Child support payments in Nunavut are processed through the Family Support Program operated by the Nunavut Department of Justice in Iqaluit. Parents can pay directly via cheque or money order made payable to the "Family Support Program," or register with the Family Support Office (FSO) for automatic wage withholding from paycheques or social assistance deposits. Under the Federal Child Support Guidelines, SOR/97-175, Nunavut uses the same table amounts as all Canadian territories, with no child support payable for incomes below $12,000 and a $0 base amount for incomes at or below $16,000 annually.
Key Facts: Nunavut Child Support Payments
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Processing Agency | Family Support Program, Department of Justice |
| Payment Methods | Cheque, money order, wage withholding, income tax interception |
| Guideline Tables | Federal Child Support Guidelines (updated October 2025) |
| Minimum Income Threshold | $12,000 annual income (no support below this) |
| FSO Contact | 867-975-6112 or MaintenanceEnforcement@gov.nu.ca |
| Mailing Address | Box 1000, Station 590, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0 |
| Enforcement Authority | Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act, RSNWT (Nu) 1988, c. M-2 |
Understanding How to Pay Child Support in Nunavut
Nunavut provides two primary pathways for child support payments: direct payment between parents or registration with the Family Support Office for enforcement and collection services. The Family Support Program processes all court-ordered child support and spousal support payments on behalf of Nunavut families. This government-administered system ensures reliable payment tracking, enforcement capabilities, and proper documentation for both paying and receiving parents.
Under the Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3, s. 15.1, courts must order child support in accordance with the Federal Child Support Guidelines. The Nunavut table amounts reflect the territory's unique tax structure and cost of living considerations. For 2026, the updated Federal Child Support Tables that came into effect on October 1, 2025 apply to all new and modified orders.
Payment Method 1: Direct Payments to the Family Support Program
Direct payments to Nunavut's Family Support Program require cheques or money orders made payable to "Family Support Program" and mailed to the Department of Justice in Iqaluit. Each payment must include the Nunavut three-digit case number and the full legal name of the payor (debtor/obligor). The mailing address is Family Support Program, Department of Justice, Government of Nunavut, Box 1000, Station 590, Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0, Canada.
This payment method works best for self-employed parents or those with irregular income who cannot use wage withholding. Payments should be submitted before the due date specified in the court order to avoid arrears accumulation. The Family Support Program tracks all incoming payments and credits them to the appropriate case within 2-5 business days of receipt.
Requirements for Direct Payments
- Make cheques payable to "Family Support Program"
- Include your Nunavut three-digit case number on all correspondence
- Write the payor's full legal name (first and last) on the payment
- Mail to Box 1000, Station 590, Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0
- Keep copies of all payment receipts for your records
- Contact MaintenanceEnforcement@gov.nu.ca to confirm receipt
Payment Method 2: Wage Withholding Through the Family Support Office
Wage withholding child support through the Family Support Office (FSO) provides the most reliable payment method for employed parents in Nunavut. Under the Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act, RSNWT (Nu) 1988, c. M-2, the FSO can issue a garnishee summons requiring employers to deduct child support directly from paycheques before the employee receives their wages. The FSO then forwards collected amounts to the receiving parent.
Registration with the Family Support Office is available to either parent with an existing court order or written agreement. Once registered, the FSO collects support payments from the payor parent's employment income, social assistance deposits, or other income sources. The garnishment has priority over other wage attachments under Nunavut law, ensuring child support obligations are satisfied first.
Benefits of FSO Registration
- Automatic deductions eliminate missed payments
- FSO tracks all payments and maintains official records
- Enforcement tools available if payor falls behind
- Income tax refund interception for arrears recovery
- No fee charged to garnishee (employer) for processing
- Priority status over other garnishments
Payment Method 3: Income Tax Refund Interception
The Family Support Office can intercept federal and territorial income tax refunds to recover child support arrears in Nunavut. When a payor parent owes back child support, the FSO submits an interception request through the federal-provincial/territorial support enforcement program. The Canada Revenue Agency then redirects the tax refund to the FSO for distribution to the receiving parent.
This enforcement mechanism operates under the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 4. The federal Department of Justice coordinates interception requests from provincial and territorial maintenance enforcement programs. Refund interception recovers 100% of the intercepted amount toward arrears, making it one of the most effective collection tools available.
Understanding Child Support Amounts in Nunavut
Child support amounts in Nunavut follow the Federal Child Support Guidelines table for the territory. The table sets monthly payment amounts based on the paying parent's annual income and number of children. For 2026, no child support is payable for incomes below $12,000, and the base amount is $0 for incomes at or below $16,000 annually. Income is calculated in $1,000 increments up to $150,000, with separate provisions for higher incomes under Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 4.
For example, a parent earning $80,000 annually with two children in Nunavut would pay approximately $1,130-1,170 per month according to the territorial table. The actual amount varies slightly from other provinces because table amounts incorporate provincial and territorial tax rules. Parents with shared parenting time (40% or more with each parent) may qualify for reduced table amounts under Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 9.
Sample Nunavut Child Support Amounts (2026)
| Annual Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $260/mo | $429/mo | $559/mo |
| $50,000 | $461/mo | $745/mo | $959/mo |
| $80,000 | $697/mo | $1,130/mo | $1,452/mo |
| $100,000 | $858/mo | $1,389/mo | $1,785/mo |
| $120,000 | $1,011/mo | $1,639/mo | $2,108/mo |
Note: Amounts are approximate based on 2025 Federal Child Support Tables. Verify current amounts using the official lookup tool at justice.gc.ca.
Enforcement Consequences for Non-Payment
Failure to pay child support in Nunavut triggers escalating enforcement measures under the Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act. The Administrator may commence garnishment proceedings, attach wages, obtain writs of execution, seize property, realize on bonds or security deposits, conduct default hearings, obtain restraining orders, arrest absconding debtors, and impose penalties including incarceration.
Federal enforcement measures add significant consequences for persistent non-payment. When arrears exceed $3,000 or three months of support payments, and other enforcement strategies have failed, the federal government can deny or suspend Canadian passports and federally-issued marine and aviation licences. Failure to return a suspended passport can result in fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
Enforcement Tools Available
- Wage garnishment (up to 25% of gross income for arrears)
- Bank account seizure
- Income tax refund interception (100% of refund)
- Federal pension garnishment (up to 50%)
- Employment insurance garnishment (up to 50%)
- Passport denial/suspension ($3,000+ arrears)
- Federal licence suspension (marine, aviation)
- Credit bureau reporting
- Contempt of court (fines, imprisonment)
- Property liens and seizure
Modifying Child Support Orders in Nunavut
Child support modifications in Nunavut require returning to court to obtain a new order when the paying parent's income changes significantly. The updated Federal Child Support Tables effective October 2025 may constitute a material change in circumstances warranting a variation application. Existing orders do not automatically update to reflect new table amounts, requiring parents to take action if the calculated difference is substantial.
To modify child support, parents can apply through the Nunavut Court of Justice using family law procedures. The Legal Services Board of Nunavut provides legal aid for child support matters, including modification applications. Contact the Gjoa Haven head office to apply for legal aid assistance with your variation application.
Grounds for Modification
- Payor's income has increased or decreased by 10% or more
- Child is no longer a dependent (reached age of majority, married, or self-supporting)
- Parenting time arrangements have changed significantly
- Special expenses have substantially increased or decreased
- Updated Federal Tables produce materially different amounts
- Child's needs have changed due to disability, education, or health
International Child Support Enforcement
Nunavut became a U.S. Federally Declared Foreign Reciprocating Country in December 2003, enabling enforcement of child support orders between Nunavut and U.S. jurisdictions. The Ministry of Justice Family Support Office handles international cases at P.O. Box 297, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, with telephone 867-975-6137 and fax 867-975-6148.
For international enforcement, state child support agencies in the United States should send correspondence and payments to the Nunavut Department of Justice, Court Services Division. The reciprocal arrangement allows registration of foreign support orders in Nunavut and enforcement of Nunavut orders in participating U.S. states.
Special Expenses Beyond Table Amounts
The Federal Child Support Guidelines require parents to contribute to special or extraordinary expenses proportionate to their incomes, in addition to the basic table amount. These section 7 expenses include childcare costs required for employment or education, medical and dental insurance premiums, health-related expenses exceeding $100 annually, extraordinary educational expenses, post-secondary education costs, and extraordinary extracurricular activities.
In Nunavut, the high cost of living in remote communities may result in higher special expenses claims. Transportation costs for medical appointments, specialized education programs, or extracurricular activities often require travel to larger centres like Iqaluit or southern Canada. Courts consider these unique circumstances when allocating special expense contributions.
Registering with the Family Support Office
Registration with the Family Support Office requires either parent to contact MaintenanceEnforcement@gov.nu.ca or call 867-975-6112 with a certified copy of the court order or written separation agreement. The FSO will assign a three-digit case number and begin enforcement proceedings. Once registered, all payments should flow through the FSO rather than directly between parents.
Registration is voluntary but strongly recommended because it provides documentation of payments, enforcement capabilities for arrears, and administrative support for both parties. The FSO maintains detailed records that protect both parents in disputes over payment history or amounts owed.
Legal Resources and Assistance
The Legal Services Board of Nunavut provides family legal aid for child support matters, including enforcement proceedings under the Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act. Eligibility for legal aid depends on financial circumstances and the nature of the legal issue. The head office is located in Gjoa Haven, with services available throughout the territory.
For self-represented litigants, the Nunavut Court of Justice provides family law resources through its Civil Registry. Documents can be emailed to NCJ.civil@gov.nu.ca. The Registry can be reached at 867-975-6100 or toll-free at 1-866-286-0546 for procedural questions about filing applications.
H2 FAQs: Child Support Payment Methods in Nunavut
How do I pay child support in Nunavut if I live outside the territory?
Parents living outside Nunavut can mail cheques or money orders payable to "Family Support Program" to Box 1000, Station 590, Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0. Include your three-digit Nunavut case number and full legal name on all payments. Contact MaintenanceEnforcement@gov.nu.ca at 867-975-6112 to confirm payment receipt and discuss alternative payment arrangements if available.
Can the Family Support Office garnish my wages without my consent?
Yes, under the Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act, the FSO can issue a garnishee summons requiring your employer to deduct child support from your paycheque without your consent. Garnishment for arrears is typically capped at 25% of gross income. No fee can be charged to your employer for processing the garnishment, and child support garnishment has priority over other attachments.
What happens if I fall behind on child support payments in Nunavut?
Falling behind on child support triggers enforcement measures including wage garnishment (up to 25% of gross income), bank account seizure, income tax refund interception (100%), and federal benefits garnishment. Arrears exceeding $3,000 can result in passport denial and federal licence suspension. Persistent non-payment may lead to contempt proceedings with fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment.
How do I calculate the correct child support amount for Nunavut?
Use the Federal Child Support Guidelines table for Nunavut based on the paying parent's gross annual income and number of children. The 2025 tables (effective October 1, 2025) apply to 2026 calculations. No support is payable for incomes below $12,000. For example, a parent earning $50,000 with two children pays approximately $745 monthly. Use the official lookup tool at justice.gc.ca for precise calculations.
Can I pay child support directly to the other parent instead of through the FSO?
Yes, parents can pay directly using methods like e-Transfer or cheque, but registration with the Family Support Office is recommended. Direct payments lack official documentation if disputes arise about payment history. The FSO provides payment tracking, enforcement capabilities if arrears develop, and official records that protect both parties in future legal proceedings.
How do I register with Nunavut's Family Support Office?
Contact the Family Support Program at MaintenanceEnforcement@gov.nu.ca or call 867-975-6112 with a certified copy of your court order or separation agreement. The FSO will assign a three-digit case number and can begin collecting payments from the payor's paycheque, social assistance, or other income sources. Either parent can initiate registration.
What is the minimum income for paying child support in Nunavut?
The Federal Child Support Guidelines set a threshold of $12,000 annual income below which no child support is payable. Parents with income at or below $16,000 have a base table amount of $0. These thresholds ensure that parents with very low incomes are not required to pay amounts that would cause undue hardship.
Can Nunavut's FSO intercept my income tax refund for child support arrears?
Yes, the Family Support Office can intercept 100% of federal and territorial income tax refunds to recover child support arrears. This enforcement mechanism operates under the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act. The FSO submits interception requests through the federal support enforcement program, and the Canada Revenue Agency redirects refunds to satisfy outstanding support obligations.
How do I get legal aid for child support matters in Nunavut?
The Legal Services Board of Nunavut provides family legal aid for child support, including enforcement and modification proceedings. Contact the head office in Gjoa Haven to apply. Eligibility depends on your financial circumstances and the nature of your legal issue. Legal aid covers proceedings under the Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act, Children's Law Act, and Family Law Act.
Does Nunavut have an administrative recalculation service for child support?
Nunavut previously established an administrative recalculation service and purchased ChildView software in 2007-2008. However, current information from Nunavut Legal Aid indicates parents need to return to court to modify child support when income changes. Contact the Family Support Program at 867-975-6112 for the most current information about recalculation options available in the territory.