The Economic Table and the Self-Support Reserve in Washington

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Washington’s economic table, in effect since January 1, 2026, sets a per-child obligation for combined net incomes from $2,200 to $50,000, and a paying parent keeps a self-support reserve of $2,394 a month, with a $50 per child minimum and a 45% limit.

The 2026 economic table

The economic table in RCW 26.19.020 lists the monthly basic support obligation per child at each $100 of combined monthly net income from $2,200 to $50,000, for one-, two-, three-, four- and five-child families, effective January 1, 2026. At $10,000 the amounts are $1,451 for one child, $1,099 per child for two, $879 for three, $737 for four and $648 for five; the table amount is multiplied by the number of children.

Rounding

The worksheet instructs the user to find the row closest to the combined net income, rounding down if the last two digits are 49 or less and up if they are 50 or more. Two parents with $9,049 of combined net income use the $9,000 row and the paying parent owes $677, while $9,050 uses the $9,100 row and $681.

Below $2,200 and above $50,000

Below $2,200 of combined net income the obligation is based on each household’s resources and living expenses, with a presumptive $50 per child. The table is presumptive up to and including $50,000; above it the court may exceed the amount for $50,000 on written findings. With $100,000 of combined net income and two children the table amount is capped at the $50,000 row: $6,116 in total.

The self-support reserve

A parent’s basic support obligation may not reduce his or her net income below 180% of the federal poverty guideline for one person, except for the presumptive $50 per child, or when it would be unjust. With the 2026 guideline of $15,960 a year, the reserve is $2,394 a month. A paying parent with $2,600 of net income and a $524 share owes $206, the income above the reserve, and one with $2,450 owes $56.

The $50 per child minimum

When a parent’s net income is below the reserve, a support order of not less than $50 per child per month is entered unless the paying parent shows that it would be unjust, after considering the child’s best interests and each parent’s circumstances. Parents with $1,400 and $2,000 of net income and two children use the $50-per-child minimum: $100.

Questions to bring to an attorney

Ask how the court would round your combined net income, whether the reserve or the 45% limit changes your result and whether a deviation fits your facts.

The 45% limit

Neither parent’s obligation for all of his or her children may exceed 45% of net income except for good cause, such as substantial wealth, day care expenses, special medical or educational needs or larger families; the court first considers whether the limit would be unjust (RCW 26.19.065). The calculator warns when a result passes it.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• RCW 26.19.020: child support economic table (effective January 1, 2026)
• RCW 26.19.071: standards for determination of income
• RCW 26.19.065: lower and upper limits on child support amounts
• RCW 26.19.080: allocation of the child support obligation
• Federal Register: 2026 HHS poverty guidelines

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Washington statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Washington attorney.