Texas child support payments range from $200 to $2,340 per month for one child in 2026, calculated as 20% of the paying parent's monthly net resources under Texas Family Code § 154.125. The state increased its income cap from $9,200 to $11,700 per month effective September 1, 2025, representing a 27% increase and the first adjustment since 2019. For a parent earning at the cap, one child receives $2,340 monthly, two children receive $2,925, and three children receive $3,510. Texas uses a percentage-of-income model rather than the income shares formula used by 41 other states, making it one of only 9 states that base calculations solely on the obligor's earnings.
Key Facts: Texas Child Support 2026
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Calculation Method | Percentage of net resources (obligor only) |
| One Child | 20% of net monthly income |
| Two Children | 25% of net monthly income |
| Three Children | 30% of net monthly income |
| Monthly Income Cap | $11,700 (effective Sept. 1, 2025) |
| Maximum for One Child | $2,340/month |
| Minimum for One Child | $200/month (zero-income obligor) |
| Medical Support | Required; up to 9% of income for health insurance |
| Duration | Until age 18 or high school graduation |
| Enforcement | Wage withholding, license suspension, jail |
How Much Is Child Support in Texas Per Month?
Texas child support for one child equals 20% of the paying parent's monthly net resources, with a maximum guideline payment of $2,340 per month under the 2026 income cap of $11,700. For a parent earning $6,000 per month in net resources, child support would be $1,200 monthly for one child. The Texas Office of the Attorney General processes over 1.5 million child support cases annually, with wage withholding used in more than 80% of cases.
The standard guideline percentages under Texas Family Code § 154.125 are:
- One child: 20% of monthly net resources
- Two children: 25% of monthly net resources
- Three children: 30% of monthly net resources
- Four children: 35% of monthly net resources
- Five or more children: 40% of monthly net resources
For parents earning above the $11,700 monthly cap, courts may order additional support beyond the guidelines if the child's proven needs justify it. The cap serves as a framework for guideline calculations, not an absolute limit on support awards.
How Texas Calculates Net Resources for Child Support
Texas calculates child support based on "net resources" rather than gross income, which typically results in a calculation using 75-85% of gross earnings after permitted deductions. Under Texas Family Code § 154.062, net resources include wages, salary, overtime, commissions, bonuses, rental income, dividends, self-employment income, and retirement income. The calculation deducts only four items: federal income taxes at the single-person rate, Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA), union dues, and the cost of health and dental insurance for the child.
Notably, voluntary 401(k) contributions, car payments, and other personal expenses are not deducted when calculating net resources. Means-tested public assistance such as TANF, SSI, and SNAP benefits are excluded from income calculations entirely.
Sample Net Resources Calculation
| Income/Deduction | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross Monthly Income | $8,000 |
| Federal Income Tax (single rate) | -$1,200 |
| Social Security/Medicare (7.65%) | -$612 |
| Child's Health Insurance | -$350 |
| Net Resources | $5,838 |
| Child Support (1 child at 20%) | $1,168 |
2026 Texas Child Support Cap Changes
The Texas child support income cap increased from $9,200 to $11,700 per month on September 1, 2025, representing the largest adjustment in recent history and the first change since 2019. This 27% increase affects parents earning above the previous threshold and can result in support increases of $500 or more per month per child. The cap is reviewed every six years under Texas Family Code § 154.125(a-1) and is tied to the Consumer Price Index.
Maximum Guideline Payments: Old vs. New Cap
| Children | Old Maximum (Pre-Sept 2025) | New Maximum (2026) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 child | $1,840/month | $2,340/month | +$500 |
| 2 children | $2,300/month | $2,925/month | +$625 |
| 3 children | $2,760/month | $3,510/month | +$750 |
| 4 children | $3,220/month | $4,095/month | +$875 |
| 5+ children | $3,680/month | $4,680/month | +$1,000 |
Existing child support orders do not adjust automatically. Parents must file a petition to modify support with the court to have the new cap applied. If the paying parent's net monthly income is below $9,200, this change will not affect their child support obligation.
Multiple Children from Different Relationships
When a parent supports children from multiple households, Texas reduces the percentage applied to each child to account for the divided financial responsibility. Under Texas Family Code § 154.129, support for one child drops from 20% to 17.5% if the obligor has one other child to support elsewhere, and further reductions apply as obligations increase.
Adjusted Percentages for Multiple Households
| Children Before Court | 0 Other Children | 1 Other | 2 Other | 3 Other | 4 Other | 5+ Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 child | 20% | 17.5% | 16% | 14.75% | 13.6% | 13.33% |
| 2 children | 25% | 22.5% | 20.63% | 19% | 17.5% | 16.67% |
| 3 children | 30% | 27.38% | 25% | 23% | 21.2% | 20% |
Medical Support Requirements in Texas
Texas requires medical and dental support in every child support order, with the providing parent paying up to 9% of annual resources for health coverage and up to 1.5% for dental coverage under Texas Family Code §§ 154.181-154.187. Courts typically order the obligor to provide coverage if available through their employer at a "reasonable cost." If neither parent has access to affordable employer-sponsored insurance, courts may order cash medical support or coverage through CHIP or Medicaid.
Beyond insurance premiums, parents must share uninsured or out-of-pocket medical expenses including deductibles, prescriptions, dental work, orthodontics, and mental health counseling. Courts typically split these costs equally unless circumstances warrant a different allocation. The cost of the child's health and dental insurance premiums is deducted from the obligor's gross income before calculating net resources, providing credit for these expenses in the support calculation.
How to Modify Texas Child Support
A parent seeking to modify child support in Texas must demonstrate either a material and substantial change in circumstances or meet the three-year/20% threshold under Texas Family Code § 156.401. The 2025 increase in the child support cap from $9,200 to $11,700 qualifies as a material and substantial change for parents earning above the old threshold, providing grounds for modification without waiting three years.
Two Paths to Modification
- Material and substantial change in circumstances affecting the child, parent, or other person in the order
- At least three years since the last order AND the new guideline amount differs by at least 20% or $100 from the current order
Examples of changes that typically meet the legal standard include significant income increases or decreases, responsibility for additional children, changes in medical insurance coverage or needs, incarceration, and substantial changes in custody or visitation schedules. Temporary or voluntary changes generally do not qualify. Required documentation includes pay stubs, tax returns, employment verification, medical bills, and custody verification.
Parents who agreed to deviate from guideline support face stricter modification requirements. They cannot use the three-year/20% automatic threshold and must prove a material and substantial change in circumstances.
Child Support Enforcement in Texas
Texas enforces child support through wage withholding, license suspension, tax refund interception, bank account levies, liens, and contempt proceedings that can result in up to six months of jail time per violation. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 158, automatic income withholding is required in every support order, with employers legally obligated to withhold support directly from paychecks and forward payments to the State Disbursement Unit. Wage withholding is capped at 50% of disposable earnings.
Enforcement Consequences
| Enforcement Action | Trigger/Authority |
|---|---|
| Wage Withholding | Automatic in all orders; employer must comply |
| License Suspension | Driver's, professional, business licenses under Chapter 232 |
| Tax Refund Interception | State and federal returns intercepted |
| Passport Denial | Federal action when arrears exceed $2,500 |
| Contempt of Court | Fines plus up to 6 months jail per violation |
| Interest on Arrears | 6% annual interest on unpaid support |
| Criminal Charges | State jail felony for willful non-payment exceeding 1 year |
More than 100,000 Texans have had licenses suspended due to unpaid child support. Enforcement actions can continue for up to 10 years after the child turns 18, and there is no expiration on the debt itself.
Filing for Child Support in Texas
Filing for child support in Texas costs between $300 and $365 depending on the county, with most courts charging approximately $300-350 for the initial filing as of May 2026. Harris County charges $365 for cases involving children, Dallas County charges $302, Travis County charges $321, and Bexar County charges $315. Additional costs include service of process ($75-150), mandatory parenting classes, and potential mediation fees.
Parents can file for child support through private attorneys or through the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG), which provides free child support establishment and enforcement services. The OAG charges a $35 annual service fee for cases involving parents who have never received TANF, deducted from support payments once the custodial parent receives at least $550 in collections. A $3 monthly State Disbursement Unit fee also applies.
Indigent petitioners can waive filing fees by filing an Affidavit of Indigency under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145.
Residency Requirements
Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, at least one spouse must have been domiciled in Texas for six months and in the filing county for 90 days immediately preceding the petition. Military service outside Texas counts toward residency requirements.
Duration of Texas Child Support
Texas child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, with an absolute cutoff at age 18 if the child marries, is emancipated, or dies. Support may continue indefinitely for a child who is disabled and unable to support themselves. Under Texas Family Code § 154.001, both parents have a duty to support their children regardless of marital status, and this obligation cannot be waived by agreement between parents.
Parents cannot informally agree to reduce or eliminate child support. Only a court can modify the ordered amount, and changes must be formally approved through a modification petition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is child support in Texas for one child?
Texas child support for one child is 20% of the paying parent's monthly net resources, with a maximum guideline payment of $2,340 per month under the 2026 income cap of $11,700. For a parent earning $5,000 monthly in net resources, support would be $1,000 per month. Zero-income obligors pay a minimum of $200 monthly.
What is the new Texas child support cap for 2026?
The Texas child support cap increased to $11,700 per month in net resources effective September 1, 2025, up from the previous $9,200 cap. This 27% increase was the first adjustment since 2019 and can result in maximum support payments increasing by $500 to $1,000 per month depending on the number of children.
How do I calculate my Texas child support payment?
Calculate Texas child support by determining your monthly net resources (gross income minus federal taxes, FICA, union dues, and child health insurance costs), then multiply by the applicable percentage: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, or 40% for five or more children. The Texas OAG provides a free online calculator at csapps.oag.texas.gov.
Can Texas child support exceed the guideline amount?
Yes, Texas courts can order child support above the guideline amount when the child's proven needs justify additional support, such as extraordinary medical needs, educational expenses, or activities. The $11,700 monthly cap applies to guideline calculations, but courts retain discretion to order higher amounts in appropriate circumstances.
How do I modify child support in Texas?
File a petition to modify with the court that issued the original order, demonstrating either a material and substantial change in circumstances or that three years have passed and the guideline amount differs by 20% or $100. The 2025 cap increase qualifies as a material change for parents earning above $9,200 monthly.
What happens if I don't pay child support in Texas?
Failure to pay Texas child support can result in wage garnishment (up to 50% of disposable income), suspension of driver's and professional licenses, tax refund interception, passport denial, bank account levies, property liens, contempt fines, and up to six months in jail per violation. Arrears accrue 6% annual interest.
Does Texas child support include health insurance?
Yes, Texas requires medical and dental support in every child support order under Texas Family Code §§ 154.181-154.187. The providing parent may pay up to 9% of annual resources for health insurance and 1.5% for dental coverage. Parents typically split uninsured medical expenses equally.
How long does child support last in Texas?
Texas child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever is later. Support may continue indefinitely for disabled children unable to support themselves. Enforcement of arrears can continue for 10 years after the child ages out, and there is no statute of limitations on the debt itself.
Can parents agree to no child support in Texas?
Parents can agree to deviate from guideline child support, but courts must approve any agreement as being in the child's best interest. Complete waivers of support are rarely approved because the right to support belongs to the child, not the parents. Any informal agreements between parents do not change the court-ordered amount.
Is child support taxable in Texas?
No, child support payments are not taxable income to the receiving parent and are not tax-deductible for the paying parent under federal tax law. This applies to Texas and all other states following the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which also eliminated the alimony deduction.