How child support is calculated in Kentucky

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

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Kentucky uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. The parents' monthly gross incomes are added together (minus certain support and maintenance already paid).

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official Kentucky child support calculator

Where the real number comes from in Kentucky

The parents' monthly gross incomes are added together (minus certain support and maintenance already paid). You look up the total and the number of children in the state table, then each parent pays a share in proportion to their income. Health insurance and work-related child care are split the same way.

Law: KRS 403.212; KRS 403.2122 (shared parenting time credit); KRS 403.211

We don't estimate Kentucky'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 Kentucky child support calculator

Low incomes in Kentucky

The minimum order is $60 a month. A low-income parent (for example, monthly adjusted gross income of $1,100 or less with one child) gets a self-support reserve of $915 a month, and support is figured on that parent's income alone; the parent pays the lowest of the amounts the rules give.

Law: KRS 403.212(3)(d), (5), (6)

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)

How Kentucky's formula works

The parents' monthly gross incomes are added together (minus certain support and maintenance already paid). You look up the total and the number of children in the state table, then each parent pays a share in proportion to their income. Health insurance and work-related child care are split the same way.

Law: KRS 403.212; KRS 403.2122 (shared parenting time credit); KRS 403.211

Health insurance in Kentucky

The court must order one or both parents to provide health care coverage if it is reasonable in cost (5% or less of that parent's gross income) and accessible. If it isn't, the court orders cash medical support. Insurance costs and uninsured medical bills are split by income.

Law: KRS 403.211(7)-(8)

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 Kentucky

  1. Gather income papers

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

  2. Check the official calculator

    Get the guideline amount from Official Kentucky child support calculator.

  3. Include other costs

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

  4. Ask for an order

    Only a court or the agency can set the amount. Open a case with Department of Child Support Services, Office of the Attorney General ((800) 248-1163) · Apply online

Where to get free help in Kentucky

Questions about the Kentucky guidelines

What formula does Kentucky use for child support?

The parents' monthly gross incomes are added together (minus certain support and maintenance already paid). You look up the total and the number of children in the state table, then each parent pays a share in proportion to their income. Health insurance and work-related child care are split the same way.

Where is the Kentucky child support calculator?

Yes: Official Kentucky child support calculator.

How does Kentucky treat low incomes?

The minimum order is $60 a month. A low-income parent (for example, monthly adjusted gross income of $1,100 or less with one child) gets a self-support reserve of $915 a month, and support is figured on that parent's income alone; the parent pays the lowest of the amounts the rules give.

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

The court must order one or both parents to provide health care coverage if it is reasonable in cost (5% or less of that parent's gross income) and accessible. If it isn't, the court orders cash medical support. Insurance costs and uninsured medical bills are split by income.

More for Kentucky

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources