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How is child support calculated in Illinois?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

Illinois child support is governed by 750 ILCS 5/505, which adopted the Income Shares model effective July 1, 2017 — replacing the earlier flat-percentage approach.

1. The Income Shares Calculation

Step-by-step:

  • Determine each parent's monthly net income using the HFS Standardized Net Income Conversion Table (or the individualized method).
  • Combine the parents' net incomes.
  • Look up the Basic Child Support Obligation on the Income Shares Schedule published by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
  • Multiply by each parent's percentage of combined income to get each parent's share.
  • The non-residential parent pays their share to the residential parent.
  • 2. Net Income (§ 505(a)(3))

    Gross income minus federal/state income tax, Social Security/FICA, mandatory retirement, union dues, dependent and individual health insurance, prior-order child support actually paid, and maintenance actually paid.

    3. Shared Physical Care (§ 505(a)(3.8))

    When each parent exercises 146 or more overnights per year (about 40%), a shared-parenting cross-credit formula applies: the basic obligation is multiplied by 1.5, prorated by income, then offset by the percentage of time with the other parent.

    4. Add-Ons (§ 505(a)(3.6)-(3.7))

  • Childcare for employment, education, or job search
  • Health insurance premiums for the child
  • Extracurricular and school expenses (discretionary)
  • Uninsured medical expenses
  • 5. Duration (750 ILCS 5/513)

    Base child support terminates at:

  • The child's 18th birthday, OR
  • High school graduation if still enrolled, but not beyond age 19.
  • Section 513 separately authorizes contributions to post-secondary educational expenses (a unique Illinois provision).

    6. Modification (750 ILCS 5/510)

    A party may modify child support upon a substantial change in circumstances, or — for orders enforced by Title IV-D agencies — every 3 years if the recomputed amount would differ by at least 20% (or $10/month, whichever is greater).

    7. Imputed Income

    Voluntary unemployment or underemployment allows the court to impute income based on prior earnings, education, and local job availability.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • You share physical custody (each parent 146+ overnights)
    • You are seeking college contribution under § 513
    • Self-employment income disputes
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • 750 ILCS 5/505
    • 750 ILCS 5/510
    • 750 ILCS 5/513

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.