Low-Income Obligors in Connecticut Child Support
If the noncustodial parent’s net weekly income, rounded to ten dollars, falls in the darker shaded area of the Connecticut schedule, that parent is a low-income obligor and owes the dollar amount in the block, without combining incomes.
The rule
Under section 46b-215a-2c(c)(3), the first step is to find the block for the noncustodial parent’s income, rounded to the nearest ten dollars, and the number of children. If that block is in the darker shaded area of the schedule, the parent is a “low-income obligor,” the dollar amount in the block is the basic child support obligation, and the parent’s income share is not computed. The schedule’s own note says to use noncustodial parent income only for the darker shaded areas and combined parental income for the rest.
How far the shaded area reaches
The shaded area depends on the number of children. The last shaded row for each:
| Children | Highest shaded income | Percentage | Weekly amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $470 | 22.28% | $105 |
| 2 | $550 | 34.36% | $189 |
| 3 | $610 | 41.76% | $255 |
| 4 | $680 | 46.87% | $319 |
| 5 | $750 | 51.71% | $388 |
| 6 | $830 | 56.34% | $468 |
A noncustodial parent with more income than that row is not a low-income obligor and the combined-income method applies.
Why low-income obligors are treated differently
The percentages in the shaded area rise gradually, from 10.00% at $150 for one child, so a parent with a very low income pays a small, fixed amount instead of a share of a combined obligation. The amount does not change if the custodial parent earns more or less. At $400 of net weekly income and one child the block shows $61 a week.
Rounding and the lowest row
The parent’s income is rounded to the nearest ten dollars before the block is found, so $404 is read as $400 and $405 as $410. The schedule begins at $150, and the court decides case by case for a net weekly income below that level.
Child care and health care for low-income obligors
Health care coverage and the child care contribution are determined separately from current support, and the regulation has special percentages for a noncustodial parent who is a low-income obligor. Ask a licensed Connecticut attorney how they apply in your case.
Questions to bring to an attorney
Ask whether your income rounds into the shaded area, how child care and health care apply to a low-income obligor and whether any deviation criterion applies.
Try your own numbers
Enter the paying parent’s income in the Connecticut child support calculator and compare it with the last shaded row for your number of children; the calculator switches methods automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What is the darker shaded area of the Connecticut schedule?
The part of the schedule where only the noncustodial parent's income is used. It reaches $470 of net weekly income for one child, $550 for two, $610 for three, $680 for four, $750 for five and $830 for six.
Is the other parent’s income used for a Connecticut low-income obligor?
No. The dollar amount in the shaded block is the basic child support obligation and the income share step is skipped.
How is the paying parent’s income rounded in Connecticut?
To the nearest ten dollars of net weekly income, before the block is found.
What is the lowest income on the Connecticut schedule?
$150 of net weekly income. The court decides case by case below that.
Does a Connecticut low-income obligor pay a percentage?
The block shows both a percentage and a dollar amount, and the dollar amount is the obligation.
Official sources
- Regs. Conn. State Agencies 46b-215a-2c: child support guidelines
- Regs. Conn. State Agencies 46b-215a-1: definitions
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Connecticut statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Connecticut attorney.