How to change child support in Connecticut

The rule for changing support, the forms, and a ready letter to the agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. When your order is at least 15% higher or lower than the guideline amount because of changes in either parent's income or the cost of caring for the child, or there is another substantial change in circumstances.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Motion for Modification (JD-FM-174)

The rule for changing support in Connecticut

When your order is at least 15% higher or lower than the guideline amount because of changes in either parent's income or the cost of caring for the child, or there is another substantial change in circumstances. SES reviews IV-D orders and starts court action if the order differs from its calculation by more than 15%.

Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 46b-86

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Connecticut's rule: When your order is at least 15% higher or lower than the guideline amount because of changes in either parent's income or the cost of caring for the child, or there is another substantial change in circumstances. SES reviews IV-D orders and starts court action if the order differs from its calculation by more than 15%.

Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 46b-86

Until a new order is made, the current amount is still owed. A change can count only from the date the other parent gets notice of your request, so ask soon.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

How to ask in Connecticut: If SES enforces your order, ask your local SES office for a review; SES prepares the papers and serves the other parent. On your own, file a Motion for Modification (JD-FM-174) with an Appearance (JD-CL-12) and, if needed, a fee waiver (JD-FM-75); a state marshal must serve the other parent. If you both agree, you may file a Request for Approval of Final Agreement Without Court Appearance (JD-FM-282).

How a change is made in Connecticut

If SES enforces your order, ask your local SES office for a review; SES prepares the papers and serves the other parent. On your own, file a Motion for Modification (JD-FM-174) with an Appearance (JD-CL-12) and, if needed, a fee waiver (JD-FM-75); a state marshal must serve the other parent. If you both agree, you may file a Request for Approval of Final Agreement Without Court Appearance (JD-FM-282).

Write to the child support agency to ask for a review: Ask the agency to review (change) your order

Recent changes in Connecticut

Revised Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines effective August 1, 2026: schedule extended to $6,000 net weekly income; minimum income triggering support raised from $50 to $150 a week; wider low-income protection; new arrearage payment rules (20% to 100% of an imputed obligation when there is no current support duty); 32-hour full-time rule for imputed income; and a worksheet for children with more than two parents.

Incarceration and changes

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 Connecticut

  1. Get the order

    Find the date and the amount on the order.

  2. Check the rule

    Connecticut's rule: When your order is at least 15% higher or lower than the guideline amount because of changes in either parent's income or the cost of caring for the child, or there is another substantial change in circumstances.

  3. Collect papers

    Papers that show the change make the request stronger.

  4. Ask the agency or the court

    Request a review from Connecticut Department of Social Services, Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) (1-800-228-KIDS (5437)) · Apply online

  5. Ask for free help

    Ask for free help: Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut (CTLawHelp).

Free legal help in Connecticut

Questions about changing support in Connecticut

What counts as a reason to change support in Connecticut?

When your order is at least 15% higher or lower than the guideline amount because of changes in either parent's income or the cost of caring for the child, or there is another substantial change in circumstances. SES reviews IV-D orders and starts court action if the order differs from its calculation by more than 15%.

Where do I file to change support in Connecticut?

If SES enforces your order, ask your local SES office for a review; SES prepares the papers and serves the other parent. On your own, file a Motion for Modification (JD-FM-174) with an Appearance (JD-CL-12) and, if needed, a fee waiver (JD-FM-75); a state marshal must serve the other parent. If you both agree, you may file a Request for Approval of Final Agreement Without Court Appearance (JD-FM-282).

Related Connecticut pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources