How child support is calculated in Tennessee

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

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Tennessee uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. Support is based on both parents' combined adjusted gross income and the number of children.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official Tennessee child support calculator

Get the number from Tennessee's official tool

Support is based on both parents' combined adjusted gross income and the number of children. The state schedule gives the basic child support obligation, each parent pays his or her percentage share, and the amount is adjusted for parenting time, health insurance, work-related child care and other children.

Law: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04 (Child Support Guidelines, revised October 2021), including 1240-02-04-.07 minimum order

We don't estimate Tennessee'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 Tennessee child support calculator

What goes into support in Tennessee

Support is based on both parents' combined adjusted gross income and the number of children. The state schedule gives the basic child support obligation, each parent pays his or her percentage share, and the amount is adjusted for parenting time, health insurance, work-related child care and other children.

Law: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04 (Child Support Guidelines, revised October 2021), including 1240-02-04-.07 minimum order

What the model means

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

If the paying parent earns little in Tennessee

There is a minimum order of $100 a month, except when the paying parent's only income is SSI, or when a federal benefit for the child or the parenting-time adjustment brings the amount below $100. The schedule also includes a low-income adjustment.

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 Tennessee

Child support orders must provide for the child's health care through private or public health coverage and/or cash medical support; the cost of the child's insurance premium is shared in the worksheet. Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04.

In nearby states

From income to an order in Tennessee

  1. Find the income numbers

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

  2. Check the official calculator

    Get the guideline amount from Official Tennessee child support calculator.

  3. Include other costs

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

  4. Ask for an order

    To get an order, contact Tennessee Department of Human Services, Child Support Program ((833) 772-TDHS (8347)) · Apply online

  5. Ask for free help

    Legal aid can help for free: Help4TN (Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services).

Free help in Tennessee

Questions about the Tennessee guidelines

What formula does Tennessee use for child support?

Support is based on both parents' combined adjusted gross income and the number of children. The state schedule gives the basic child support obligation, each parent pays his or her percentage share, and the amount is adjusted for parenting time, health insurance, work-related child care and other children.

Where is the Tennessee child support calculator?

Yes: Official Tennessee child support calculator.

Is there a low-income rule in Tennessee?

There is a minimum order of $100 a month, except when the paying parent's only income is SSI, or when a federal benefit for the child or the parenting-time adjustment brings the amount below $100. The schedule also includes a low-income adjustment.

How are medical costs shared in Tennessee?

Child support orders must provide for the child's health care through private or public health coverage and/or cash medical support; the cost of the child's insurance premium is shared in the worksheet. Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04.

Keep reading about Tennessee

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources