Ontario child support amounts are calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, with table amounts updated as of October 1, 2025. A parent earning $100,000 annually pays approximately $1,485 per month for one child under the 2026 tables. Parents earning $16,000 or less have a $0 base obligation, reflecting the updated federal basic personal amount threshold. The calculation becomes more complex with shared parenting arrangements, special expenses under Section 7, or incomes exceeding $150,000.
Key Facts: Ontario Child Support 2026
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Federal Child Support Guidelines, SOR/97-175 |
| Table Update | October 1, 2025 (first update since 2017) |
| Minimum Income Threshold | $16,000 (up from $13,000) |
| Table Maximum | $150,000 (Section 4 applies above) |
| Shared Parenting Threshold | 40% parenting time (146+ overnights) |
| Enforcement Agency | Family Responsibility Office (FRO) |
| Filing Fee (Divorce) | $669 total ($224 + $445) |
How Much Is Child Support in Ontario Based on Income?
Ontario child support amounts follow a straightforward table lookup based on gross annual income and number of children. A parent earning $80,000 per year with one child pays approximately $743 per month in base child support under the 2026 federal tables. That same parent with two children would pay roughly $1,220 per month. These amounts represent the October 2025 update, which was the first comprehensive table revision since 2017 and reflects current federal and provincial tax calculations.
2026 Child Support Table Amounts (Ontario)
| Gross Annual Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $16,000 or less | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| $30,000 | $260 | $449 | $573 |
| $50,000 | $481 | $789 | $1,006 |
| $60,000 | $564 | $921 | $1,173 |
| $80,000 | $743 | $1,220 | $1,555 |
| $100,000 | $1,485 | $2,396 | $2,952 |
| $120,000 | $1,112 | $1,795 | $2,316 |
| $150,000 | $1,299 | $2,077 | $2,698 |
Note: Table amounts as of October 2025. Verify current figures using the Department of Justice Canada child support table lookup.
Key Changes in the 2026 Tables
The Federal Child Support Guidelines underwent significant updates effective October 1, 2025. The income threshold for child support obligations increased from $13,000 to $16,000 annually, meaning parents earning at or below $16,000 gross now have a base table amount of $0. This change reflects the updated federal basic personal amount, which is the income level at which federal tax obligations begin. For parents with annual incomes between $16,000 and $45,000, the 2026 tables generally show lower amounts compared to the 2017 figures. For incomes above $45,000 with one or two children, changes are typically between 1-2% from previous amounts.
How Ontario Child Support Is Calculated
Ontario child support calculations use the Federal Child Support Guidelines formula, which considers the paying parent's gross annual income, the number of children requiring support, and the province of residence (Ontario). The guidelines produce table amounts designed to reflect the actual cost of raising children and the paying parent's capacity to contribute. Courts apply the table amount as a presumptive starting point, deviating only in specific circumstances outlined in the guidelines.
Step-by-Step Calculation Process
- Determine the paying parent's gross annual income from all sources
- Identify the number of children for whom support is payable
- Look up the corresponding amount in the Ontario federal table
- Add Section 7 special expenses (shared proportionally by income)
- Apply adjustments for shared parenting if applicable (40%+ threshold)
What Counts as Income
Gross annual income for child support purposes includes employment income, self-employment income, investment income, rental income, pension income, Employment Insurance benefits, workers' compensation, and any other regular income sources. The guidelines require disclosure of complete financial information, and courts can impute income to parents who are underemployed or fail to disclose earnings. Under the 2021 Divorce Act amendments, the federal government gained authority to release tax information to help determine accurate child support amounts.
The 40% Shared Parenting Rule in Ontario
Ontario applies a specific calculation method when children spend at least 40% of their time with each parent, which equals approximately 146 overnights per year. Under Section 9 of the Federal Child Support Guidelines, when this 40% threshold is met, courts use a set-off calculation instead of the standard table amount. The higher-income parent pays the difference between what each parent would owe under the tables, rather than the full table amount.
How the Set-Off Method Works
The set-off calculation determines each parent's theoretical table amount based on their respective incomes, then subtracts the lower amount from the higher. For example, if Parent A earns $100,000 (table amount approximately $1,485 for one child) and Parent B earns $60,000 (table amount approximately $564 for one child), the set-off would be approximately $921 per month paid by Parent A to Parent B. This method recognizes that both parents incur direct expenses when the child lives with them.
The 40% Threshold Is Strictly Applied
Ontario courts calculate the 40% threshold precisely. A parent with 39% parenting time (approximately 142 overnights) does not qualify for the shared parenting offset and pays the full table amount. At 146 overnights, the shared parenting formula applies. Courts retain discretion under Section 9 to adjust amounts based on actual expenses each parent incurs during their parenting time, but the 40% threshold itself is a bright-line rule.
Section 7 Special and Extraordinary Expenses
Beyond the base table amount, Ontario parents may share additional costs classified as Section 7 special or extraordinary expenses under the Federal Child Support Guidelines. These expenses are divided between parents in proportion to their respective incomes, not 50/50. If one parent earns $100,000 and the other earns $200,000, Section 7 expenses are shared one-third by the lower earner and two-thirds by the higher earner. Parents must usually consult each other before incurring significant Section 7 expenses.
What Qualifies as Section 7 Expenses
| Expense Category | Examples | Typical Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare | Daycare, before/after school care | Necessary for employment |
| Medical Insurance | Extended health coverage for child | Premium amounts |
| Healthcare | Orthodontics, therapy, medications | Over $100/year not covered |
| Education | Private school, tutoring | Extraordinary circumstances |
| Post-Secondary | Tuition, books, residence | Full-time enrollment |
| Extracurricular | Competitive sports, music lessons | Extraordinary based on cost |
Qualifying for Section 7 Expenses
An expense qualifies under Section 7 when it meets two criteria: necessity and reasonableness. The expense must be necessary for the child's best interests, contributing to their well-being, development, or specific needs. It must also be reasonable given the financial means of both parents and consistent with the family's pre-separation spending patterns. A $200 house-league soccer fee likely does not qualify as extraordinary, but a competitive hockey program costing $8,000 annually plus travel and specialized coaching represents a different calculation.
Child Support for High-Income Parents (Over $150,000)
The Federal Child Support Guidelines table amounts extend only to $150,000 in annual income. For parents earning above this threshold, Section 4 of the Guidelines provides courts with discretion in determining appropriate support amounts. The table amount for the first $150,000 remains mandatory, but courts may order additional amounts for income above that figure based on the child's needs and the family's standard of living.
How Courts Apply Section 4
Ontario courts frequently apply the full table amount even for incomes well above $150,000, particularly for incomes up to approximately $350,000. A 1999 Supreme Court of Canada decision established a strong presumption in favor of using the full table amount for all income, requiring the paying parent to demonstrate that the table amount would be unsuitable for the court to deviate. In 2024, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld a table amount calculation for an income of $1.65 million, resulting in child support of $11,000 per month.
When Courts May Deviate
For very high-income earners (typically $500,000 or more), courts are more likely to exercise discretion and cap child support at an amount reflecting the child's reasonable needs rather than applying a strict percentage. Courts consider the child's actual lifestyle, the family's standard of living before separation, and whether the table amount would result in support far exceeding what a child could reasonably require.
When Does Child Support End in Ontario?
Ontario child support obligations generally terminate when a child reaches 18 years of age, which is the provincial age of majority. However, support continues beyond age 18 when a child remains dependent on their parents, most commonly due to enrollment in full-time post-secondary education. The Ontario Family Law Act requires parents to provide support for an unmarried child enrolled in a full-time educational program, regardless of whether the child has reached the age of majority.
Post-Secondary Education Support
The Federal Child Support Guidelines do not set a maximum age for child support. Support remains payable for a child over 18 as long as that child is in full-time school attendance and remains dependent. Courts evaluate whether the child is enrolled in a reasonable educational program, making satisfactory progress, and genuinely dependent on parental support. A child who drops out, fails courses repeatedly, or works full-time while taking minimal classes may lose their entitlement to continued support.
Factors Courts Consider
- Reasonableness of the educational program and career plan
- The child's academic performance and commitment to studies
- Means and needs of the child, including savings and part-time work
- The child's age, qualifications, and work experience
- Both parents' financial capacity to contribute
- Whether the child contributes to their own expenses
Terminating Child Support
Child support obligations cannot be terminated unilaterally by the paying parent. Even when a child reaches 18 or graduates, the paying parent must either obtain the recipient's agreement in writing or file a motion with the court to terminate or modify the support order. Payments must continue until a court order is made or a written agreement is signed. Simply stopping payments creates arrears that the Family Responsibility Office will enforce.
Enforcement Through the Family Responsibility Office (FRO)
All Ontario child support orders are automatically registered with the Family Responsibility Office, a provincial agency that enforces support payments. The FRO collects payments directly from the paying parent's employer through wage deduction and deposits funds into the receiving parent's bank account. This system ensures consistent, reliable payment collection without requiring ongoing court involvement.
FRO Enforcement Powers
The Family Responsibility Office has extensive enforcement powers under the Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act, 1996. When a parent falls behind on payments, the FRO can garnish wages directly from employers, suspend driver's licenses for non-payment, seize federal tax refunds and GST/HST credits, report arrears to credit bureaus, and seize bank accounts. For persistent non-payment, the FRO can bring the defaulting parent to court for contempt proceedings, which may result in fines or imprisonment.
Interprovincial and International Enforcement
The FRO enforces Ontario support orders throughout Canada, within the United States, and in over 30 countries with reciprocal enforcement agreements. Parents who relocate to avoid payment obligations face continued enforcement action. The 2021 Divorce Act amendments strengthened inter-jurisdictional support enforcement, creating greater uniformity between federal and provincial enforcement frameworks.
FRO Contact Information
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Toll-Free Phone | 1-800-267-4330 |
| Toronto Local | 416-326-1817 |
| Online Portal | ontario.ca/FROonline |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET |
The 2021 Divorce Act Changes and Child Support
The March 1, 2021 amendments to the Divorce Act represent the most significant update to Canadian family law in over 20 years. While these changes primarily affected parenting arrangements terminology and processes, they have important implications for child support calculations, particularly regarding how parenting time is documented and measured against the 40% threshold.
Terminology Updates
The 2021 amendments replaced "custody" with "decision-making responsibility" and "access" with "parenting time" throughout Canadian family law. These changes reflect a child-centered approach that recognizes both parents' ongoing roles. For child support purposes, the terminology changes are primarily procedural, but they affect how parenting arrangements are documented in court orders and separation agreements.
Enhanced Financial Disclosure
The Divorce Act amendments provide more tools to establish and enforce accurate child support amounts. The federal government gained authority to release tax information to help determine accurate income figures, reducing opportunities for parents to understate earnings. Courts received enhanced powers to impute income when a parent fails to provide complete financial disclosure.
Filing for Child Support in Ontario
Parents seeking child support in Ontario have multiple pathways depending on their circumstances. Married parents may include child support in their divorce application, while unmarried parents file through provincial family court. Court filing fees total $669 for divorce applications (paid as $224 initially plus $445 when setting down for divorce), plus a $10 federal registry fee. Fee waivers are available for parents receiving Ontario Works, ODSP, or meeting specific low-income thresholds.
Required Documentation
- Financial Statement (Form 13 or Form 13.1)
- Proof of income (3 years of tax returns, recent pay stubs)
- Child's birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Parenting schedule or proposed arrangement
- Calculation of child support based on federal tables
Legal Costs
Ontario divorce costs range from $669 for a self-represented uncontested matter to $50,000 or more for contested proceedings. Adding legal representation for an uncontested divorce typically costs $1,500 to $5,000, while contested divorces involving parenting disputes and child support calculations range from $20,000 to $50,000 or higher depending on complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much child support does a father pay in Ontario?
A father in Ontario pays child support based on his gross annual income and number of children according to the federal tables, not based on gender. A father earning $80,000 annually with one child pays approximately $743 per month under the 2026 tables. At $100,000 income, the amount increases to approximately $1,485 per month for one child. The calculation is identical whether the paying parent is the father or mother.
What is the average child support payment in Ontario?
Ontario does not publish average child support statistics, but based on median household incomes, most single-child support payments fall between $500 and $900 per month. The 2026 federal tables show that a parent earning $60,000 pays approximately $564 monthly for one child, while a parent earning $80,000 pays approximately $743. These figures represent base support only, excluding Section 7 special expenses.
Do I still pay child support if I have 50/50 parenting time?
Yes, child support is typically still payable even with equal 50/50 parenting time in Ontario. When both parents have at least 40% parenting time (146+ overnights), the set-off method applies where the higher-income parent pays the difference between table amounts. If Parent A earns $100,000 and Parent B earns $60,000, Parent A would pay approximately $921 monthly (the difference between $1,485 and $564).
Can child support be modified if my income changes?
Yes, a material change in circumstances allows either parent to request a child support modification in Ontario. The October 2025 table update itself may constitute a material change if it produces a significantly different amount from the current order. Parents can apply to vary support through court or, if using FRO, request an administrative recalculation when annual income information is exchanged.
Does child support end at 18 in Ontario?
Child support does not automatically end at 18 in Ontario if the child remains dependent on their parents. Full-time post-secondary students typically continue receiving support until completing their undergraduate education. Courts evaluate whether the child is genuinely dependent, enrolled in a reasonable program, and making satisfactory academic progress. Parents cannot unilaterally stop payments at 18.
What happens if I don't pay child support in Ontario?
Non-payment of child support triggers enforcement action by the Family Responsibility Office, which can garnish wages, suspend driver's licenses, seize tax refunds and bank accounts, report arrears to credit bureaus, and pursue contempt proceedings resulting in fines or jail time. The FRO enforces orders across Canada and in over 30 countries. Arrears accumulate interest and remain collectible indefinitely.
How is child support calculated for self-employed parents?
Self-employed parents in Ontario must disclose business income and expenses to determine their income for child support purposes. Courts may add back non-essential business deductions that reduce taxable income but represent actual economic capacity. If a self-employed parent underreports income, courts can impute income based on lifestyle, historical earnings, or comparable positions in the industry.
Are daycare costs included in child support?
Daycare costs are typically separate from the base table amount and classified as Section 7 special expenses in Ontario. Parents share childcare expenses necessary for employment, illness, disability, or education in proportion to their respective incomes. For example, if daycare costs $1,500 monthly and one parent earns twice what the other earns, they would pay $1,000 while the other pays $500.
Can I negotiate child support below the table amount?
Ontario courts do not approve agreements that provide less than the table amount for child support unless exceptional circumstances exist and the child's needs are demonstrably met. While parents can negotiate, courts prioritize children's entitlement to adequate support. Any agreement below the tables faces scrutiny and may be rejected or modified by the court. Section 7 expenses and parenting arrangements offer more negotiation flexibility.
How do I get my child support amount recalculated?
To recalculate child support in Ontario, exchange updated income information annually with the other parent as required by the guidelines. If using FRO, request an administrative recalculation. If agreement cannot be reached, file a motion to vary with the court. The 2025 table update means orders based on 2017 tables may qualify for recalculation as a material change in circumstances.