Federal Child Support Table Changes Coming October 1, 2025: What Parents Need to Know

As of October 1, 2025, Canada’s child support tables are updated for the first time in eight years. These changes may affect how much support parents pay or receive, especially for those earning under $45,000.

What Exactly Is Changing?

The new starting point for child support is $16,000. If a parent earns less than that per year, their basic table amount is $0. (Under the 2017 tables, this self-support floor was $12,000.)

The biggest shifts occur at lower income levels. For parents earning between about $16,000 and $45,000, the new table amounts are often lower than before. For incomes above $45,000, the changes are generally modest—usually a 1–2% difference.

Importantly, the formula itself remains the same. The government simply recalculated it using updated tax data. The 2025 tables replace the 2017 version, and they apply to payments made on or after October 1, 2025.

How This May Affect Paying Parents

• Earning under $16,000? Under the 2025 guidelines, the basic table amount is $0. (Section 7 special expenses, if any, are separate.)

• Earning $16,000–$45,000? The updated guideline amounts are generally lower than those in the 2017 tables.

• Earning over $45,000? The changes are minor, usually just a few dollars up or down.

What This Means for the Recipients

• If the paying parent earns between $16,000 and $45,000, the guideline amount may be lower than before.

• If their income exceeds $45,000, the change is minor.

• Rules for shared parenting and section 7 special expenses remain the same, but the new table amounts will now be used in those calculations.

Important: The Changes Are Not Automatic

Although the new tables take effect on October 1, 2025, your support order or agreement does not change automatically.

Existing orders continue to be enforced at their current amounts until a formal recalculation or court variation is made.

The 2017 tables apply to payments made up to September 30, 2025, while the 2025 tables apply only to payments from October 1, 2025, onward.

If there is a difference between your current order and the 2025 table amount, that difference may qualify as a “change in circumstances.” This could give you grounds to request a recalculation through a provincial service or apply for a court variation.

The Bottom Line

• Under $16,000 income → $0 basic table amount (as of Oct 1, 2025).

• $16,000–$45,000 → biggest changes (often lower than 2017).

• Over $45,000 → minor adjustments.

• Not automatic, not retroactive—but often a good reason to vary.

If you’re uncertain how these updates affect yours, reach out to us. We’ll review your situation, explain your options clearly, and guide you through the next steps.