How child support is calculated in Indiana

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

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Indiana uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. Each parent's weekly gross income is adjusted (for example for other children or maintenance), the two are added, and the combined weekly amount is looked up in the Guideline Schedule.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official Indiana child support calculator

The official Indiana calculator

Each parent's weekly gross income is adjusted (for example for other children or maintenance), the two are added, and the combined weekly amount is looked up in the Guideline Schedule. Each parent pays a share based on their part of the combined income. Work-related child care and the child's health insurance premiums are added, and a parenting time credit can apply.

Law: Indiana Child Support Rules and Guidelines (Indiana Supreme Court); IC 31-16-6

We don't estimate Indiana'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 Indiana child support calculator

Medical support in Indiana

The court must order one or both parents to provide health insurance when it is accessible and reasonable in cost. Cost is presumed reasonable unless the lowest out-of-pocket cost is more than 5% of the parents' combined gross income; public coverage like Medicaid or Hoosier Healthwise counts. If insurance isn't available, the court orders cash medical support, and uninsured costs are shared (Ind. Child Support Guideline 7).

The Indiana guideline, step by step

Each parent's weekly gross income is adjusted (for example for other children or maintenance), the two are added, and the combined weekly amount is looked up in the Guideline Schedule. Each parent pays a share based on their part of the combined income. Work-related child care and the child's health insurance premiums are added, and a parenting time credit can apply.

Law: Indiana Child Support Rules and Guidelines (Indiana Supreme Court); IC 31-16-6

Low incomes in Indiana

If combined weekly adjusted income is under $100, support is decided case by case. For very low incomes the court must make sure the parent keeps enough for self-support at a minimum subsistence level. A numeric order is required, though a $0 order is sometimes appropriate (Ind. Child Support Guideline 2).

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

In an income-shares state, both parents' incomes are added together. A table gives the support for that combined income, and each parent pays the share that matches their part of the income.

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 Indiana

  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 Indiana child support calculator.

  3. Count health and child care

    Insurance and child care often go on top of the basic amount.

  4. Open a case

    To get an order, contact Indiana Department of Child Services, Child Support Bureau (1-800-840-8757) · Apply online

  5. Ask for free help

    Ask for free help: Indiana Legal Help and Indiana Legal Services.

Where to get free help in Indiana

Questions about the Indiana guidelines

How does Indiana figure child support?

Each parent's weekly gross income is adjusted (for example for other children or maintenance), the two are added, and the combined weekly amount is looked up in the Guideline Schedule. Each parent pays a share based on their part of the combined income. Work-related child care and the child's health insurance premiums are added, and a parenting time credit can apply.

Where is the Indiana child support calculator?

Yes: Official Indiana child support calculator.

Is there a low-income rule in Indiana?

If combined weekly adjusted income is under $100, support is decided case by case. For very low incomes the court must make sure the parent keeps enough for self-support at a minimum subsistence level. A numeric order is required, though a $0 order is sometimes appropriate (Ind. Child Support Guideline 2).

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

The court must order one or both parents to provide health insurance when it is accessible and reasonable in cost. Cost is presumed reasonable unless the lowest out-of-pocket cost is more than 5% of the parents' combined gross income; public coverage like Medicaid or Hoosier Healthwise counts. If insurance isn't available, the court orders cash medical support, and uninsured costs are shared (Ind. Child Support Guideline 7).

Related Indiana pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources