Support Establishment: Calculating a Child Support Obligation

Exceptions to the Standard Guidelines

Exceptions to the standard guidelines would be incomes below the Self-Support Reserve and Poverty Levels, which call for a different calculation by the court.

Self-Support Reserve Income

Each year, the United States Dept. of Health and Human Services states the amount for the Self-Support Reserve income level, based on a percentage of the poverty income guidelines for a single person. For example, the Self-Support Reserve (SSR) amount for a single person in 2003 was $12,123. When the non-custodial parent's (NCP) annual income falls below the yearly Self-Support Reserve amount, the court can issue a Self-Support Reserve order of $50/month, or the difference between the SSR amount and the NCP's income, whichever is greater.

Poverty Income

As reported by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, the poverty income guideline amount for a single person in 2003 was $8,980. If the NCP's annual income falls below the yearly poverty level, the court can issue a Poverty Order of $25/month or a lower amount that is appropriate. Arrears on a Poverty Order can only accumulate to $500.

This chart provides an example of monthly payments for incomes that fell below the Self-Support Reserve and Poverty Level in 2003.

Income Range	Adjustment Level	Monthly Payment
$12,123 to $8,981	Self-Support Reserve	$50/month or an appropriate amount
$8,981 and lower	Poverty Order	$25/month or an appropriate amount