Child support calculations for military families involve unique considerations that combine federal guidelines with state-specific laws. As a service member navigating divorce or separation, understanding how military income impacts child support obligations is crucial for ensuring fair arrangements that protect both parental rights and children’s well-being.

How Military Child Support Calculations Work

Military child support calculations typically begin with basic pay as the foundation, but several other compensation elements may factor into the equation:

• Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
• Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
• Special pays (hazard duty, flight pay, etc.)
• Bonuses and re-enlistment incentives

While Georgia follows the Income Shares Model used by most states, military families must also consider the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act (SSCRA) which protects service members from default judgments during active deployment.

Military-Specific Calculation Factors

1. Deployment Considerations:

• Temporary duty assignments may affect custody arrangements
• Combat pay is typically excluded from calculations
• Remote parenting time adjustments

2. Benefits Impact:

• TRICARE healthcare coverage value
• Commissary and exchange privileges
• Housing allowances (BAH) if providing on-base housing

3. Service-Specific Variables:

• Army child support calculations vs. Navy/Marine Corps approaches
• National Guard vs. active duty status differences
• Retirement pay allocation methods

Using a Military Child Support Calculator

While online tools like the Department of Defense Financial Calculator provide estimates, military families should consider these key steps for accurate calculations:

1. Gather current LES (Leave and Earnings Statement)
2. Identify state-specific guidelines (Georgia uses Worksheet A)
3. Factor in permanent change of station (PCS) relocation costs
4. Account for visitation-related travel expenses

Important: Military child support calculators don’t replace legal counsel but serve as valuable planning tools. Recent updates to the 2025 military pay charts show a 4.6% basic pay increase that directly impacts support calculations.

Georgia’s Approach to Military Child Support

Georgia courts follow O.C.G.A. §19-6-15 when calculating child support, with military-specific considerations:

The Georgia Child Support Commission provides specialized worksheets for military families, available through local JAG offices or family law attorneys.

2025 Military Child Support Pay Chart Highlights

Key changes in the 2023 military pay charts affecting support calculations:

Basic Pay

• E-5 with 6 years of service: $3,959.40/month base pay in 2025, up from $3,066/month in 2024. This reflects a significant increase due to the 4.5% pay raise in 2025 compared to the 5.2% raise in 2024.
• O-3 with 10 years of service: $7,340/month base pay in 2025, compared to $7,133/month in 2024. The increase is smaller than previous years but still notable

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)

• BAH rates increased by an average of 5.4% nationwide in both 2024 and 2025. This marks consistency in housing allowance adjustments after the sharp rise of 12.1% in 2023

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)

• BAS rates for enlisted members increased to $465.77/month in 2025 from $460.25/month in 2024 (+$5.52), reflecting a smaller percentage increase (1.2%) compared to the previous year (1.7%).
• Officers’ BAS increased to $320.78/month in 2025 from $316.98/month in 2024 (+$3.80)

Critical Note: These figures don’t include special pays that may be considered in some jurisdictions. Always consult with a family law attorney familiar with UCMJ Article 139 provisions.

You can use our tailor-made child support calculator to understand your position better.

Legal Strategies for Military Parents

At Hobson & Hobson, P.C., we recommend military clients:

1. Document All Income Sources

• Save 12 months of LES statements
• Track deployment-related pays
• Document in-kind housing benefits

2. Understand Service Protections

• SSCRA deployment deferments
• SCRA interest rate caps
• USERRA reemployment rights

3. Plan for Transitions

• Post-discharge income changes
• VA disability pay considerations
• Retirement pay allocation agreements

Frequently Asked Questions

How does deployment affect child support payments? Deployment generally doesn’t reduce payment obligations, but may enable temporary parenting plan modifications. BAH continues during deployment unless housing status changes.

Are military allowances counted as income? Georgia typically includes BAH/BAS in gross income calculations, while other states may exclude them. Consult our military family law guide for specifics.

What happens if a service member stops paying? The DFAS can enforce wage garnishment through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, with potential rank reductions or UCMJ consequences.

Can I modify support after PCS relocation? Yes. Georgia allows modification if income changes by 15% or parenting time adjustments exceed 20%. Use our military child support calculator to estimate new amounts.

Do calculators work for Guard/Reserve members? They require special handling of drill pay and civilian income. The National Guard Family Program offers state-specific resources.

Navigating military child support requires careful coordination of federal protections and state laws. For personalized assistance with your case, contact Hobson & Hobson, P.C. to schedule a consultation with our military family law specialists.

Sarah Hobson

Attorney Sarah Hobson at Hobson and Hobson, P.C. are powerful advocates for those who fight for better futures for those going through divorce and custody law matters.