How child support is calculated in North Carolina
What decides the amount, where to get the real number, and the extra rules.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.
Short answer
North Carolina uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are added together. The Schedule of Basic Support Obligations shows the support for that combined income and number of children, and each parent's share is in proportion to income.
- Model
- Income shares
- Official calculator
- Official North Carolina child support calculator
Where the real number comes from in North Carolina
Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are added together. The Schedule of Basic Support Obligations shows the support for that combined income and number of children, and each parent's share is in proportion to income. Work-related child care and the children's health insurance are added. Worksheet A is for primary custody, B for joint (shared) custody and C for split custody.
Law: N.C.G.S. 50-13.4(c), (c1); North Carolina Child Support Guidelines (AOC-A-162), effective January 1, 2023
We don't estimate North Carolina'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:
Health insurance in North Carolina
The order must address the child's health care. Health insurance is reasonable in cost if covering the child costs the parent no more than 5% of the parent's gross income (cost of adding the child, child-only coverage, or the difference between self-only and family coverage). The court may also order dental or vision insurance and split uninsured expenses.
Law: N.C.G.S. 50-13.11(a1); Guidelines (2023)
What goes into support in North Carolina
Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are added together. The Schedule of Basic Support Obligations shows the support for that combined income and number of children, and each parent's share is in proportion to income. Work-related child care and the children's health insurance are added. Worksheet A is for primary custody, B for joint (shared) custody and C for split custody.
Law: N.C.G.S. 50-13.4(c), (c1); North Carolina Child Support Guidelines (AOC-A-162), effective January 1, 2023
If the paying parent earns little in North Carolina
If the paying parent's adjusted gross income is under $1,150 a month, a minimum order of $50 a month is set unless the judge deviates. Above that, the schedule includes a self-support reserve based on the 2022 federal poverty level for one person ($1,133 a month); in the shaded area of the schedule, support is based only on the paying parent's income.
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
- Virginia: Income shares
- South Carolina: Income shares
- West Virginia: Income shares
- District of Columbia: Income shares
Get your number in North Carolina
Find the income numbers
The formula needs each parent's income: use pay stubs and tax returns.
Check the official calculator
Get the guideline amount from Official North Carolina child support calculator.
Include other costs
The child's health insurance and child care costs can change the amount.
Open a case
The agency can set up an order: contact NC DHHS Child Support Services (CSS), Division of Social Services (1-800-992-9457) · Apply online
Talk to legal aid
Free help: Legal Aid of North Carolina.
Where to get free help in North Carolina
Questions about the North Carolina guidelines
How is child support calculated in North Carolina?
Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are added together. The Schedule of Basic Support Obligations shows the support for that combined income and number of children, and each parent's share is in proportion to income. Work-related child care and the children's health insurance are added. Worksheet A is for primary custody, B for joint (shared) custody and C for split custody.
Is there an official child support calculator for North Carolina?
Is there a low-income rule in North Carolina?
If the paying parent's adjusted gross income is under $1,150 a month, a minimum order of $50 a month is set unless the judge deviates. Above that, the schedule includes a self-support reserve based on the 2022 federal poverty level for one person ($1,133 a month); in the shaded area of the schedule, support is based only on the paying parent's income.
How are medical costs shared in North Carolina?
The order must address the child's health care. Health insurance is reasonable in cost if covering the child costs the parent no more than 5% of the parent's gross income (cost of adding the child, child-only coverage, or the difference between self-only and family coverage). The court may also order dental or vision insurance and split uninsured expenses.
Related North Carolina pages
Sources
- N.C.G.S. 50-13.4(c), (c1); North Carolina Child Support Guidelines (AOC-A-162), effective January 1, 2023
- NC DHHS Child Support Services
- NC DHHS CSS FAQ
- NC Judicial Branch Help Topic: Child Support
- N.C.G.S. 50-13.4
- AOC-CV-600 Motion for Modification of Child Support Order
- AOC-CV-601 Motion and Order to Show Cause (child support)
- NC DHHS online child support calculators
- OCSS Intergovernmental Reference Guide - North Carolina profile
Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.