Frequently Asked Questions - 2025 update to the Federal Child Support Tables

This webpage provides general information about the 2025 update to the Federal Child Support Tables (Federal Tables).

• What are the Federal Tables?

  The Federal Tables are part of the Federal Child Support Guidelines (regulations under the Divorce Act).

  The Federal Tables are based on a mathematical formula that considers income and federal/provincial/territorial tax rules to produce child support amounts reflecting a person’s ability to pay. The formula generates basic monthly child support amounts for families of one to six or more children, for income levels in $1,000 increments (up to $150,000) for each province and territory. There is a separate set of tables for each province and territory because of differences in provincial and territorial tax rules.

• When did the updated 2025 Federal Tables come into force?

  The updated 2025 Federal Tables came into force on October 1, 2025.

• Why were the Federal Tables updated?

  The support amounts in the Federal Tables are based partly on the amount of taxes parents must pay. As federal, provincial and territorial tax rules changed, the Federal Tables needed to be updated. The Government of Canada last updated the Federal Tables in 2017.

  Updating the Federal Tables based on more recent tax rules (2023) ensures that they continue to reflect a parent’s capacity to pay. It upholds the Federal Child Support Guidelines’ objective to establish a fair standard of support for children so that they continue to benefit from the financial means of both their parents after separation or divorce.

• How were the new table amounts generated?

  The Government of Canada generated updated amounts by using the federal child support formula and incorporating more recent tax rules (2023).

• Do the child support amounts in the Federal Tables change as a result of the 2025 update?

  Yes, when changes to tax rules affect a parent’s capacity to pay child support, it has an impact on the amount of child support to be paid.

  Jurisdictions have made various changes to their tax rules since the Federal Tables were last updated. As a result of those changes, child support amounts in the updated Federal Tables may have either increased or decreased from those set out in the previous Federal Tables (2017).

  For example, the starting point for child support amounts has increased due to an increase in the federal basic personal amount, which is the income level at which taxpayers start to pay federal income tax. However, a parent who has income lower than or equal to $16,000 will now have a basic Federal Tables amount of $0.

• Have child support amounts increased to match the cost-of-living increases and inflation?

  Child support amounts are not calculated based on inflation and they do not directly increase or decrease with inflation. They are based on an individual’s ability to pay given their income and federal/provincial/territorial tax rules. Changes to tax rules can either increase or decrease the child support amounts generated by the formula.

• Were provincial and territorial child support guidelines amended as a result of the update to the Federal Tables?

  All provinces and territories, except for Quebec, have adopted the Federal Tables in their provincial child support laws (Quebec has different child support rules and tables). This means that the table amounts in all the provinces and territories, except Quebec, were also updated on October 1, 2025.

• Do the updated Federal Table amounts take into consideration the Canada Child Benefit?

  No. Benefits and credits for children, such as the Canada Child Benefit, are generally not included in the calculation of the Federal Table amounts. These benefits and credits are deemed to be government’s contribution to children.

• Will the updated child support amounts included in the Federal Tables affect child support orders made using the 2017 Federal Tables?

  The updated table amounts will not automatically apply to a child support order made before October 1, 2025. However, if the updated child support amount is different from the amount in an existing order, it could be considered a "change in circumstances" that would allow either the paying parent or the receiving parent to apply for a variation of their support order.

  Parents with existing orders would have to apply to court or a recalculation service to have their child support amount updated using the new Federal Table amounts.

• Which Federal Tables should I use to calculate retroactive child support?

  If you need to determine how much child support is owed for a period of time between November 22, 2017 and September 30, 2025, use the 2017 Federal Tables to find that amount.

  The updated 2025 Federal Tables should be used to determine child support owed from October 1, 2025 onward.

• Where can I find the official legal version of the Federal Tables?

  The official legal version of the Federal Tables is found on:

  • the Canada Gazette’s website
  • Justice Canada’s website (coming soon)

• What is the difference between the Simplified Tables and the official legal version of the Federal Tables?

  The Simplified Tables are a public legal education and information tool. They are intended to provide general information which can be used to estimate a child support amount. They are not intended to replace the official Federal Tables. Only the official Federal Tables is a legal document and will provide the most accurate amounts.

• Are the tools to help calculate child support available on Justice Canada’s website up to date?

  Yes. Child support tools found on the Justice Canada’s website reflect the up to date Federal Tables. These include:

  • the 2025 simplified tables
  • the 2025 child support table look-up

  The child support tools for previous Federal Child Support Tables remain available on Justice Canada’s website.

  Learn more about the free information about divorce and separation available from Justice Canada by visiting our website: Canada.ca/family-law

Disclaimer: This is not a legal text and does not provide legal advice. As family law can be complex, it is usually best for individuals to get advice about their situation from a family law adviser. These advisers are in the best position to give advice about rights and obligations. Most of the provincial and territorial bar associations offer Lawyer Referral Services. Some lawyers may give an initial consultation for free or at a reduced rate, or individuals may decide to consult a lawyer just a few times to help with certain aspects of their specific situation.