How to change child support in Ohio

How and when to ask for a new amount, with a review letter.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. 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).

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
JFS 01849 Request for an Administrative Review of the Child Support Order (from your CSEA or JFS Forms Central)

When Ohio allows a change

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.

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

Ohio's rule: 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.

Law: Ohio Rev. Code 3119.79; Ohio Admin. Code 5101:12-60-05 to 5101:12-60-05.3

Until a new order is made, the current amount is still owed. A change can count only from the date the other parent gets notice of your request, so ask soon.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

How to ask 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.

How to ask for a change 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.

Write to the child support agency to ask for a review: Ask the agency to review (change) your order

Recent changes in Ohio

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

If a parent is in jail or prison

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)

In nearby states

Your next steps in Ohio

  1. Get the order

    Find the date and the amount on the order.

  2. Check the rule

    The rule 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).

  3. Gather proof

    Papers that show the change make the request stronger.

  4. Ask the agency or the court

    Request a review from Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Child Support (1-800-686-1556)

Free legal help in Ohio

Questions about changing support in Ohio

What counts as a reason to change support 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.

Where do I file to change 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.

Keep reading about Ohio

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources