2026 Child Support Data
Child Support Statistics 2026
The average child support payment in 2026 is $580 per child per month, with a 68% collection rate. State payments range from $375 (West Virginia) to $1,187 (Massachusetts). Compliance continues to improve with better enforcement.
Child support collection rates have improved to 68%, up from 62% in 2020. Nationwide arrears have declined 8% to $112 billion, the lowest level since 2008.
Average Monthly Payment
$580per child
+5% from 2025
Collection Rate
68%of owed amount
Up from 62% in 2020
Cases with Support Orders
78%of custody cases
Remaining consistent
Arrears Owed
$112Bnationwide
-8% from 2020
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3-Year Trend DataHistorical comparison showing rate changes over time
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Average Child Support by State (2026)
Child support varies dramatically by state, driven by income levels, cost of living, and formula type. Here are the highest and lowest states.
| State | Avg Monthly Payment | Formula Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $1,187 | Income Shares | Highest in nation |
| New York | $1,052 | Percentage of Income | High cost of living |
| California | $985 | Income Shares | Complex calculation |
| New Jersey | $968 | Income Shares | Affluent areas |
| Connecticut | $925 | Income Shares | High income state |
| Nevada | $452 | Percentage of Income | Simple percentage |
| Mississippi | $385 | Percentage of Income | Lower incomes |
| Louisiana | $412 | Income Shares | Lower cost of living |
| Arkansas | $398 | Percentage of Income | Rural economy |
| West Virginia | $375 | Income Shares | Lowest in nation |
Child Support Calculation Methods
States use one of three main formulas to calculate child support.
Income Shares Model
41states
Percentage of Income
7states
Melson Formula
3states
Child Support by Income Level
While higher earners pay more in absolute dollars, they pay a lower percentage of their income. Lower-income parents face a heavier relative burden.
| Income Range | Avg Payment | % of Income |
|---|---|---|
| Under $30,000 | $315 | 12.6% |
| $30,000-$50,000 | $485 | 11.6% |
| $50,000-$75,000 | $625 | 10.0% |
| $75,000-$100,000 | $785 | 9.4% |
| $100,000-$150,000 | $985 | 7.9% |
| $150,000-$250,000 | $1,250 | 6.3% |
| Over $250,000 | $1,850 | 4.4% |
Child Support Compliance Rates
Compliance has improved significantly with better enforcement tools. 48% of parents pay in full, up from 43% in 2020.
48%
Full Payment
Paying full amount on time (+3%)20%
Partial Payment
Some payment made (-1%)32%
No Payment
No payment in past year (-2%)Enforcement Method Effectiveness
Wage garnishment remains the most effective enforcement tool. Jail time is rarely used and often counterproductive.
| Method | Effectiveness | Usage Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wage Garnishment | 85% | 72% | Most effective method |
| Tax Refund Intercept | 78% | 45% | IRS intercepts refunds |
| License Suspension | 62% | 28% | Driver/professional licenses |
| Credit Reporting | 45% | 65% | Hurts credit score |
| Passport Denial | 55% | 8% | For arrears over $2,500 |
| Contempt/Jail | 38% | 5% | Last resort, often counterproductive |
Child Support by Child Age
Support amounts vary by child age due to different expense needs. Young children (0-5) often have higher support due to childcare costs.
0-5 years
$685
6-12 years
$545
13-17 years
$625
18+ (college)
Varies
Calculate Your Child Support
Splitifi's child support calculator uses your state's exact formula to estimate support payments. Get accurate projections based on your income, custody arrangement, and number of children.
- State-specific calculations
- Multiple custody scenario modeling
- Modification impact analysis
- Payment tracking tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average child support payment in 2026?
The national average child support payment is $580 per child per month in 2026. This varies significantly by state, from $375 in West Virginia to $1,187 in Massachusetts, and by income level.
How is child support calculated?
41 states use the Income Shares Model, which calculates support based on combined parental income and prorates it by each parent's earnings. 7 states use a simple percentage of the non-custodial parent's income. 3 states use the Melson Formula with needs-based calculations.
What is the child support collection rate?
The collection rate is 68% in 2026, meaning that 68% of court-ordered child support is actually paid. This is up from 62% in 2020, thanks to improved enforcement tools like wage garnishment and tax refund intercepts.
How much child support arrears are owed nationwide?
Approximately $112 billion in child support arrears are owed nationwide in 2026. This is down 8% from 2020, reflecting improved collection efforts. However, much of this debt is uncollectible due to incarceration, death, or inability to pay.
Cite This Page
Splitifi. "Child Support Statistics 2026: Payments, Compliance & State Data." Splitifi.com, February 2026, https://www.mysplitifi.com/statistics/child-support-statistics-2026Data sources: Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), U.S. Census Bureau, State Child Support Agencies. Updated annually.