Child Care, Health Coverage and the Reserve in Oregon
Oregon shares child care (up to age-based maximums) and the children’s health coverage by income share, credits the parent who pays, and limits each parent’s obligation to income above a $1,729 self-support reserve, with a $100 minimum order.
Child care
Child care for a child who is disabled or under 13 is added to the obligation if it is related to a parent’s or caretaker’s employment, job search or the training needed to get a job. Only actual, documented costs count, net of subsidies, up to maximums per child per month (OAR 137-050-0735):
| Age of child | Portland, Bend, Eugene, Corvallis, Springfield, Monmouth, Ashland | All other Oregon or out of state |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn to 1 year | $1,705 | $1,190 |
| 1 year to 3 years | $1,705 | $1,083 |
| 3 years to 6 years | $1,400 | $860 |
| 6 years and older | $1,100 | $629 |
Each parent’s share is the income share times the allowed cost. With $600 a month of school-age child care paid by parent A, parent B’s order is $1,127.
Health coverage
Coverage is reasonable in cost if it costs no more than four percent of each parent’s adjusted income. Only the cost of covering the children counts: the family premium less the parent’s own cost, divided by the other people covered, times the number of children. Each parent’s share of the cost is added and the parent who pays is credited. With $200 of coverage paid by parent A, parent B’s order is $877 (OAR 137-050-0750).
Medical costs in the scale
The basic obligation includes $250 a year per child of ordinary unreimbursed medical costs; extraordinary expenses, such as orthodontia or treatment of a chronic condition, are divided from the first dollar.
The self-support reserve
The support calculation must leave a parent enough income to meet basic needs. Available income is adjusted income minus $1,729, based on the federal poverty guideline for a single person times 1.303 and reviewed every year. The parent’s total obligation may not exceed available income, except for the $100 minimum order (OAR 137-050-0745).
A low income
A parent with $1,800 of income has only $71 above the reserve, so his or her share of the basic obligation is capped at $71 and, after a parenting time credit, the order is the $100 minimum.
Documents to gather
Child care invoices, premium statements and the provider’s location for the child care maximums.
Social Security and veterans benefits
The obligation may be reduced dollar for dollar for Social Security or apportioned veterans benefits paid to the child on the obligated parent’s disability or retirement, after the $100 minimum is applied.
Frequently asked questions
Is child care added to Oregon child support?
Yes, for children under 13 or disabled, up to maximums by age and region, shared by income.
When is health coverage reasonable in Oregon?
When it costs no more than four percent of each parent's adjusted income.
What is the Oregon self-support reserve in 2026?
$1,729 a month, effective July 1, 2026.
Can the Oregon reserve reduce child support below $100?
No. The $100 minimum order is presumed except in listed cases.
Are uninsured medical costs shared in Oregon?
Extraordinary costs are divided between the parents; ordinary costs of $250 per child a year are in the scale.
Official sources
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 Oregon statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Oregon attorney.