How child support is calculated in Nebraska

How the guideline works, what the official calculator needs, and the low-income and health insurance rules.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Nebraska uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. Both parents' net monthly incomes are added together. The Nebraska Supreme Court's table (Table 1) gives the support amount for that combined income and the number of children, and each parent pays a share in proportion to their income.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official Nebraska child support calculator

Where the real number comes from in Nebraska

Both parents' net monthly incomes are added together. The Nebraska Supreme Court's table (Table 1) gives the support amount for that combined income and the number of children, and each parent pays a share in proportion to their income. Health insurance and child care are added and shared the same way.

Law: Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-364.16; Neb. Ct. R. §§ 4-201 to 4-222 (Nebraska Child Support Guidelines)

We don't estimate Nebraska'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 Nebraska child support calculator

The child's health costs in Nebraska

Every order must say how the parents will cover the children's health care through health insurance and share uninsured costs. The extra cost of the children's insurance is shared in proportion to income. The guideline amount includes up to $250 per child per year in health costs; costs above that are shared. In CSE cases, coverage or cash medical support is reasonable if it costs no more than 5% of the responsible parent's gross income.

Law: Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-369; Neb. Ct. R. § 4-215

If the paying parent earns little in Nebraska

Minimum support is $50 a month or 10% of the paying parent's net income, whichever is greater (lower amounts may be justified for disability or incarceration). Support generally can't reduce a parent's net income below $1,330 a month (the basic subsistence limitation, updated each year; amount effective January 1, 2026).

Law: Neb. Ct. R. §§ 4-209, 4-218

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)

The Nebraska guideline, step by step

Both parents' net monthly incomes are added together. The Nebraska Supreme Court's table (Table 1) gives the support amount for that combined income and the number of children, and each parent pays a share in proportion to their income. Health insurance and child care are added and shared the same way.

Law: Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-364.16; Neb. Ct. R. §§ 4-201 to 4-222 (Nebraska Child Support Guidelines)

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 Nebraska

  1. Find the income numbers

    Pay stubs, tax returns and benefit letters for both parents, if you have them.

  2. Use the official tool

    The official number comes from Official Nebraska child support calculator.

  3. Add the extra costs

    The child's health insurance and child care costs can change the amount.

  4. Open a case

    To get an order, contact Nebraska DHHS Child Support Enforcement (CSE) (1-877-631-9973) · Apply online

Free legal help in Nebraska

Questions about the Nebraska guidelines

What formula does Nebraska use for child support?

Both parents' net monthly incomes are added together. The Nebraska Supreme Court's table (Table 1) gives the support amount for that combined income and the number of children, and each parent pays a share in proportion to their income. Health insurance and child care are added and shared the same way.

Is there an official child support calculator for Nebraska?

Yes: Official Nebraska child support calculator.

How does Nebraska treat low incomes?

Minimum support is $50 a month or 10% of the paying parent's net income, whichever is greater (lower amounts may be justified for disability or incarceration). Support generally can't reduce a parent's net income below $1,330 a month (the basic subsistence limitation, updated each year; amount effective January 1, 2026).

How are medical costs shared in Nebraska?

Every order must say how the parents will cover the children's health care through health insurance and share uninsured costs. The extra cost of the children's insurance is shared in proportion to income. The guideline amount includes up to $250 per child per year in health costs; costs above that are shared. In CSE cases, coverage or cash medical support is reasonable if it costs no more than 5% of the responsible parent's gross income.

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Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources