How Much Is Child Support in Ontario?
Ontario child support is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines and Tables, updated October 1, 2025 — the first revision since 2017. A parent earning $100,000 annually pays approximately $1,485 per month for one child, $2,396 for two children, or $2,952 for three children. The amount is based on the paying parent's gross annual income from Line 15000 of the T1 General Tax Return, the number of children, and the province of residence. Our child support calculator Ontario tool applies these exact federal tables to estimate your obligation.
Key Facts: Ontario Child Support at a Glance
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Federal Child Support Guidelines (SOR/97-175) |
| Tables Last Updated | October 1, 2025 |
| Income Source | Line 15000, T1 General Tax Return (gross income) |
| Court Filing Fees | $224 (application) + $445 (set down) = $669 total |
| Fee Waiver | Available for Ontario Works / ODSP recipients |
| Shared Parenting Threshold | 40% or more parenting time with each parent |
| High Income Threshold | $150,000 — court discretion above this amount |
| Residency Requirement | 1 year ordinary residence in Ontario (Divorce Act s. 3(1)) |
| Terminology | "Parenting arrangements" and "parenting time" (not custody/visitation) |
| Amendments | 2021 Divorce Act amendments modernized terminology |
How the Federal Child Support Tables Work in Ontario
The Federal Child Support Tables provide a standardized, province-specific schedule that determines base child support amounts using two variables: the paying parent's gross annual income and the number of children. Ontario has its own table within the federal framework, reflecting provincial tax rates. The tables were updated on October 1, 2025, marking the first adjustment since 2017, and all new and varied orders must reference these current figures.
The child support calculator Ontario process begins with identifying the paying parent's gross income from Line 15000 of the T1 General Tax Return. This figure captures employment income, self-employment earnings, investment income, and most other taxable sources before deductions. The court does not use net income or take-home pay. For self-employed parents, the court may impute income based on historical earnings, business revenue, or comparable employment.
Once gross income is established, the table lookup is straightforward. The tables list monthly support amounts in increments, typically every $100 of annual income, for one through six or more children. For example, a parent earning $60,000 annually with two children owes approximately $892 per month under the Ontario table. A parent earning $80,000 with two children owes approximately $1,170 per month. These figures represent the base table amount before any Section 7 special expense adjustments.
Ontario Child Support Table Amounts: Quick Reference
The following table shows representative monthly child support amounts under the 2025 Federal Child Support Tables for Ontario. These figures apply to the standard calculation where one parent has the majority of parenting time.
| Annual Gross Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | ~$283/mo | ~$483/mo | ~$599/mo |
| $60,000 | ~$921/mo | ~$892/mo | — |
| $80,000 | — | ~$1,170/mo | — |
| $100,000 | ~$1,485/mo | ~$2,396/mo | ~$2,952/mo |
| $150,000 | Court discretion applies above this threshold | — | — |
These amounts are base obligations only. Section 7 special or extraordinary expenses — including daycare, medical costs, and extracurricular activities — are added on top and shared proportionally between parents based on their respective incomes.
Section 7 Special and Extraordinary Expenses
Beyond the base table amount, Ontario courts routinely order parents to share Section 7 expenses proportionally to their incomes. These expenses include childcare costs necessary for employment or education, health-related costs not covered by insurance (orthodontics, therapy, prescription medications), extracurricular activities, and post-secondary education contributions. If one parent earns 60% of the combined household income and the other earns 40%, a $500 monthly daycare expense would be split $300 and $200 respectively.
Section 7 expenses must meet the dual test of necessity and reasonableness. A court will not order a parent to contribute to a $15,000-per-year private hockey academy if the family's combined income is $80,000. However, reasonable extracurricular activities — community sports leagues, music lessons, tutoring — are routinely included. Medical expenses exceeding $100 annually per child that are not covered by insurance almost always qualify.
To calculate your total child support obligation in Ontario, add the base table amount to your proportional share of qualifying Section 7 expenses. Our child support calculator Ontario tool accounts for both components when you enter your income, the other parent's income, and estimated special expenses.
Shared Parenting Time: The 40% Threshold
When each parent has the child at least 40% of the time — approximately 146 nights per year — Section 9 of the Federal Child Support Guidelines applies. Under shared parenting time, the court considers each parent's table amount, the increased cost of maintaining two households, and the child's actual living conditions. The standard approach is an offset calculation: each parent's table amount is determined, and the higher-income parent pays the difference.
For example, if Parent A earns $100,000 (table amount ~$1,485 for one child) and Parent B earns $60,000 (table amount ~$921 for one child), the offset would be approximately $564 per month paid by Parent A to Parent B. However, courts retain discretion under Section 9 and may adjust this amount based on the actual expenses each parent incurs during their parenting time.
The 40% threshold is strictly calculated. A parent with 39% parenting time does not qualify for the shared parenting offset. Courts count overnight stays, and the calculation covers the full calendar year. Parenting time schedules that fluctuate seasonally (such as extended summer arrangements) are averaged across 12 months to determine whether the 40% threshold is met.
Income Over $150,000: Court Discretion
Section 4 of the Federal Child Support Guidelines provides that when the paying parent's income exceeds $150,000, the court has discretion regarding the portion above that threshold. The table amount for the first $150,000 is mandatory. For income above $150,000, the court may order the table amount, a lesser amount, or a greater amount based on the child's actual needs and the family's standard of living.
In practice, Ontario courts frequently apply the full table amount even above $150,000 for incomes up to approximately $350,000. For very high-income earners — those earning $500,000 or more — courts are more likely to exercise discretion and cap the child support at an amount reflecting the child's reasonable needs rather than a strict percentage of income. The child's accustomed standard of living during the relationship is the primary benchmark.
A parent earning $250,000 with two children would owe the table amount on the first $150,000 plus a discretionary amount on the remaining $100,000. Legal counsel is strongly recommended for any case involving income above the $150,000 threshold, as the outcome depends heavily on case-specific factors.
Undue Hardship Claims Under Section 10
Section 10 of the Federal Child Support Guidelines allows either parent to claim that paying or receiving the table amount would cause undue hardship. Common grounds include unusually high debts incurred to support the family during the relationship, unusually high costs of exercising parenting time (such as long-distance travel), a legal obligation to support another person (a child from another relationship or a dependent spouse), and unusually high costs related to a child's special needs.
Undue hardship is a high bar. The claiming parent must demonstrate that the hardship is "undue" — meaning beyond ordinary financial strain — and must also pass the household standard of living comparison test. If the claiming parent's household standard of living is higher than the other parent's household, the undue hardship claim will be dismissed regardless of the underlying circumstances. Courts consider all members of each household and their respective incomes.
Successful undue hardship claims are rare in Ontario. Fewer than 10% of undue hardship applications result in a reduced support order. The most commonly successful claims involve parents who have support obligations to children from multiple relationships, where the combined table amounts would consume an unreasonable percentage of gross income.
How to File for Child Support in Ontario
Filing for child support in Ontario requires an application to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Family Court). The total court filing fees are $669: $224 for the initial application and $445 for the set down fee when the matter proceeds to trial or conference. Parents receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits may apply for a fee waiver, eliminating these costs entirely. As of March 2026. Verify with your local clerk.
The process follows these steps:
- Confirm residency: At least one spouse must have been ordinarily resident in Ontario for one year under Divorce Act s. 3(1)
- Complete Form 8: Application (General) or Form 8A: Application (Divorce)
- Complete Form 13: Financial Statement (support claims)
- Attach the most recent Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency
- Provide three years of T1 General Tax Returns
- File at the courthouse and serve the other parent
- Attend a mandatory information session and case conference
- If unresolved, proceed to settlement conference and potentially trial
Most child support matters in Ontario are resolved at or before the case conference stage. The Federal Child Support Tables provide a clear, predictable framework that reduces litigation. When income is straightforward (T4 employment), the child support calculator Ontario computation is largely mechanical and courts expect parents to agree on the table amount.
Income Determination: What Counts as Gross Income
The Federal Child Support Guidelines define income as the amount on Line 15000 of the T1 General Tax Return, with specific adjustments outlined in Schedule III of the Guidelines. This gross income figure includes employment income, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, employment insurance benefits, pension income, and most other taxable sources.
Adjustments that may increase or decrease the Line 15000 figure include:
- Adding back: Union dues, certain employment expenses, and capital cost allowance claimed by self-employed parents
- Deducting: Social assistance payments, the universal child care benefit, and split pension amounts
- Imputing income: When a parent is voluntarily unemployed, underemployed, or has diverted income to a corporation or trust
For self-employed parents, income determination is the most contested aspect of child support in Ontario. Courts may look beyond the tax return to examine business financial statements, corporate retained earnings, shareholder loans, personal expenses paid through the business, and patterns of income over three to five years. A parent who reports $40,000 on their tax return but drives a $90,000 vehicle owned by their corporation will face income imputation.
Comparison: Ontario Child Support vs. Other Canadian Provinces
While all Canadian provinces use the same Federal Child Support Guidelines, the table amounts differ by province because they account for provincial and territorial tax rates. Here is how Ontario compares for a parent earning $100,000 with two children.
| Province | Monthly Amount (2 Children, $100K Income) | Filing Fees | Shared Parenting Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | ~$2,396 | $669 | 40% |
| British Columbia | ~$2,341 | $210 | 40% |
| Alberta | ~$2,282 | $260 | 40% |
| Quebec | Uses provincial model | $306 | Different formula |
Quebec is the only province that does not use the Federal Child Support Tables, instead applying its own provincial model that considers both parents' incomes for the base calculation. All other provinces, including Ontario, use the federal tables where only the paying parent's income determines the base amount. The child support estimator results will therefore vary by province even for identical incomes and family sizes.
Modifying an Existing Child Support Order
A child support order can be varied when there has been a material change in circumstances since the original order. Common qualifying changes include a significant income increase or decrease (generally 10% or more), a change in parenting time arrangements, a child reaching the age of majority, a child becoming financially independent, or a change in Section 7 expenses.
To vary an existing order in Ontario, the parent seeking the change files a Motion to Change (Form 15) with the court. The filing fee structure is the same: $224 for the motion. The parent must demonstrate the material change and provide updated financial disclosure, including current tax returns and a financial statement.
The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) enforces child support orders in Ontario. If the paying parent's income has changed but they have not sought a variation, FRO continues to enforce the existing order amount. Arrears accumulate and cannot be retroactively reduced for the period before a variation motion is filed. This means a parent who lost their job in January but does not file a motion until June will owe the full original amount for January through June.
2021 Divorce Act Amendments: Modern Terminology
The 2021 amendments to the Divorce Act replaced outdated terminology throughout Canadian family law. "Custody" became "decision-making responsibility," "access" became "parenting time," and "custody order" became "parenting order." These changes reflect a child-centered approach that recognizes both parents' ongoing roles. Ontario courts now use "parenting arrangements" exclusively, and all new orders reference parenting time rather than access or visitation.
These amendments also codified the best interests of the child as the only consideration when making parenting orders, introduced a specific list of factors courts must consider, and created a duty for parties to provide complete and accurate information. For child support purposes, the terminology changes are primarily procedural, but they affect how parenting time is documented — which directly impacts whether the 40% shared parenting threshold under Section 9 is met.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Ontario for one child?
Child support for one child in Ontario uses the Federal Child Support Tables based on the paying parent's gross annual income from Line 15000 of the T1 tax return. At $100,000 income, the table amount is approximately $1,485 per month. At $30,000, it is approximately $283 per month. Section 7 special expenses are added proportionally.
What income is used to calculate child support in Ontario?
Ontario courts use gross annual income from Line 15000 of the T1 General Tax Return. This includes employment income, self-employment earnings, investment income, and pension income before deductions. For self-employed parents, courts may impute income by examining business statements, corporate retained earnings, and personal expenses paid through the business.
How much does it cost to file for child support in Ontario?
Ontario court filing fees total $669: $224 for the initial application and $445 for the set down fee. Recipients of Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) qualify for a fee waiver that eliminates these costs entirely. Legal representation fees are separate and vary significantly.
What happens to child support when income exceeds $150,000?
Under Section 4 of the Federal Child Support Guidelines, the table amount for the first $150,000 is mandatory. For income above $150,000, the court has discretion to order the table amount, a lesser amount, or a higher amount based on the child's needs and the family's standard of living during the relationship.
What is the 40% shared parenting time rule?
Under Section 9, when each parent has the child at least 40% of the time (approximately 146 nights per year), an offset calculation applies. Each parent's table amount is determined, and the higher-income parent pays the difference. A parent with 39% parenting time does not qualify for this offset calculation.
Can child support be modified after the order is made?
Yes, either parent may file a Motion to Change (Form 15) when a material change in circumstances occurs. This includes income changes of 10% or more, changes in parenting time, or changes in Section 7 expenses. Arrears cannot be retroactively reduced for the period before the motion is filed with the court.
What are Section 7 special expenses in Ontario?
Section 7 expenses include childcare costs necessary for employment or education, health-related costs not covered by insurance (orthodontics, therapy, prescriptions exceeding $100 annually per child), extracurricular activities, and post-secondary education contributions. These are shared proportionally to each parent's income, added on top of the base table amount.
Does Ontario use the same child support tables as other provinces?
All Canadian provinces except Quebec use the Federal Child Support Tables, but each province has its own table reflecting local tax rates. For $100,000 income with two children, Ontario's table amount is approximately $2,396 per month compared to British Columbia's $2,341 and Alberta's $2,282. Quebec uses its own provincial formula considering both parents' incomes.
What is an undue hardship claim under Section 10?
Section 10 allows a parent to argue the table amount causes undue hardship due to high family debts, travel costs for parenting time, obligations to other dependents, or a child's special needs. The claimant must also pass a household standard of living comparison. Fewer than 10% of undue hardship applications succeed in Ontario.
How long does child support last in Ontario?
Child support in Ontario generally continues until the child reaches 18 years of age, or longer if the child remains a "child of the marriage" under the Divorce Act — typically due to full-time enrollment in post-secondary education, illness, or disability. There is no automatic termination; the paying parent must apply to vary or terminate the order.
Reviewed by Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. (Florida Bar No. 21022). Content reflects the Federal Child Support Tables effective October 1, 2025, and Ontario court procedures current as of 2026. This child support calculator Ontario guide provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Ontario family law professional for advice specific to your situation.