How child support is calculated in Vermont
The formula, the official tool, and the rules for low incomes and health insurance.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.
Short answer
Vermont uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. Both parents' 'available income' (gross income minus taxes, FICA, spousal or prior child support actually paid, and the child's health insurance cost) is combined and looked up in the state guideline table.
- Model
- Income shares
- Official calculator
- Official Vermont child support calculator
The official Vermont calculator
Both parents' 'available income' (gross income minus taxes, FICA, spousal or prior child support actually paid, and the child's health insurance cost) is combined and looked up in the state guideline table. Child care and extraordinary expenses are added, and the total is split in proportion to each parent's income.
Law: 15 V.S.A. 653-657
We don't estimate Vermont'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:
Medical support in Vermont
The court must order medical coverage or a cash contribution. Coverage is presumed reasonable if adding the child costs 5% or less of the parent's gross income; if none is available, the court can order a cash contribution of up to 5% of gross income. Uninsured medical costs over $200 a year count as extraordinary expenses added to support.
Law: 15 V.S.A. 653(4), 658(f)
What goes into support in Vermont
Both parents' 'available income' (gross income minus taxes, FICA, spousal or prior child support actually paid, and the child's health insurance cost) is combined and looked up in the state guideline table. Child care and extraordinary expenses are added, and the total is split in proportion to each parent's income.
Law: 15 V.S.A. 653-657
Low incomes in Vermont
A self-support reserve protects the paying parent: $1,596 a month (effective Feb. 2, 2026). If the guideline amount would push the parent below it, support is the difference between income and the reserve; if income is below the reserve, the court sets a nominal amount.
Law: 15 V.S.A. 653(7), 656
Source: OCS calculator page
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 the model means
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
- Massachusetts: Income shares
- Connecticut: Income shares
- Rhode Island: Income shares
- Maine: Income shares
From income to an order in Vermont
Collect proof of income
Pay stubs, tax returns and benefit letters for both parents, if you have them.
Use the official tool
The state's own tool gives the starting number: Official Vermont child support calculator.
Count health and child care
Health insurance, child care and other costs can be added or shared as the state's rules say.
Ask for an order
To get an order, contact Office of Child Support (OCS), Vermont Department for Children and Families (1-800-786-3214) · Apply online
Get help
Ask for free help: Vermont Legal Help (VTLawHelp.org) and Vermont Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.
Free legal help in Vermont
Questions about the Vermont guidelines
How is child support calculated in Vermont?
Both parents' 'available income' (gross income minus taxes, FICA, spousal or prior child support actually paid, and the child's health insurance cost) is combined and looked up in the state guideline table. Child care and extraordinary expenses are added, and the total is split in proportion to each parent's income.
Does Vermont have an online support calculator?
How does Vermont treat low incomes?
A self-support reserve protects the paying parent: $1,596 a month (effective Feb. 2, 2026). If the guideline amount would push the parent below it, support is the difference between income and the reserve; if income is below the reserve, the court sets a nominal amount.
Is health insurance part of child support in Vermont?
The court must order medical coverage or a cash contribution. Coverage is presumed reasonable if adding the child costs 5% or less of the parent's gross income; if none is available, the court can order a cash contribution of up to 5% of gross income. Uninsured medical costs over $200 a year count as extraordinary expenses added to support.