How child support is calculated in South Dakota

How the guideline works, what the official calculator needs, and the low-income and health insurance rules.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

South Dakota uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. The court adds both parents' monthly net incomes and finds the support amount on the state schedule for that income and number of children.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official South Dakota child support calculator

Get the number from South Dakota's official tool

The court adds both parents' monthly net incomes and finds the support amount on the state schedule for that income and number of children. The paying parent pays his or her proportionate share. Child care and health care costs can be split between the parents.

Law: SDCL 25-7-6.1, 25-7-6.2, 25-7-6.4

We don't estimate South Dakota'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 South Dakota child support calculator

Medical support in South Dakota

The court must address how the child's health care needs will be met. The order must include medical insurance if it is accessible for the child and available to a parent at reasonable cost, meaning the child's share of the premium is 8% or less of that parent's net income. Public coverage does not satisfy the duty if such private insurance is available. The parent with primary physical custody pays the first $250 of uninsured health costs each year; costs above that are split in proportion to each parent's support obligation.

Law: SDCL 25-7-6.16

If the paying parent earns little in South Dakota

The schedule includes a self-support reserve of $871 a month. In the low-income (bold) part of the schedule, the amount using only the paying parent's income is compared with his or her share using both incomes, and the lower amount is ordered. The lowest schedule amount is $79 a month (net income $0-950). An unemployed parent is presumed able to work 1,820 hours a year at state minimum wage.

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)

How South Dakota's formula works

The court adds both parents' monthly net incomes and finds the support amount on the state schedule for that income and number of children. The paying parent pays his or her proportionate share. Child care and health care costs can be split between the parents.

Law: SDCL 25-7-6.1, 25-7-6.2, 25-7-6.4

The model in plain words

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

Get your number in South Dakota

  1. Find the income numbers

    Recent pay stubs and last year's tax return are the usual starting point.

  2. Run the official numbers

    The state's own tool gives the starting number: Official South Dakota child support calculator.

  3. Count health and child care

    The child's health insurance and child care costs can change the amount.

  4. Ask for an order

    The agency can set up an order: contact South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Child Support (DCS) (605-773-3641) · Apply online

  5. Get help

    Legal aid can help for free: Dakota Plains Legal Services.

Free help in South Dakota

Questions about the South Dakota guidelines

How is child support calculated in South Dakota?

The court adds both parents' monthly net incomes and finds the support amount on the state schedule for that income and number of children. The paying parent pays his or her proportionate share. Child care and health care costs can be split between the parents.

Where is the South Dakota child support calculator?

Yes: Official South Dakota child support calculator.

Is there a low-income rule in South Dakota?

The schedule includes a self-support reserve of $871 a month. In the low-income (bold) part of the schedule, the amount using only the paying parent's income is compared with his or her share using both incomes, and the lower amount is ordered. The lowest schedule amount is $79 a month (net income $0-950). An unemployed parent is presumed able to work 1,820 hours a year at state minimum wage.

How are medical costs shared in South Dakota?

The court must address how the child's health care needs will be met. The order must include medical insurance if it is accessible for the child and available to a parent at reasonable cost, meaning the child's share of the premium is 8% or less of that parent's net income. Public coverage does not satisfy the duty if such private insurance is available. The parent with primary physical custody pays the first $250 of uninsured health costs each year; costs above that are split in proportion to each parent's support obligation.

Related South Dakota pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources