What is child support? Child support involves regular payments from one spouse to the other, benefiting the child of the relationship. These payments are calculated based on federal or provincial Child Support Guidelines (CSG). The CSG provides tables outlining monthly amounts, determined by specific criteria. Typically, the monthly table amount covers day-to-day expenses such as food, clothing, and school supplies. It is based on the payor parent's gross annual income and the number of children. Exceptions to the table amount occur when the parenting schedule is "shared" or "split" between parents.