How Much Is Child Support in New York? (2026 Guide)

New York uses a hybrid approach under the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), which applies specific percentages to the parents' combined income up to a cap, with judicial discretion above that amount.

The New York CSSA Formula

New York's formula under Domestic Relations Law §240 works as follows:

1. Calculate each parent's gross income
2. Subtract FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) to get adjusted gross income
3. Combine both parents' adjusted gross incomes
4. Apply the child support percentage to the combined income (up to the cap)
5. Prorate based on each parent's share of combined income
6. The non-custodial parent pays their prorated share

CSSA Percentages

| Number of Children | Percentage of Combined Income | |-------------------|------------------------------| | 1 child | 17% | | 2 children | 25% | | 3 children | 29% | | 4 children | 31% | | 5+ children | 35% or more |

The Income Cap

New York applies these percentages to combined parental income up to $163,000/year (as of 2026, adjusted periodically). For income above the cap, the court has discretion to apply the percentages, consider the child's needs, or apply other factors.

What to Expect: Typical New York Child Support

Based on combined adjusted gross income (non-custodial parent paying, with proportional income split):

| Combined Annual Income | 1 Child (17%) | 2 Children (25%) | |----------------------|---------------|------------------| | $60,000 | $850/mo | $1,250/mo | | $80,000 | $1,133/mo | $1,667/mo | | $100,000 | $1,417/mo | $2,083/mo | | $130,000 | $1,842/mo | $2,708/mo | | $163,000 (cap) | $2,309/mo | $3,396/mo |

Non-custodial parent's share depends on their percentage of combined income.

Additional Expenses in New York

Beyond the basic support obligation, New York requires parents to share:

• Childcare costs: Prorated by income to allow the custodial parent to work or attend school
• Health insurance: The cost of adding children to a health plan
• Unreimbursed medical expenses: Shared proportionally
• Educational expenses: Private school, tutoring, and college costs (courts have discretion)

New York's Self-Support Reserve

If the non-custodial parent's income is at or below the poverty line ($16,460/year for a single person in 2026), the minimum order is $25/month. The self-support reserve ensures the paying parent can meet basic needs.

Custody Time Adjustments

New York does not have an automatic shared custody adjustment formula like many other states. However, when parents share custody relatively equally, courts may:

• Calculate each parent's obligation to the other
• Offset the obligations
• Consider the direct costs each parent bears during their parenting time

Modifying New York Child Support

Under DRL §236(B)(9)(b), modification requires showing:

• A substantial change in circumstances
• OR three years have passed since the last order
• OR a 15% or more change in either parent's income

File a modification petition in Family Court or Supreme Court.

New York Child Support Enforcement

The New York State Child Support Processing Center and local Support Collection Units provide:

• Income execution (wage garnishment up to 65%)
• Tax refund interception (state and federal)
• Suspension of driver's, professional, and recreational licenses
• Credit bureau reporting
• Bank account freezes
• Contempt proceedings (up to 6 months in jail)
• Passport denial for arrears over $2,500

Key Takeaways

• New York applies fixed percentages (17% for one child) to combined income up to $163,000/year
• Both parents' incomes are considered, with costs prorated proportionally
• Additional expenses (childcare, medical, education) are shared separately
• The income cap means high earners may have guideline amounts that don't reflect full income
• Use our Child Support Calculator to estimate your New York obligation

For more details, visit the New York child support page.