come on top.
How South Carolina Calculates Child Support
South Carolina calculates child support under the Income Shares Model: the parents' combined monthly gross income is looked up on the official Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations, and each parent then bears their percentage share of that basic amount according to their share of the combined income. The legal basis is S.C. Code Ann. §§ 43-5-580(b), 63-17-470(D) together with S.C. Code Regs. 114-4710 et seq. (SC DSS Child Support Guidelines). The guidelines were revised in 2024 for the first time since 2014 (current booklet edition November 2024) — basic amounts rose by roughly 25%+, and the table was extended from $30,000 to $40,000 combined monthly income.
Statutory basis: S.C. Code Ann. §§ 43-5-580(b), 63-17-470(D); S.C. Code Regs. 114-4710 et seq.. Exact figure: official South Carolina calculator.
Official Schedule — Excerpt
Basic support obligation at selected combined incomes (combined monthly gross income of both parents), from the official South Carolina schedule:
| Combined income | 1 child | 2 children | 3 children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $3,200 | $610 | $930 | $1,119 |
| $5,000 | $814 | $1,226 | $1,465 |
| $7,500 | $1,000 | $1,488 | $1,758 |
| $10,000 | $1,159 | $1,716 | $2,015 |
Worked Example
Example: 2 children, combined monthly gross income $7,500 (Parent A $4,500 = 60%, Parent B $3,000 = 40%). Basic obligation for 2 children at $7,500 per the schedule = $1,488/month. If Parent B pays (non-custodial, Worksheet A), their share is $1,488 × 40% = $595.20/month — before add-ons for health insurance/child care and before any adjustments for overnight time.
When Courts Deviate From the Guideline
- Educational expenses for the children or a spouse (private school, college)
- Equitable distribution of property in the divorce
- Consumer debts
- Extraordinary unreimbursed medical/dental costs of a parent, or extraordinary travel costs for court-ordered visitation
- Significant income disparity between the parents
- Existing alimony payments between the parties
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cap on child support in South Carolina?
No hard income cap, but the official schedule ends at $40,000 combined gross income per month (raised from $30,000 in 2024). Above that mark, the court applies no automatic extrapolation and instead sets the amount case-by-case.
What counts as income in South Carolina for the calculation?
Generally gross pre-tax income from virtually all sources (wages, self-employment, bonuses, etc.). For voluntary unemployment or underemployment, the court can impute income based on earning capacity.
How does shared custody affect the amount?
South Carolina uses three worksheets: Worksheet A (sole custody, non-custodial parent under 109 overnights/year), Worksheet B (split custody, each parent has primary custody of at least one child), and Worksheet C (shared custody, each parent has at least 109 overnights/year) — Worksheet C reduces the basic amount proportionally to overnight time.
Until what age does support run in South Carolina, and is college support mandatory?
Support generally runs until the 18th birthday or high school graduation (whichever is later), in some cases until the end of the school year in which the child turns 19. College costs are NOT automatically owed — courts can order them only case-by-case, when the child shows academic aptitude/need and the parent has the financial ability.