How child support is calculated in the District of Columbia

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

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

The District of Columbia uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. The DC Child Support Guideline uses both parents' adjusted gross incomes, child care costs, health insurance costs, other support orders and other children in the home.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official the District of Columbia child support calculator

The official the District of Columbia calculator

The DC Child Support Guideline uses both parents' adjusted gross incomes, child care costs, health insurance costs, other support orders and other children in the home. The Superior Court applies it at a hearing, and the result is presumed correct.

Law: D.C. Code 16-916.01

We don't estimate the District of Columbia'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 the District of Columbia child support calculator

The low-income rule in the District of Columbia

A paying parent may keep a self-support reserve equal to 133% of the federal poverty guideline for one person (updated by the Mayor every 2 years). If income is below the reserve, the court decides case by case, with a presumed minimum of $75 a month that can be lowered to $0 or raised. A $75 minimum order may also be entered when there is not enough income evidence.

Law: D.C. Code 16-916.01(f-1), (g)

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)

Health insurance in the District of Columbia

Every order must provide medical support: health insurance, cash medical support, or both. Insurance is reasonable if it costs no more than 5% of the parent's gross income; extraordinary medical expenses are uninsured costs over $250 per child per year (CSSD; D.C. Code 16-916(c-1)).

How this kind of formula works

The income-shares model looks up an amount for the parents' combined income, then splits it by each parent's share of that income. Parenting time and costs can change it.

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

The the District of Columbia guideline, step by step

The DC Child Support Guideline uses both parents' adjusted gross incomes, child care costs, health insurance costs, other support orders and other children in the home. The Superior Court applies it at a hearing, and the result is presumed correct.

Law: D.C. Code 16-916.01

In nearby states

From income to an order in the District of Columbia

  1. Find the income numbers

    Recent pay stubs and last year's tax return are the usual starting point.

  2. Check the official calculator

    The state's own tool gives the starting number: Official the District of Columbia 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

    To get an order, contact Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Child Support Services Division (CSSD) ((202) 442-9900) · Apply online

  5. Ask for free help

    Ask for free help: DC Family Court Self-Help Center.

Where to get free help in the District of Columbia

Questions about the the District of Columbia guidelines

What formula does the District of Columbia use for child support?

The DC Child Support Guideline uses both parents' adjusted gross incomes, child care costs, health insurance costs, other support orders and other children in the home. The Superior Court applies it at a hearing, and the result is presumed correct.

Where is the the District of Columbia child support calculator?

Yes: Official the District of Columbia child support calculator.

What if the paying parent has a low income in the District of Columbia?

A paying parent may keep a self-support reserve equal to 133% of the federal poverty guideline for one person (updated by the Mayor every 2 years). If income is below the reserve, the court decides case by case, with a presumed minimum of $75 a month that can be lowered to $0 or raised. A $75 minimum order may also be entered when there is not enough income evidence.

Is health insurance part of child support in the District of Columbia?

Every order must provide medical support: health insurance, cash medical support, or both. Insurance is reasonable if it costs no more than 5% of the parent's gross income; extraordinary medical expenses are uninsured costs over $250 per child per year (CSSD; D.C. Code 16-916(c-1)).

Related the District of Columbia pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources