When child support ends in Iowa

When payments stop, when they can continue, and why past-due support is still owed.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

18, or up to 19 while the child is full-time in high school (or equivalency) and expected to finish before 19.

Usual end age
18
Latest age in the rule
19
Law
Iowa Code 598.1; 598.21F

Iowa's rule on the end of support

18, or up to 19 while the child is full-time in high school (or equivalency) and expected to finish before 19

Law: Iowa Code 598.1; 598.21F

Support can be ordered for a child of any age who is dependent because of a physical or mental disability. Iowa courts can no longer order a postsecondary education (college) subsidy for orders entered or pending on or after July 1, 2025.

Law: Iowa Code 598.1; Iowa Code 598.21F

When does support end? Check your situation

Iowa's rule: 18, or up to 19 while the child is full-time in high school (or equivalency) and expected to finish before 19

Law: Iowa Code 598.1; 598.21F

Your own order may set a different end date, for example when the parents agreed to one. Read it.

Moved to another state?

How long support lasts follows the law of the state that made the order, even if you move.

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1738B(h)(2)

A state must enforce another state's child support order. The state that made the order keeps the power to change it while a parent or the child still lives there.

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1738B(a), (d)

Past-due support doesn't end

Support that was due before it ended is still owed. Each unpaid payment became a judgment on the day it was due, and the agency can keep collecting it.

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

In nearby states

  • Wisconsin: 18, or 19 if the child is still enrolled in high school or working…
  • Illinois: 18, or up to 19 if the child is still in high school
  • Missouri: 18
  • Minnesota: 18, or up to 20 if the child is still attending secondary school

Steps as support ends in Iowa

  1. Look at the end date

    Your order may name an end date or event.

  2. Compare with the law

    Iowa's rule: 18, or up to 19 while the child is full-time in high school (or equivalency) and expected to finish before 19.

  3. Tell the agency

    Ask the agency how and when payments stop: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Child Support Services (CSS) (1-888-229-9223) · Apply online

  4. Pay or collect arrears

    Support that was due remains owed.

  5. Get help

    Free help: Iowa Legal Aid.

Free help in Iowa

Questions about when support ends in Iowa

How long does child support last in Iowa?

18, or up to 19 while the child is full-time in high school (or equivalency) and expected to finish before 19

Is there support during the last year of high school in Iowa?

18, or up to 19 while the child is full-time in high school (or equivalency) and expected to finish before 19

When can support last longer in Iowa?

Support can be ordered for a child of any age who is dependent because of a physical or mental disability. Iowa courts can no longer order a postsecondary education (college) subsidy for orders entered or pending on or after July 1, 2025.

More for Iowa

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources