Child support in Oregon
Oregon 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 Oregon Child Support Program (Oregon Department of Justice, Division of Child Support) at 503-373-7300.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026. · Free letters and checklist ↓
How much child support in Oregon?
Each parent's adjusted income is added together and the state obligation scale gives the basic support for that income and number of children. Each parent pays a share based on his or her part of the income, with credits for parenting time and adjustments for child care and health care.
Law: ORS 25.270-25.290; OAR 137-050-0700 to 137-050-0765 (0745 self-support reserve, 0755 minimum order)
We don't estimate Oregon'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 Oregon
- Phone
- 503-373-7300; toll-free 800-850-0228
- Apply
- Apply online
- How to open a case
Create an online account and apply for services, or print and mail the Application for Services (CSF 03 0574) or go to a local child support office. You can ask for parentage-only services too. Families on public assistance are referred automatically.
- Application fee
$1 one-time fee, taken out of the first money collected.
Source: Oregon Child Support Program, Enroll for Services page
- Forms
- Paternity (legal fatherhood)
Called parentage in Oregon. If both parents agree, they sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage Affidavit, have it notarized and file it with Oregon Vital Records; the program can help and pay the filing fee. If parents disagree, the program offers free genetic testing and an administrative parentage order, or a circuit court can decide.
Oregon child support by topic
How support is calculated in Oregon
The model, the percentages or the official calculator, and low-income rules.
Change child support in Oregon
When you can ask, how to ask, and a review letter.
Collect unpaid support in Oregon
Collection tools, interest and license rules, and a letter.
When support ends in Oregon
The end age, high school and disability rules.
How child support is figured in Oregon
- Model
- Income shares
- How it works
Each parent's adjusted income is added together and the state obligation scale gives the basic support for that income and number of children. Each parent pays a share based on his or her part of the income, with credits for parenting time and adjustments for child care and health care.
- Low income
A self-support reserve of $1,729 a month (from July 1, 2026) is protected for the paying parent. There is a presumed minimum order of $100 a month, which does not apply if, for example, the parent's only income is disability benefits, the parent is incarcerated, or the parent receives public benefits.
- Official calculator
- Official Oregon child support calculator
- Health insurance and medical costs
Every Oregon support order must include medical support: health care coverage (private, public, or through an employer) or, if no parent has access to coverage, cash medical support to help pay for coverage or uninsured costs.
Law: ORS 25.321-25.343; OAR 137-050-0750
Law: ORS 25.270-25.290; OAR 137-050-0700 to 137-050-0765 (0745 self-support reserve, 0755 minimum order)
Change a child support order in Oregon
- When a change is allowed
You can ask the program to review your order once it has been in effect at least 35 months. If the review finds the order is out of line with the guidelines after this period, it is brought in line without needing to show a change in circumstances. You can ask sooner if you have proof of a significant change, such as a change in custody, a parent's income, the child's needs (child care, health coverage), or the number of children. A guideline change alone is not a reason.
- How to ask
Send the Request for Review - Modification or Termination Packet (CSF 01 0142A) with the Uniform Income and Expense Statement (CSF 01 0100). The program prepares a proposed order; you can agree, correct it, or ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge. It usually takes 90-120 days. You can also go to circuit court using Oregon Judicial Department family law forms.
Law: ORS 25.287; OAR 137-050-0700(3)
Can I ask for a change? Check your situation
Collect unpaid child support in Oregon
Arrears means support that is past due. The child support agency can use these tools to collect it:
- Collection tools
- Income withholding
- Federal and state tax refund intercept
- Liens on property in Oregon
- Garnishing lottery winnings, insurance settlements, inheritances and bank accounts
- Suspending driver's, recreational and occupational licenses
- Passport denial
- Credit bureau reporting
- Contempt of court (possible jail)
- License suspension
Arrears equal to the greater of 3 months of support or $2,500, with no payment agreement or not following one
Law: ORS 25.750
- Contempt of court
The program can bring a contempt action in circuit court for failure to pay; the judge may impose a jail sentence.
- Interest on unpaid support
Unpaid support accrues interest at Oregon's legal judgment rate of 9% a year, simple interest; Oregon support law refers to the accrual of interest under ORS 82.010.
Law: ORS 82.010(2); ORS 25.166(4)
Law: ORS 25.750; Oregon Child Support Program, Compliance
When child support ends in Oregon
- Support ends
18, or up to 21 if the child qualifies as a Child Attending School (enrolled at least half time, making satisfactory progress, and giving the required notices).
- Exceptions
Support also ends if the child marries or is emancipated. A Child Attending School must notify the program and the paying parent and can lose support if a paying parent's objection is not answered.
Law: ORS 107.108; OAR 137-055-5110
When does support end? Check your situation
Free help in Oregon
- OregonLawHelp.org (legal aid)
- Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service · 800-452-7636
- Find free legal help at LawHelp.org
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 Oregon's agency contact.
Good to know in Oregon
- Children 18 to 21 who stay in school at least half time can receive support directly under most Oregon orders (ORS 107.108).
- Oregon presumes every paying parent can pay at least $100 a month, with exceptions for parents on disability benefits, public benefits or in jail (OAR 137-050-0755).
- The self-support reserve is updated every year; it is $1,729 from July 1, 2026 (OAR 137-050-0745).
Changes in 2024–2026
July 1, 2026: the self-support reserve was updated to $1,729 a month. 2025 laws: House Bill 3348 (Oregon Laws 2025, chapter 99) changed child support program administration rules, and Senate Bill 163 (Oregon Laws 2025, chapter 592) changed how parentage is established, including who can sign a voluntary acknowledgment, genetic testing procedures and assisted reproduction.
Law: OAR 137-050-0745
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 Oregon
How is child support calculated in Oregon?
Each parent's adjusted income is added together and the state obligation scale gives the basic support for that income and number of children. Each parent pays a share based on his or her part of the income, with credits for parenting time and adjustments for child care and health care.
Is there an official child support calculator for Oregon?
What if the paying parent has a low income in Oregon?
A self-support reserve of $1,729 a month (from July 1, 2026) is protected for the paying parent. There is a presumed minimum order of $100 a month, which does not apply if, for example, the parent's only income is disability benefits, the parent is incarcerated, or the parent receives public benefits.
How do I apply for child support in Oregon?
Create an online account and apply for services, or print and mail the Application for Services (CSF 03 0574) or go to a local child support office. You can ask for parentage-only services too. Families on public assistance are referred automatically.
Does it cost money to open a child support case in Oregon?
$1 one-time fee, taken out of the first money collected.
When can child support be changed in Oregon?
You can ask the program to review your order once it has been in effect at least 35 months. If the review finds the order is out of line with the guidelines after this period, it is brought in line without needing to show a change in circumstances. You can ask sooner if you have proof of a significant change, such as a change in custody, a parent's income, the child's needs (child care, health coverage), or the number of children. A guideline change alone is not a reason.
How do I ask to change child support in Oregon?
Send the Request for Review - Modification or Termination Packet (CSF 01 0142A) with the Uniform Income and Expense Statement (CSF 01 0100). The program prepares a proposed order; you can agree, correct it, or ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge. It usually takes 90-120 days. You can also go to circuit court using Oregon Judicial Department family law forms.
What happens if child support is not paid in Oregon?
Arrears means support that is past due. The child support agency can use these tools to collect it: Income withholding; Federal and state tax refund intercept; Liens on property in Oregon; Garnishing lottery winnings, insurance settlements, inheritances and bank accounts; Suspending driver's, recreational and occupational licenses; Passport denial; Credit bureau reporting; Contempt of court (possible jail).
Can a license be suspended for unpaid child support in Oregon?
Arrears equal to the greater of 3 months of support or $2,500, with no payment agreement or not following one
Can a parent be held in contempt for not paying in Oregon?
The program can bring a contempt action in circuit court for failure to pay; the judge may impose a jail sentence.
Is there interest on unpaid child support in Oregon?
Unpaid support accrues interest at Oregon's legal judgment rate of 9% a year, simple interest; Oregon support law refers to the accrual of interest under ORS 82.010.
When does child support end in Oregon?
18, or up to 21 if the child qualifies as a Child Attending School (enrolled at least half time, making satisfactory progress, and giving the required notices).
Can child support continue past the usual age in Oregon?
Support also ends if the child marries or is emancipated. A Child Attending School must notify the program and the paying parent and can lose support if a paying parent's objection is not answered.
How is paternity established in Oregon?
Called parentage in Oregon. If both parents agree, they sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage Affidavit, have it notarized and file it with Oregon Vital Records; the program can help and pay the filing fee. If parents disagree, the program offers free genetic testing and an administrative parentage order, or a circuit court can decide.
Who pays for the child's health insurance in Oregon?
Every Oregon support order must include medical support: health care coverage (private, public, or through an employer) or, if no parent has access to coverage, cash medical support to help pay for coverage or uninsured costs.
More help on our sister sites
Sources
- Oregon Child Support Program
- Enroll for Child Support Services
- Modify an Existing Support Order
- Compliance (enforcement)
- Support for Students Ages 18-21
- Establish Parentage
- Medical Support
- Guideline Rules with Commentary (OAR 137-050)
- ORS Chapter 25
- ORS Chapter 107
- ORS 82.010
- Child Support Laws and Rules (2025 legislative changes)
- Oregon Legislature: HB 3348 (2025)
- Oregon Legislature: SB 163 (2025)
- Contact Us (Oregon Child Support Program)
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)