How child support is calculated in Ohio
The formula, the official tool, and the rules for low incomes and health insurance.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.
Short answer
Ohio uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. 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.
- Model
- Income shares
- Official calculator
- Official Ohio child support calculator
Where the real number comes from 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:
If the paying parent earns little 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.
Law: Ohio Rev. Code 3119.021; Ohio Rev. Code 3119.06
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)
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.
Law: Ohio Rev. Code 3119.30-3119.302
How Ohio's formula 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.
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)
How this kind of formula works
In an income-shares state, both parents' incomes are added together. A table gives the support for that combined income, and each parent pays the share that matches their part of the income.
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
- West Virginia: Income shares
- Indiana: Income shares
- Kentucky: Income shares
- Pennsylvania: Income shares
Get your number in Ohio
Gather income papers
Recent pay stubs and last year's tax return are the usual starting point.
Use the official tool
The official number comes from Official Ohio child support calculator.
Add the extra costs
Insurance and child care often go on top of the basic amount.
Get an order
Only a court or the agency can set the amount. Open a case with Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Child Support (1-800-686-1556)
Talk to legal aid
Free help: Ohio Legal Help - find legal aid and lawyer referral.
Free legal help in Ohio
Questions about the Ohio guidelines
How does Ohio figure child support?
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.
Where is the Ohio child support calculator?
Is there a low-income rule 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.
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.
Keep reading about Ohio
Sources
- Ohio Rev. Code 3119.021-3119.24; Ohio Admin. Code 5101:12-1-17 (JFS 07767 schedule, JFS 07768/07769 worksheets, JFS 07766 manual)
- ODJFS Child Support
- 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.