Low Income, Medical and Child Care in Michigan Child Support
Michigan protects parents at or below $1,255 of monthly net income with a 10% equation and a transition equation above it, reduces net income for other children, presumes $200 a year per child in ordinary medical expenses and shares premiums and child care by income share.
The low income threshold
The 2025 Low Income Threshold is $1,255 a month of net income (the 2024 federal poverty guideline). A parent at or below it owes 10% of his or her net income, and his or her income is left out of the family income used for the other parent’s calculation (MCSF 2.09 and 3.02(C)).
The transition equation
A parent just above the threshold owes the lower of the General Care amount and (threshold × 10%) + [(income − threshold) × the multiplier]:
| Children in common | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| 1 child | 50% |
| 2 children | 55% |
| 3 children | 60% |
| 4 children | 65% |
| 5 or more | 70% |
With $1,500 of net income and two children, that is $125.50 + $245 × 55% = $260 (the figure used in the calculator’s base).
Other children
If a parent supports other minor children from another relationship, net income for this case is that parent’s remaining net income (after deducting the part of health premiums covering those children) times the Additional Children multiplier:
| Other minor children | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| 1 other child | 83% |
| 2 | 75% |
| 3 | 68% |
| 4 | 64% |
| 5 or more | 60% |
Ordinary medical expenses
The formula presumes families spend $200 a year per child on ordinary medical expenses, $400 for two, $600 for three, $800 for four and $1,000 for five or more. The payer’s share is paid with the monthly support and the recipient pays his or her share directly. In some cases the court sets no ordinary amount and treats all expenses as additional medical expenses.
Health care coverage and premiums
Coverage is reasonable if its cost does not exceed 6 percent of the providing parent’s gross income. The children’s net portion of the premiums is shared by income share, and the difference between the parents’ shares is added to or subtracted from support after the offset (MCSF 3.05).
Documents that prove income
Bring pay statements, tax returns and records of other children you support, and for self-employed parents the records of receipts and expenses.
Child care
Actual child care costs that allow a parent to work, look for work or study, net of subsidies and credits, are shared by income share: the payer pays his or her share of the recipient’s cost and the recipient’s share of the payer’s cost is subtracted. The need is presumed to continue until the month the child turns 13 (MCSF 3.06). If the child care contribution exceeds 50 percent of the base support, the court may consider a deviation of the child care part only.
Frequently asked questions
What is the low income threshold in Michigan child support?
$1,255 a month of net income in the 2025 supplement.
How are other children treated in Michigan child support?
Net income is multiplied by 83% for one other child, 75% for two, 68% for three, 64% for four and 60% for five or more.
Who pays ordinary medical expenses in Michigan?
The formula presumes $200 a year per child, shared by income; the payer's share is paid with support and the recipient pays the rest directly.
How is child care shared in Michigan?
By each parent's share of the combined net income, after subtracting subsidies and credits.
When does child care support end in Michigan?
It is presumed to continue until the last day of the month the child is under 13, unless the court orders otherwise.
Official sources
- 2025 Michigan Child Support Formula Manual (effective January 1, 2025)
- 2025 Michigan Child Support Formula Supplement
- MCL 552.605: child support formula
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 Michigan statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Michigan attorney.