Child support in Ohio
Ohio uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. To open a case, contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Child Support at 1-800-686-1556.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026. · Free letters and checklist ↓
How much child support in Ohio?
Both parents' incomes are added together. The state schedule gives the basic support amount for that combined income and number of children, and each parent's share is set by his or her share of the income. Child care, health insurance, parenting time and other items adjust the result on the state worksheet.
Law: Ohio Rev. Code 3119.021-3119.24; Ohio Admin. Code 5101:12-1-17 (JFS 07767 schedule, JFS 07768/07769 worksheets, JFS 07766 manual)
We don't estimate Ohio'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:
Open a child support case in Ohio
- Phone
- 1-800-686-1556
- How to open a case
Fill out the Application for Child Support Services (JFS 07076) and give it to your county CSEA by mail or in person. The CSEA can find the other parent, set paternity and create an administrative order without court, or you can ask a court. You should usually hear from the CSEA within 20 days.
- Application fee
$1 application fee; the county CSEA may ask you to pay it or may absorb it. No application is needed if you are referred from Ohio Works First, foster care or Medicaid.
Law: Ohio Admin. Code 5101:12-10-01.1
- Yearly fee
The $35 yearly federal fee (cases never on cash assistance with at least $550 collected) is taken from the 2% processing charge that the paying parent already pays, so the parent who receives support is not billed for it.
Law: Ohio Rev. Code 3119.27
- Forms
- Paternity (legal fatherhood)
Unmarried parents can sign the Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit for free (for example at the hospital or CSEA). The CSEA can also order genetic testing and issue an administrative paternity order, or a juvenile or domestic relations court can decide. Paternity can be set any time before the child turns 23.
Ohio child support by topic
How support is calculated in Ohio
The model, the percentages or the official calculator, and low-income rules.
Change child support in Ohio
When you can ask, how to ask, and a review letter.
Collect unpaid support in Ohio
Collection tools, interest and license rules, and a letter.
When support ends in Ohio
The end age, high school and disability rules.
How child support is figured in Ohio
- Model
- Income shares
- How it works
Both parents' incomes are added together. The state schedule gives the basic support amount for that combined income and number of children, and each parent's share is set by his or her share of the income. Child care, health insurance, parenting time and other items adjust the result on the state worksheet.
- Low income
The schedule has a built-in self-sufficiency reserve for low-income parents. The usual minimum order is $80 a month for all children; it can be lower or zero in some cases, such as a documented disability. If a minimum order is set and the paying parent gets means-tested public assistance (Ohio Works First, disability financial assistance, SSI or means-tested veterans' benefits) and follows any seek-work order, the current payment is not enforced during that time, but unpaid amounts still add up as arrears.
Law: Ohio Rev. Code 3119.021; Ohio Rev. Code 3119.06
- Official calculator
- Official Ohio child support calculator
- Health insurance and medical costs
Every order must say who provides health care coverage. The parent who receives support is presumed to be the one to carry health insurance, unless the paying parent already has reasonable-cost coverage or can get it. Both parents share uncovered medical costs. Cash medical support can be ordered.
Law: Ohio Rev. Code 3119.30-3119.302
Law: Ohio Rev. Code 3119.021-3119.24; Ohio Admin. Code 5101:12-1-17 (JFS 07767 schedule, JFS 07768/07769 worksheets, JFS 07766 manual)
Change a child support order in Ohio
- When a change is allowed
The CSEA can do an administrative review 36 months after the order was made or last reviewed, or sooner for certain changes listed on form JFS 01849 (for example job loss or a change in custody). In court, if the recalculated amount is more than 10% higher or lower than the current order, that counts as a change big enough to modify. Inadequate health insurance for the child also counts.
- How to ask
Ask your CSEA for an administrative review with JFS 01849, Request for an Administrative Review of the Child Support Order, plus any required proof. Or file a motion in court, for example Uniform Domestic Relations Form 28.
Law: Ohio Rev. Code 3119.79; Ohio Admin. Code 5101:12-60-05 to 5101:12-60-05.3
Can I ask for a change? Check your situation
Collect unpaid child support in Ohio
Arrears means support that is past due. The child support agency can use these tools to collect it:
- Collection tools
- Income withholding (and higher withholding to pay past-due support)
- Credit reporting
- State and federal tax refund offset
- Driver's and professional license suspension
- Intercept of Ohio lottery, casino and racino winnings
- Liens
- Seizing money in bank accounts
- Intercepting lump sums and other payouts
- Civil contempt
- Criminal penalties for nonpayment
- License suspension
Driver's license action can follow a final finding that the parent is in default, meaning unpaid support equal to at least one month of support, or after ignoring a subpoena or warrant.
Law: Ohio Rev. Code 3121.01, 3123.53
- Contempt of court
A court can hold a parent in contempt for not paying. Uniform Domestic Relations Form 24 is the Motion for Contempt.
- Interest on unpaid support
Not automatic. When the court issues or changes an order and finds the parent's default was willful, it may add interest on the arrears at the state statutory rate.
Law: Ohio Rev. Code 1343.03; Ohio Rev. Code 3123.17
Law: Ohio Rev. Code ch. 3121, 3123
When child support ends in Ohio
- Support ends
18. Support continues past 18 while the child keeps attending an accredited high school full time, but a court order usually ends at 19 and an administrative order always ends by 19.
- Exceptions
A court can order support past 18 (and past 19) for a child with a mental or physical disability who cannot self-support, or when the parents agreed to it in a divorce or dissolution agreement.
Law: Ohio Rev. Code 3119.86, 3119.861, 3109.20
When does support end? Check your situation
Free help in Ohio
Official self-help
Free letters and checklist
Ask the agency to review (change) your order
A letter to the child support agency asking for a review and adjustment.
Ask the agency to collect unpaid support
A letter asking the agency to enforce the order and collect what is past due.
Checklist: what to bring to open a case
IDs, birth certificates, the other parent's details and your papers, with Ohio's agency contact.
Good to know in Ohio
- The paying parent pays a 2% processing charge on each support payment (Ohio Rev. Code 3119.27).
- Each of Ohio's 88 counties has its own CSEA that runs cases (ODJFS).
- Since March 20, 2025 a court can order support for a child with a disability regardless of age as part of a divorce, dissolution, legal separation or annulment (Ohio Rev. Code 3109.20).
Changes in 2024–2026
April 3, 2024: House Bill 33 amended the minimum-order rule so a minimum order is not enforced while the paying parent receives means-tested public assistance and follows any seek-work order. March 20, 2025: House Bill 338 changed the rules on support for adult children with disabilities. April 1, 2026: the guideline rule was updated with a revised Child Support Guideline Manual (JFS 07766).
Law: Ohio Rev. Code 3119.06; Ohio Rev. Code 3109.20, 3119.86, 3119.861; Ohio Admin. Code 5101:12-1-17
Federal rules in every state
- Applying. If you don't get TANF, Medicaid or foster care help, a state may charge an application fee of up to $25 to open a child support case. Law: 42 U.S.C. 654(6)(B)(i)
- Yearly fee. If you never got TANF and the agency collected at least $550 for you in a year, the state charges a $35 yearly fee. It can come out of your support, but never out of the first $550. Law: 42 U.S.C. 654(6)(B)(ii)
- Review every 3 years. If your case is with the child support agency, either parent can ask it to review the order every 3 years and adjust it to the guidelines. Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(10)(A); 45 CFR 303.8
- Past-due support. Each unpaid payment becomes a judgment on the day it is due. It can't be lowered later, except back to the date the other parent got notice of a request to change the order. Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)
- Tax refunds. The federal government can take a federal tax refund to pay past-due child support. Law: 42 U.S.C. 664
- Passports. A parent who owes more than $2,500 in past-due support can be refused a passport. Law: 42 U.S.C. 652(k)
- Pay withholding limit. For support, up to 50% of take-home pay can be withheld if the parent supports another spouse or child, or 60% if not. It is 55% or 65% when support is more than 12 weeks behind. Law: 15 U.S.C. 1673(b)
- How long support lasts. 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)
Questions about child support in Ohio
How is child support calculated in Ohio?
Both parents' incomes are added together. The state schedule gives the basic support amount for that combined income and number of children, and each parent's share is set by his or her share of the income. Child care, health insurance, parenting time and other items adjust the result on the state worksheet.
Is there an official child support calculator for Ohio?
What if the paying parent has a low income in Ohio?
The schedule has a built-in self-sufficiency reserve for low-income parents. The usual minimum order is $80 a month for all children; it can be lower or zero in some cases, such as a documented disability. If a minimum order is set and the paying parent gets means-tested public assistance (Ohio Works First, disability financial assistance, SSI or means-tested veterans' benefits) and follows any seek-work order, the current payment is not enforced during that time, but unpaid amounts still add up as arrears.
How do I apply for child support in Ohio?
Fill out the Application for Child Support Services (JFS 07076) and give it to your county CSEA by mail or in person. The CSEA can find the other parent, set paternity and create an administrative order without court, or you can ask a court. You should usually hear from the CSEA within 20 days.
Does it cost money to open a child support case in Ohio?
$1 application fee; the county CSEA may ask you to pay it or may absorb it. No application is needed if you are referred from Ohio Works First, foster care or Medicaid.
Is there a yearly fee for child support services in Ohio?
The $35 yearly federal fee (cases never on cash assistance with at least $550 collected) is taken from the 2% processing charge that the paying parent already pays, so the parent who receives support is not billed for it.
When can child support be changed in Ohio?
The CSEA can do an administrative review 36 months after the order was made or last reviewed, or sooner for certain changes listed on form JFS 01849 (for example job loss or a change in custody). In court, if the recalculated amount is more than 10% higher or lower than the current order, that counts as a change big enough to modify. Inadequate health insurance for the child also counts.
How do I ask to change child support in Ohio?
Ask your CSEA for an administrative review with JFS 01849, Request for an Administrative Review of the Child Support Order, plus any required proof. Or file a motion in court, for example Uniform Domestic Relations Form 28.
What happens if child support is not paid in Ohio?
Arrears means support that is past due. The child support agency can use these tools to collect it: Income withholding (and higher withholding to pay past-due support); Credit reporting; State and federal tax refund offset; Driver's and professional license suspension; Intercept of Ohio lottery, casino and racino winnings; Liens; Seizing money in bank accounts; Intercepting lump sums and other payouts; Civil contempt; Criminal penalties for nonpayment.
Can a license be suspended for unpaid child support in Ohio?
Driver's license action can follow a final finding that the parent is in default, meaning unpaid support equal to at least one month of support, or after ignoring a subpoena or warrant.
Can a parent be held in contempt for not paying in Ohio?
A court can hold a parent in contempt for not paying. Uniform Domestic Relations Form 24 is the Motion for Contempt.
Is there interest on unpaid child support in Ohio?
Not automatic. When the court issues or changes an order and finds the parent's default was willful, it may add interest on the arrears at the state statutory rate.
When does child support end in Ohio?
18. Support continues past 18 while the child keeps attending an accredited high school full time, but a court order usually ends at 19 and an administrative order always ends by 19.
Does child support continue while my child finishes high school in Ohio?
Support continues past 18 while the child keeps attending an accredited high school full time, but a court order usually ends at 19 and an administrative order always ends by 19.
Can child support continue past the usual age in Ohio?
A court can order support past 18 (and past 19) for a child with a mental or physical disability who cannot self-support, or when the parents agreed to it in a divorce or dissolution agreement.
How is paternity established in Ohio?
Unmarried parents can sign the Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit for free (for example at the hospital or CSEA). The CSEA can also order genetic testing and issue an administrative paternity order, or a juvenile or domestic relations court can decide. Paternity can be set any time before the child turns 23.
Who pays for the child's health insurance in Ohio?
Every order must say who provides health care coverage. The parent who receives support is presumed to be the one to carry health insurance, unless the paying parent already has reasonable-cost coverage or can get it. Both parents share uncovered medical costs. Cash medical support can be ordered.
More help on our sister sites
Sources
- ODJFS Child Support
- Ohio Rev. Code 3119.021 basic schedule
- Ohio Rev. Code 3119.79 modification
- Ohio Rev. Code 3119.86 duration
- Ohio Rev. Code 3119.861
- Ohio Rev. Code 3123.17 interest
- Ohio Rev. Code 3119.27 processing charge
- Ohio Rev. Code 3119.06 minimum order
- Ohio Rev. Code 3119.30 health care
- Ohio Admin. Code ch. 5101:12-1 (rule 5101:12-1-17 guideline)
- Ohio Admin. Code ch. 5101:12-10 (application fee)
- Ohio Rev. Code 3123.53 driver's license
Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.
- State plan requirements: application fee, annual fee, safeguards, 42 U.S.C. 654
- Required state laws: arrears as judgments, review every 3 years, UIFSA, 42 U.S.C. 666
- Federal tax refund offset, 42 U.S.C. 664
- Passport denial for child support arrears, 42 U.S.C. 652(k)
- Garnishment limits for support orders, 15 U.S.C. 1673(b)
- Full faith and credit for child support orders, 28 U.S.C. 1738B
- Office of Child Support Enforcement (federal)