How child support is calculated in Massachusetts

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

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Massachusetts uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. The court uses the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines worksheet (CJD 304). It looks at both parents' available income, the number of children and their ages, and adjusts for child care and health, dental and vision insurance costs.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official Massachusetts child support calculator

The official Massachusetts calculator

The court uses the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines worksheet (CJD 304). It looks at both parents' available income, the number of children and their ages, and adjusts for child care and health, dental and vision insurance costs. The result is a weekly order that is presumed correct unless the court finds it unjust.

Law: Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines (2025), effective December 1, 2025; G.L. c. 208, §28

We don't estimate Massachusetts'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 Massachusetts child support calculator

Health insurance in Massachusetts

The order must require either parent to provide health care coverage if it is available at reasonable cost (5% or less of that parent's gross income) and within 15 miles of the child's home. If the child has MassHealth, that parent keeps it, and the other parent may also be ordered to add private insurance. Private insurance is not considered reasonable in cost for a parent at or below 150% of the poverty level. The parent receiving support pays the first $250 a year of uninsured costs (2025 Guidelines, Section II.H; G.L. c.

Law: 208, §28)

What goes into support in Massachusetts

The court uses the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines worksheet (CJD 304). It looks at both parents' available income, the number of children and their ages, and adjusts for child care and health, dental and vision insurance costs. The result is a weekly order that is presumed correct unless the court finds it unjust.

Law: Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines (2025), effective December 1, 2025; G.L. c. 208, §28

Low incomes in Massachusetts

If the paying parent's gross income is $301 a week or less, the order should be no more than $15 a week. Between $302 and $391 a week, no more than $33 a week. The court can still set a different amount, including $0. The guidelines apply to combined available income up to $450,000 a year (2025 Guidelines, Section II.C).

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 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

In nearby states

Steps to a support amount in Massachusetts

  1. Collect proof of income

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

  2. Use the official tool

    The official number comes from Official Massachusetts child support calculator.

  3. Add the extra costs

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

  4. Get an order

    The agency can set up an order: contact Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR), Child Support Services Division ((800) 332-2733) · Apply online

  5. Ask for free help

    Legal aid can help for free: MassLegalHelp.

Where to get free help in Massachusetts

Questions about the Massachusetts guidelines

How does Massachusetts figure child support?

The court uses the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines worksheet (CJD 304). It looks at both parents' available income, the number of children and their ages, and adjusts for child care and health, dental and vision insurance costs. The result is a weekly order that is presumed correct unless the court finds it unjust.

Is there an official child support calculator for Massachusetts?

Yes: Official Massachusetts child support calculator.

Is there a low-income rule in Massachusetts?

If the paying parent's gross income is $301 a week or less, the order should be no more than $15 a week. Between $302 and $391 a week, no more than $33 a week. The court can still set a different amount, including $0. The guidelines apply to combined available income up to $450,000 a year (2025 Guidelines, Section II.C).

How are medical costs shared in Massachusetts?

The order must require either parent to provide health care coverage if it is available at reasonable cost (5% or less of that parent's gross income) and within 15 miles of the child's home. If the child has MassHealth, that parent keeps it, and the other parent may also be ordered to add private insurance. Private insurance is not considered reasonable in cost for a parent at or below 150% of the poverty level. The parent receiving support pays the first $250 a year of uninsured costs (2025 Guidelines, Section II.H; G.L. c.

Related Massachusetts pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources