How Much Is Child Support in Saskatchewan? 2026 Complete Guide to Amounts & Calculations

Child support in Saskatchewan is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which set standardized monthly amounts based on the paying parent's gross annual income and the number of children. Under The Family Maintenance Act, 1997, S.S. 1997, c. F-6.2, Saskatchewan adopts these federal tables, making child support amounts predictable and consistent across the province. For example, a parent earning $60,000 annually pays $494 per month for one child, while a parent earning $80,000 pays approximately $660 per month for one child under the 2025 federal tables that took effect October 1, 2025.

Key Facts: Saskatchewan Child Support (2026)

How Much Is Child Support in Saskatchewan Based on Income?

Saskatchewan child support amounts are determined by matching the paying parent's gross annual income against the Federal Child Support Guidelines tables, which specify exact monthly payments for one to four or more children. Under Federal Child Support Guidelines, SOR/97-175, s. 3, the table amount is presumptive — courts must order this amount unless specific exceptions apply. The tables were updated October 1, 2025, to reflect 2023 tax rules.

2025-2026 Saskatchewan Child Support Table Amounts

Note: These figures are approximate and based on the 2025 Federal Child Support Tables. Verify exact amounts using the Government of Canada's official child support look-up tool. As of January 2026. Verify with your local clerk.

Understanding the Table Calculation

The Federal Child Support Guidelines use a straightforward formula to determine how much is child support in Saskatchewan. Courts take the paying parent's Line 150 gross income from their tax return, locate that income bracket in the Saskatchewan-specific table, and read across to find the monthly amount for the number of children. The paying parent is typically the one with less parenting time — or the higher-income parent when parenting time is equal.

For incomes between table amounts, the guidelines provide per-dollar increments. At $60,000 income with one child, the base amount is $494 monthly ($5,928 annually). Adding a second child increases this to $841 monthly ($10,092 annually) — an increase of $347 per month, reflecting economies of scale in raising multiple children.

What Are Section 7 Expenses in Saskatchewan Child Support?

Section 7 expenses are special or extraordinary costs shared between parents in addition to the base table amount, covering childcare, medical needs, extracurricular activities, and educational expenses. Under Federal Child Support Guidelines, SOR/97-175, s. 7, these expenses are apportioned between parents in proportion to their respective incomes after deducting any tax credits, subsidies, or insurance reimbursements.

Categories of Section 7 Expenses

The Federal Child Support Guidelines specify six categories of special expenses:

1. Childcare expenses incurred due to the custodial parent's employment, illness, disability, or education
2. Medical and dental insurance premiums attributable to the child
3. Health-related expenses exceeding insurance by $100+ annually (orthodontics, counselling, physiotherapy, prescription medications, glasses)
4. Educational expenses for primary or secondary school (private school, tutoring)
5. Post-secondary education expenses
6. Extraordinary extracurricular activities expenses

How Section 7 Expenses Are Shared

Parents share Section 7 expenses proportionally based on their guideline incomes. If Parent A earns $100,000 and Parent B earns $40,000, Parent A pays 71.4% of Section 7 expenses while Parent B pays 28.6%. For a $5,000 annual hockey program, Parent A contributes $3,570 and Parent B contributes $1,430.

The "extraordinary" threshold for extracurricular activities depends on each family's circumstances. Hockey may be ordinary for a high-income family but extraordinary for a low-income family. Courts examine whether the expense exceeds what the receiving parent can reasonably afford given their income and the child support received.

How Does Shared Parenting Affect Child Support in Saskatchewan?

Shared parenting time in Saskatchewan triggers a set-off calculation when each parent has the child at least 40% of the time, approximately 146 days per year. Under Federal Child Support Guidelines, SOR/97-175, s. 9, courts calculate each parent's table amount based on their respective incomes, then subtract the lower amount from the higher amount to determine the net payment.

Set-Off Calculation Example

Consider two parents sharing parenting time 50/50:

• Parent A earns $90,000 → Table amount for 1 child: $739/month
• Parent B earns $50,000 → Table amount for 1 child: $419/month
• Set-off amount: $739 - $419 = $320/month paid by Parent A to Parent B

This set-off method ensures both households can provide similar standards of living for the child. However, courts retain discretion under section 9(c) to adjust amounts based on the increased costs of shared parenting, each parent's actual expenses, and the overall financial circumstances.

The 40% Threshold Matters

Parenting time below 40% does not trigger the set-off calculation. A parent with 35% parenting time (approximately 128 days) pays the full table amount based on their income, while a parent with 40% parenting time benefits from the set-off calculation. This 5% difference — roughly 18 days — can significantly impact child support amounts, sometimes by hundreds of dollars monthly.

How Long Does Child Support Last in Saskatchewan?

Child support in Saskatchewan does not automatically end when a child turns 18. Under The Family Maintenance Act, 1997, S.S. 1997, c. F-6.2, s. 2, a "child" includes anyone 18 or older who cannot withdraw from parental care due to illness, disability, or pursuit of reasonable education. Saskatchewan courts routinely extend child support through post-secondary education, typically until ages 22 to 24.

Conditions for Ongoing Support

Child support continues past age 18 when the adult child:

• Is enrolled full-time in a legitimate post-secondary program (university, college, trade school)
• Demonstrates a genuine commitment to completing their studies
• Cannot reasonably support themselves while attending school
• Maintains reasonable contact with the paying parent

The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal has held that children pursuing post-secondary education are "unable to withdraw" from parental support if they cannot pursue reasonable education without parental financial assistance. However, adult children must contribute to their education through part-time work or student loans to the extent they reasonably can.

When Support Ends

Child support terminates when the child:

• Graduates from their first undergraduate degree or diploma program
• Drops out of post-secondary education and becomes self-supporting
• Marries or enters a common-law relationship
• Ceases contact with the paying parent without justification
• Obtains full-time employment and lives independently

Parents seeking to terminate support must either obtain written agreement from the other parent or apply to the Court of King's Bench for a variation order under Family Maintenance Act, 1997, s. 10.

How Do You Modify Child Support in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan offers two pathways to modify child support: administrative recalculation through the free Child Support Service or court variation through the Court of King's Bench. Administrative recalculation handles straightforward income changes, while court variation addresses complex situations involving self-employment income, shared parenting disputes, or undue hardship claims.

Administrative Recalculation Service

The Saskatchewan Child Support Service provides free recalculation of child support orders every 12 months (or after 6 months with demonstrated income change). The service applies the paying parent's current income to the Federal Child Support Guidelines tables and issues a recalculated amount without requiring court attendance.

Eligibility requirements:

• Existing child support order or agreement registered with the service
• Payor has employment or government income (not self-employment, farming, or rental)
• No dispute over parenting time or Section 7 expenses
• Both parties consent to administrative recalculation (or order permits it)

If the payor fails to provide income information, the service may deem income by applying a 10% to 30% increase to the last known income, depending on how much time has passed.

Court Variation Applications

Parents must apply to the Court of King's Bench for variation when:

• The payor has self-employment, farming, or rental income
• There is a dispute about the child's dependency or enrollment status
• Either parent claims undue hardship
• Section 7 expenses require reapportionment
• Parenting time has changed significantly

Under Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3, s. 17, courts may vary child support upon proof of a "change in circumstances" — any material change in income, expenses, or the child's needs since the original order.

How Does Saskatchewan Enforce Child Support Orders?

The Saskatchewan Maintenance Enforcement Office (MEO) enforces child support orders through wage garnishment, bank account seizure, federal payment interception, licence suspension, and property liens. Registration with the MEO is optional but highly recommended — it eliminates direct contact between parents and provides powerful enforcement tools when payments lapse.

MEO Enforcement Powers

Under The Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Act, 1997, S.S. 1997, c. E-9.21, the MEO can:

• Garnish wages, bank accounts, and other income sources
• Intercept federal payments (EI, CPP, OAS, tax refunds, GST rebates, grain advances)
• Register liens against real estate (preventing sale or refinancing)
• Seize and sell personal property (vehicles, equipment)
• Report arrears to credit bureaus
• Suspend driver's licences, hunting licences, and passports
• Attach pension contributions
• Enforce against corporations owned by the payor

Child Support Arrears Never Expire

Child support arrears in Saskatchewan remain enforceable indefinitely, regardless of the child's current age. A parent owing $50,000 in arrears from when a child was 10 years old still owes that amount when the child is 30. Interest may accrue on unpaid amounts, and the MEO can pursue collection for decades.

Registering with the MEO

To register a child support order with the MEO:

1. Obtain a certified copy of the court order or filed agreement
2. Complete the MEO registration forms (available online)
3. Submit to the Maintenance Enforcement Office
4. Provide banking information for direct deposit of payments

Contact the MEO at 306-787-0962 or toll-free 1-866-229-9571.

What Happens With High-Income Earners in Saskatchewan?

For paying parents earning over $150,000 annually, Saskatchewan courts exercise discretion in setting child support amounts above the table maximum. Under Federal Child Support Guidelines, SOR/97-175, s. 4, courts must order the table amount for the first $150,000 of income but may consider the child's actual needs, means, and circumstances when calculating support on income exceeding $150,000.

Calculation Method for High Incomes

The hybrid approach works as follows:

• First $150,000: Apply the Saskatchewan table directly ($1,198/month for one child)
• Income above $150,000: Court discretion based on child's needs and lifestyle

For a parent earning $250,000 with one child, the court would order at least $1,198 monthly (the table amount at $150,000) plus an additional amount for the $100,000 above the threshold. Courts typically order additional amounts that maintain the child's accustomed standard of living without creating excessive wealth transfer.

Factors Courts Consider

When determining support above the $150,000 threshold, courts examine:

• The child's historical standard of living during the relationship
• Actual costs of the child's education, activities, and lifestyle
• Whether the child has special needs requiring additional funding
• The reasonableness of claimed expenses
• Both parents' financial resources and obligations

Can You Deviate From Saskatchewan Child Support Guidelines?

Saskatchewan courts can depart from guideline amounts in limited circumstances, primarily undue hardship claims under Federal Child Support Guidelines, SOR/97-175, s. 10. However, deviations are rare — the Guidelines are presumptive, and courts require compelling evidence that strict application would cause unreasonable financial strain.

Undue Hardship Grounds

A parent may claim undue hardship based on:

• Unusually high debts incurred to support the family before separation
• Unusually high costs of exercising parenting time (long-distance travel)
• Legal obligation to support another person (stepchildren, aging parents)
• Legal obligation to support another child from a different relationship

The Household Standard of Living Test

Even when undue hardship circumstances exist, courts must compare household standards of living. Using a formula that accounts for household size and composition, courts determine whether the claiming parent's household would have a lower standard of living than the other parent's household. If the claiming parent's household would still be better off, the court will not reduce support.

Imputed Income

Where a parent voluntarily underemployed or unemployed, courts may impute income — attributing earning capacity rather than actual earnings. A parent who quits a $100,000 job to work part-time at $30,000 may still have child support calculated at $100,000 if the court finds the income reduction was voluntary and unreasonable.

Free Resources for Calculating Child Support in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan residents have access to several free tools for determining how much is child support in Saskatchewan, including government calculators, recalculation services, and legal information centres. These resources help parents understand their obligations before engaging lawyers or attending court.

Government Resources

What the Calculation Tools Provide

The Government of Canada's child support look-up tool provides instant base amounts by entering:

• Province of residence (Saskatchewan)
• Paying parent's annual gross income
• Number of children under the order

The tool does not calculate Section 7 expenses or shared parenting set-offs — these require additional calculations based on both parents' incomes and actual expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saskatchewan Child Support

How much is child support in Saskatchewan for one child?

Child support for one child in Saskatchewan ranges from $258/month at $30,000 income to $1,198/month at $150,000 income, based on the 2025 Federal Child Support Guidelines tables. At the common income level of $60,000, a parent pays $494/month ($5,928/year) for one child. The exact amount depends on the paying parent's gross annual income as reported on their tax return.

Does child support change if I have 50/50 parenting time?

Shared parenting time (40%+ for each parent) triggers a set-off calculation where the higher-income parent pays the difference between both parents' table amounts. For example, if one parent owes $700/month and the other owes $400/month, the net payment is $300/month from the higher earner to the lower earner. This can significantly reduce child support compared to primary residence arrangements.

Can child support be changed if my income decreases?

Yes, Saskatchewan allows child support modification when income changes substantially. The free Child Support Service recalculates amounts annually based on current income. For employment income, contact 1-833-825-1445 to apply. For self-employment or complex income situations, you must file a variation application with the Court of King's Bench under Family Maintenance Act, 1997, s. 10.

Does child support end when my child turns 18?

Child support does not automatically terminate at age 18 in Saskatchewan. Under Family Maintenance Act, 1997, s. 2, support continues for adult children pursuing reasonable post-secondary education — typically until ages 22-24 for a first undergraduate degree. Parents must apply to court or obtain agreement to terminate support.

What expenses are covered beyond basic child support?

Section 7 expenses — childcare, medical/dental costs exceeding $100/year, extracurricular activities, and post-secondary education — are shared proportionally between parents based on their respective incomes. These costs are separate from base table amounts. A parent earning 70% of combined income pays 70% of Section 7 expenses.

What happens if child support isn't paid?

The Maintenance Enforcement Office (MEO) enforces unpaid child support through wage garnishment, federal payment interception (EI, CPP, tax refunds), property liens, licence suspension, and credit bureau reporting. Arrears never expire and accumulate indefinitely. Contact the MEO at 306-787-0962 to register your order for enforcement.

Can I get child support without going to court?

Yes, the Saskatchewan Child Support Service provides free administrative calculation and recalculation for parents with employment income. Parents can also negotiate child support agreements privately and register them with the court. Only disputes involving self-employment income, undue hardship, or parenting time require court attendance.

How is income determined for child support purposes?

Guideline income typically uses Line 150 gross income from the paying parent's most recent tax return, adjusted for specific additions and deductions under Federal Child Support Guidelines, SOR/97-175, Schedule III. For self-employed parents, income determination involves averaging historical earnings, examining business expenses, and potentially imputing reasonable salary.

What if the other parent won't disclose their income?

Parents must disclose income under Federal Child Support Guidelines, SOR/97-175, s. 21. Courts can impute income based on lifestyle evidence, prior earnings, or industry standards when a parent refuses to disclose. The Child Support Service may also deem income by applying a 10-30% increase to last known income if a payor fails to provide documentation.

Does the child support amount include extracurricular activities?

Base table amounts cover ordinary living expenses but not extraordinary extracurricular activities. If a child's hockey costs $5,000 annually and qualifies as extraordinary, parents share this cost proportionally to income under Section 7 — separate from the monthly table amount. What qualifies as "extraordinary" depends on each family's financial circumstances.