How child support is calculated in Oregon

The formula, the official tool, and the rules for low incomes and health insurance.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Oregon uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. Each parent's adjusted income is added together and the state obligation scale gives the basic support for that income and number of children.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official Oregon child support calculator

Get the number from Oregon's official tool

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:

Official Oregon child support calculator

The low-income rule 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.

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)

What goes into 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)

Medical support 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.

Law: ORS 25.321-25.343; OAR 137-050-0750

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

From income to an order in Oregon

  1. Gather income papers

    Pay stubs, tax returns and benefit letters for both parents, if you have them.

  2. Use the official tool

    Get the guideline amount from Official Oregon child support calculator.

  3. Add the extra costs

    Insurance and child care often go on top of the basic amount.

  4. Open a case

    To get an order, contact Oregon Child Support Program (Oregon Department of Justice, Division of Child Support) (503-373-7300) · Apply online

Free help in Oregon

Questions about the Oregon guidelines

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.

Where is the Oregon child support calculator?

Yes: Official Oregon child support calculator.

How does Oregon treat low incomes?

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.

Is health insurance part of child support 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.

Related Oregon pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources