Connecticut child support is a legal obligation that ensures both parents contribute to the financial well-being of their children. This system is based on an income shares model, meaning both parents’ earnings are considered when determining payment amounts. The goal is to maintain a standard of living for the child similar to what they would have if the parents lived together. Support calculations take into account factors like income, number of children, and custody arrangements. Understanding how child support works in Connecticut helps clarify parental responsibilities and expectations.
Child support in Connecticut covers essential needs such as housing, clothing, food, education, and healthcare for the child. Payments are determined using state guidelines that aim to provide fairness and consistency in each case. Whether a parent has primary custody or shared custody, the financial contribution is calculated to support the child’s everyday life. For detailed information on custody and related legal documents, you can refer to Family Court Records adjustments can occur if major changes arise in income or living conditions.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Connecticut?
Understanding how child support in Connecticut is calculated can help both parents plan for their child’s financial well-being. The process follows a standard formula designed to ensure fair and consistent support, based on income and shared responsibilities.
The Income Shares Model is the foundation of child support calculation in the state. This method estimates how much parents would spend on their child if they were still living together. That total cost is then divided between the parents, based on their income and level of involvement in the child’s life.
What Is the Income Shares Model?
Connecticut uses the Income Shares Model to set the amount of support. This model takes both parents’ weekly gross income and combines it. Then, using a table published by the state, the court determines a base support obligation based on that total income and the number of children involved.
Each parent is responsible for a share of that obligation based on how much of the total income they earn. The parent with less parenting time typically pays their share to the other parent. This approach is meant to reflect the financial structure of a two-parent household, even after separation or divorce.
Key Elements That Affect the Amount
Several factors go into deciding the final support amount. Each one plays a role in making sure the order fits the child’s needs and both parents’ financial situations.
Combined Weekly Gross Income
Both parents must report their total weekly income before taxes or deductions. This includes:
- Wages or salary
- Overtime
- Bonuses and tips
- Commissions
- Self-employment income
- Rental income
- Social Security (if applicable)
- Unemployment benefits
- Pensions or retirement pay
- Any recurring income
If one parent does not report income, the court can estimate based on work history, qualifications, or earning potential.
Parenting Time and Custody Split
The number of overnight visits the child spends with each parent affects the outcome. In Connecticut, a shared parenting arrangement can lead to adjustments in support. If both parents share physical custody nearly equally, the court may reduce the amount the paying parent owes.
However, even with shared custody, the court still expects a financial contribution from both sides, based on income.
Child Care Costs
If either parent pays for child care to work or attend school, those expenses are added to the basic support obligation. The total is then divided between both parents according to their income share.
This applies to:
- Daycare
- Babysitting (when related to work or education)
- After-school programs
Parents must provide receipts or proof of payment when requesting these costs to be added.
Health Insurance and Medical Costs
Connecticut law requires that one or both parents provide health coverage if it is available at a reasonable cost. The cost of premiums is factored into the support calculation. Other out-of-pocket medical or dental expenses may also be shared.
These costs include:
- Co-pays
- Prescriptions
- Braces
- Therapy sessions
- Medical equipment
If private insurance is unavailable, the court may require parents to use state coverage options.
Number of Children
Support amounts increase with more children, but not equally. The increase is based on percentage adjustments in the official child support table. For example:
- 1 child: base support amount
- 2 children: higher total, not double
- 3+ children: further scaled amounts
The court uses these adjustments to keep support affordable but adequate.
State Worksheet and Official Calculation Tools
Connecticut provides an official Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines Worksheet, which courts and parents use to calculate payments. This tool considers all the key inputs—income, insurance, daycare costs—and delivers a standardized amount.
You can download the current worksheet here:
👉 Connecticut Child Support Worksheet (PDF)
The table and worksheet are updated every four years to reflect changes in economic conditions and family needs.
Sample Calculation Example
Example:
- Parent A earns $1,200/week
- Parent B earns $800/week
- Total combined income = $2,000/week
- Parent A = 60% of income
- Parent B = 40% of income
Using the state chart, if the support obligation for one child is $300/week, Parent A would be responsible for $180 (60%), and Parent B would owe $120 (40%). If Parent A has primary custody, Parent B would pay $120 to Parent A.
How to Apply for Child Support in Connecticut
Applying for child support in Connecticut is a straightforward process. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or caretaker, the state provides several ways to start a support case and access services through the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS). The steps below outline how to begin, what to expect, and who qualifies.
Who Can Apply
You may apply for child support services in Connecticut if you are:
- The custodial parent who lives with and cares for the child.
- A legal guardian or relative caretaker responsible for the child’s wellbeing.
- A non-custodial parent who wants to establish paternity or request a fair support order.
The child must be under 18 (or 19 if still in high school full-time) and reside in Connecticut or have a legal connection to the state.
Step 1: Contact the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS)
To begin the process, reach out to OCSS. They handle child support applications and provide services such as:
- Locating the non-custodial parent
- Establishing paternity
- Setting up a support order
- Enforcing payment
You can contact OCSS by phone or visit your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office. Contact details and office locations are available at portal.ct.gov/DSS/Child-Support.
Step 2: Choose How to Apply
There are two ways to apply: online or in person.
Apply Online
Connecticut offers a secure online application through the CT Child Support Interactive (CSI) portal. You can complete the form at your own pace, save progress, and upload required documents.
- Visit: ctchildsupport.com
Apply In Person
If you prefer, you can apply at your local DSS office. Staff will provide printed forms and help answer questions. This option is helpful if you need in-person assistance or don’t have reliable internet access.
Step 3: Prepare Required Information
When applying, be ready to provide:
- Full names and contact details of both parents
- The child’s full name, date of birth, and Social Security number (if available)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit records)
- Any existing custody or court orders
- Health insurance details for the child
Providing accurate and complete information helps avoid delays in processing your case.
After You Apply
Once your application is submitted, OCSS will review it and may schedule an appointment or hearing. You may be asked to complete additional forms or attend a meeting with a Family Support Magistrate. You can track the status of your case through the CSI portal.
Required Documents for Filing or Modification
Before applying for child support or requesting changes to an existing order in Connecticut, certain documents are necessary. These papers help the court or the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) understand your situation and make fair decisions. Preparing them ahead of time can make the process smoother and reduce delays.
Parent and Child Identification
Start by collecting valid ID for both the parent filing the request and the child involved. Acceptable documents may include:
- A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- Child’s school ID or state-issued identification (if available)
Clear identification helps verify each party’s role and ensures the paperwork is matched with the correct case.
Proof of Income
Income records are important for calculating or adjusting support amounts. Make sure to include the most recent and accurate information, such as:
- Pay stubs from the last 4–6 weeks
- W-2 or 1099 forms
- Tax returns from the last year
- Unemployment or disability benefits statements
- Self-employment records, if applicable
These documents help the court assess financial ability and determine fair contributions for the child’s care.
Child’s Birth Certificate
A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate confirms the child’s identity and parental relationship. It also helps support legal claims involving custody or responsibility.
This document is usually required whether you are filing a new support request or updating an existing one.
Existing Custody or Support Orders
If there are any court-issued custody agreements, parenting plans, or prior child support orders, they need to be included. These help clarify current arrangements and provide context for the new filing or requested changes.
Providing these documents helps the court understand any previous rulings or responsibilities already in place.
Healthcare and Daycare Receipts
Costs related to a child’s health and care can influence the support amount. It’s helpful to include:
- Health insurance premiums paid for the child
- Medical, dental, or vision bills not covered by insurance
- Daycare or after-school program receipts
- Co-pay receipts or pharmacy bills
These expenses show the actual cost of care and may be factored into the overall support decision.
Medical and Dental Support
Connecticut child support medical coverage includes more than just monthly payments—it also involves ensuring a child’s health and well-being through medical and dental support. Both parents share this responsibility, and the law holds them accountable for meeting these important needs.
Legal Requirement to Provide Health Insurance
Connecticut law expects one or both parents to provide health insurance for their child if it is available at a reasonable cost. This includes employer-sponsored plans or private insurance. If both parents have coverage, the court may decide which plan offers the better benefits or more affordable access.
The Family Support Magistrate or court will usually include a health insurance order as part of the child support arrangement. The court may require the parent with more access to affordable insurance to enroll the child. If neither parent has access to a plan, the court may order them to apply for coverage through HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s public health program for children.
Handling Uninsured Medical and Dental Costs
Even with insurance, some medical or dental services are not covered. These costs—called unreimbursed or out-of-pocket expenses—can include co-pays, deductibles, prescriptions, orthodontic care, eye exams, and mental health support.
In Connecticut, parents typically split these costs based on their income percentage. For example, if one parent earns 60% of the combined income, they might pay 60% of the uncovered expenses. This keeps the process fair and ensures that both parents contribute.
To manage this, parents may be asked to keep records of expenses and share receipts with each other. Courts expect clear communication about these costs, and may include terms for reimbursement timelines.
How Healthcare Costs Appear in Support Orders
Connecticut child support orders include a section that addresses health insurance and medical expenses. This ensures that coverage is active and ongoing, and that both parents are aware of their duties.
The court order will usually state:
- Who must provide health insurance.
- How out-of-pocket costs are divided.
- What types of care are covered (e.g., dental, vision, mental health).
- The timeline for reimbursement of shared expenses.
If one parent fails to meet the health coverage requirement, the other can return to court and request enforcement. In some cases, wage withholding can be used to cover insurance costs or unpaid medical bills.
Tax Implications of Child Support
Understanding how child support affects your taxes is an important part of managing your finances. Many parents ask whether these payments are taxed or can be claimed on their returns. Here’s what you need to know.
Child Support Payments Are Not Taxable Income
If you receive child support, you do not report it as income on your tax return. These payments are meant to help cover the costs of raising your child, and the IRS does not treat them as taxable income. You won’t owe federal or state taxes on this money, and it doesn’t affect your yearly income when filing.
Paying Parents Cannot Claim Deductions
If you make child support payments, you cannot deduct those amounts from your taxable income. These payments are considered a personal obligation, not a business or deductible expense. No matter how much you pay or how consistently, you won’t see any tax benefits from it on your return.
What About Alimony?
Child support and alimony are often confused, but they are treated differently for tax purposes.
- Alimony (for divorces finalized before 2019): May be tax-deductible for the payer and considered taxable income for the recipient.
- Alimony (for divorces finalized after January 1, 2019): Neither taxable nor deductible, in line with child support.
This difference matters when preparing your taxes, especially if your court order includes both types of payments.
Who Claims the Child as a Dependent?
Even though the custodial parent usually receives child support, that doesn’t automatically mean they can claim the child as a dependent. The right to claim the child is usually outlined in the divorce or custody agreement. Only one parent can claim the child per tax year. If both parents try to claim the same child, the IRS may reject both returns and request additional proof.
Helpful Resources
If you’re looking for support or information about your child support case, Connecticut offers direct and reliable services through the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS). Whether you need help with enforcement, payments, or updates to your case, here’s how to get in touch:
Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) – Connecticut
The OCSS provides assistance with child support applications, paternity establishment, enforcement of court orders, and payment processing. It’s the primary agency helping parents manage child support cases across the state.
Visit the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS)
Contact Information
Phone:
📞 1-800-228-5437 (Toll-Free)
Available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Email:
📧 childsupportct.dss@ct.gov
These contact options are available to answer questions, guide you through paperwork, or help you resolve payment issues. Using official support ensures faster, more accurate responses for your child support needs.
FAQ’s About Connecticut Child Support
If you’re looking to access Connecticut Child Support information quickly or have any questions about the process, you’re in the right place! Here’s everything you need to know about applying for support, making payments, and understanding your rights and responsibilities in Connecticut.
What if the paying parent loses their job?
If the paying parent loses their job, they are still legally required to pay child support unless the court modifies the order. It’s essential to notify the court immediately and request a modification due to a change in financial circumstances. The court may temporarily reduce payments, but this is not automatic. Failing to pay without court approval can lead to enforcement actions, including wage garnishment or license suspension. It’s important to keep documentation of unemployment or job search efforts for the court’s review.
Can child support be waived?
Child support cannot usually be waived because it is considered the child’s legal right, not just an agreement between parents. However, in some cases, a court may approve modification or termination of support if circumstances justify it. Both parents may agree to waive future payments, but the court must determine if it’s in the child’s best interest. Past-due support (arrears) generally cannot be waived without court involvement. Any waiver agreement must still go through the appropriate legal channels to be valid.
How do I check my payment history?
To check your child support payment history, you can access the information through your state’s child support enforcement agency website or contact their customer service. Most states offer online portals where you can log in and view payment records, dates, and balances. You’ll typically need your case number or Social Security number. This record helps ensure accountability and transparency for both the paying and receiving parties. Regularly checking your history helps identify any discrepancies or missed payments early.
What if the child lives with me now?
If the child begins living with the parent who was previously paying support, that parent may be eligible to request a modification or termination of the support order. This change must be formally approved by the court—it’s not automatic. The court will assess the custody arrangement and determine whether the existing support order should be adjusted or reversed to reflect the new living situation. You may also become eligible to receive support instead, depending on your financial status and the court’s decision.
How are support payments tracked?
Child support payments are usually tracked through the state’s child support enforcement agency. Payments made via income withholding, direct deposit, or payment portals are recorded automatically. The agency maintains detailed records of each payment, which both parents can access for reference or legal purposes. These systems help ensure transparency and provide proof of compliance or non-payment when needed. Keeping your own copies of receipts or confirmations is also a good personal recordkeeping practice.