How child support is calculated in Georgia

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

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Georgia uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. Both parents' gross monthly incomes are added and looked up in the Basic Child Support Obligation Table. Each parent's share is set by their percentage of the combined income.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official Georgia child support calculator

Where the real number comes from in Georgia

Both parents' gross monthly incomes are added and looked up in the Basic Child Support Obligation Table. Each parent's share is set by their percentage of the combined income. Work-related child care and the child's health insurance are added, and adjustments for parenting time and low income may apply.

Law: O.C.G.A. 19-6-15

We don't estimate Georgia'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 Georgia child support calculator

If the paying parent earns little in Georgia

Since January 1, 2026, a Low-Income Adjustment applies when a parent's monthly adjusted gross income is under the top of the state's low-income table. Support is the lower of the normal amount and the table amount. At $1,500 a month or less, the table amount is 19% of income for 1 child, 24% for 2, 25% for 3, 26% for 4, 27% for 5 and 28% for 6. The calculator applies it automatically.

Law: O.C.G.A. 19-6-15(i.1), (p)

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 goes into support in Georgia

Both parents' gross monthly incomes are added and looked up in the Basic Child Support Obligation Table. Each parent's share is set by their percentage of the combined income. Work-related child care and the child's health insurance are added, and adjustments for parenting time and low income may apply.

Law: O.C.G.A. 19-6-15

Health insurance in Georgia

The child's health insurance premiums are added to the support calculation and shared by income. Each parent's share of future uninsured health costs is set on the worksheet. If a parent can get insurance at a reasonable cost, that parent is usually ordered to provide it.

Law: O.C.G.A. 19-6-15(h)

How this kind of formula works

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

In nearby states

Steps to a support amount in Georgia

  1. Collect proof of income

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

  2. Use the official tool

    The state's own tool gives the starting number: Official Georgia child support calculator.

  3. Include other costs

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

  4. Ask for an order

    Only a court or the agency can set the amount. Open a case with Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) (1-877-423-4746) · Apply online

Where to get free help in Georgia

Questions about the Georgia guidelines

What formula does Georgia use for child support?

Both parents' gross monthly incomes are added and looked up in the Basic Child Support Obligation Table. Each parent's share is set by their percentage of the combined income. Work-related child care and the child's health insurance are added, and adjustments for parenting time and low income may apply.

Is there an official child support calculator for Georgia?

Yes: Official Georgia child support calculator.

What if the paying parent has a low income in Georgia?

Since January 1, 2026, a Low-Income Adjustment applies when a parent's monthly adjusted gross income is under the top of the state's low-income table. Support is the lower of the normal amount and the table amount. At $1,500 a month or less, the table amount is 19% of income for 1 child, 24% for 2, 25% for 3, 26% for 4, 27% for 5 and 28% for 6. The calculator applies it automatically.

Who pays for the child's health insurance in Georgia?

The child's health insurance premiums are added to the support calculation and shared by income. Each parent's share of future uninsured health costs is set on the worksheet. If a parent can get insurance at a reasonable cost, that parent is usually ordered to provide it.

More for Georgia

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources