How child support is calculated in Connecticut

The formula, the official tool, and the rules for low incomes and health insurance.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Connecticut uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. Both parents' net weekly incomes are added and the state schedule gives the basic support for that income and number of children.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official Connecticut child support calculator

Where the real number comes from in Connecticut

Both parents' net weekly incomes are added and the state schedule gives the basic support for that income and number of children. Each parent pays a share based on his or her part of the combined income; health care coverage and child care are added.

Law: Conn. Agencies Regs. 46b-215a-1 et seq. (Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines, effective August 1, 2026); Conn. Gen. Stat. 46b-215a

We don't estimate Connecticut'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:

Official Connecticut child support calculator

Medical support in Connecticut

Every order must require one or both parents to provide health care coverage, such as insurance available at reasonable cost; it may include cash medical support. If insurance is not available, a parent must apply for HUSKY B or a similar public plan. Unreimbursed medical costs are shared by percentage (Guidelines preamble).

Low incomes in Connecticut

Under the guidelines effective August 1, 2026, no support obligation is triggered until net income reaches $150 a week (up from $50), and the low-income protections now reach higher incomes, with a minimum of 10% used to figure the basic obligation in that range.

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)

What the model means

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

What goes into support in Connecticut

Both parents' net weekly incomes are added and the state schedule gives the basic support for that income and number of children. Each parent pays a share based on his or her part of the combined income; health care coverage and child care are added.

Law: Conn. Agencies Regs. 46b-215a-1 et seq. (Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines, effective August 1, 2026); Conn. Gen. Stat. 46b-215a

In nearby states

Steps to a support amount in Connecticut

  1. Find the income numbers

    The formula needs each parent's income: use pay stubs and tax returns.

  2. Check the official calculator

    The official number comes from Official Connecticut child support calculator.

  3. Count health and child care

    Health insurance, child care and other costs can be added or shared as the state's rules say.

  4. Get an order

    The agency can set up an order: contact Connecticut Department of Social Services, Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) (1-800-228-KIDS (5437)) · Apply online

  5. Talk to legal aid

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

Free legal help in Connecticut

Questions about the Connecticut guidelines

How is child support calculated in Connecticut?

Both parents' net weekly incomes are added and the state schedule gives the basic support for that income and number of children. Each parent pays a share based on his or her part of the combined income; health care coverage and child care are added.

Is there an official child support calculator for Connecticut?

Yes: Official Connecticut child support calculator.

How does Connecticut treat low incomes?

Under the guidelines effective August 1, 2026, no support obligation is triggered until net income reaches $150 a week (up from $50), and the low-income protections now reach higher incomes, with a minimum of 10% used to figure the basic obligation in that range.

Is health insurance part of child support in Connecticut?

Every order must require one or both parents to provide health care coverage, such as insurance available at reasonable cost; it may include cash medical support. If insurance is not available, a parent must apply for HUSKY B or a similar public plan. Unreimbursed medical costs are shared by percentage (Guidelines preamble).

Related Connecticut pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources