New York Child Support Calculator (2026)

New York's Child Support Standards Act applies a fixed percentage to both parents' combined income, up to a cap of $193,000 since March 1, 2026, and assigns the non-custodial parent a pro rata share. Enter both annual incomes and the number of children to see the basic obligation and add-ons.

Figures reviewed September 29, 20264 primary sources

Estimated monthly child support

$1,047per month

Parent A (non-custodial) pays Parent B.

Per year: $12,564

How we got there

Parent A income after FICA and deductions	$73,880
Parent B income after FICA and deductions	$36,940
Combined parental income	$110,820
Guideline percentage for 1 child	17%
Basic annual obligation (both parents)	$18,839
Parent A pro rata share	66.7%
Parent A basic child support per year	$12,560

Standing assumptions

CSSA percentages from Domestic Relations Law section 240(1-b), applied up to the $193,000 combined income cap in effect March 1, 2026.
Income is reduced by Social Security and Medicare taxes, New York City income tax where marked, and support paid under other orders.
Self-support reserve of $21,546 (135% of the 2026 federal poverty guideline) with the statutory minimum orders.

Estimate only. Not legal advice.

Key 2026 numbers for New York

Combined income cap: $193,000; Effective March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2028; up from $183,000.
One child: 17%; Two children 25%, three 29%, four 31%, five or more at least 35%.
Self-support reserve: $21,546; 135% of the 2026 federal poverty guideline for one person ($15,960).
Support ends at: 21; Or earlier emancipation; New York is one of the few states that runs to 21.

How the CSSA formula works

The Child Support Standards Act, found in Domestic Relations Law section 240(1-b) and Family Court Act section 413, starts with each parent's gross income as reported on the most recent tax return, then subtracts a short list of deductions: FICA taxes, New York City or Yonkers income tax, unreimbursed business expenses, maintenance actually paid, child support paid for other children, and public assistance or SSI.

The parents' adjusted incomes are added together. The combined figure, up to the statutory cap, is multiplied by 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and no less than 35% for five or more. Each parent is responsible for a share of that basic obligation equal to their share of combined income, and the non-custodial parent's share becomes the support order, paid in monthly, biweekly or weekly installments.

Income above the cap

The cap is adjusted every two years in line with the consumer price index. For orders entered from March 1, 2026, it is $193,000 of combined parental income. For income above the cap, the court decides whether to apply the percentage, some other amount, or nothing, based on the factors in section 240(1-b)(f): the children's financial resources, the standard of living they would have enjoyed, tax consequences, each parent's non-monetary contributions, and the needs of other children.

Many courts apply the percentages to some portion above the cap when the parents' lifestyle supports it, so the calculator lets you toggle between capping and applying the percentage to all income.

Add-ons

On top of basic support, the court prorates mandatory add-ons between the parents by income share: reasonable childcare while the custodial parent works or attends school, the children's health insurance premiums, and unreimbursed medical costs. Educational expenses, including college, are discretionary add-ons the court can order when appropriate.

Low-income parents

The statute protects a paying parent's ability to support themselves. If the basic obligation would push the non-custodial parent's income below the self-support reserve, 135% of the federal poverty guideline, the order is reduced to the greater of $50 per month or the amount that leaves the parent at the reserve. A parent at or below the poverty guideline pays $25 per month.

Equal or shared custody

New York does not reduce the formula for shared time. When parents have truly equal custody, courts follow Bast v. Rossoff and treat the parent with the higher income as the non-custodial parent for CSSA purposes, so that parent pays their pro rata share to the other. Courts may deviate under the section 240(1-b)(f) factors, but there is no automatic offset.

Duration and modification

Support continues until the child turns 21, unless the child is emancipated earlier by marriage, military service, or full-time employment and self-sufficiency. Either parent may seek a modification after three years, after a 15% change in either parent's income, or on a substantial change in circumstances, under section 236(B)(9)(b)(2).

Worked example

Parent A earns $80,000 a year and is the non-custodial parent; Parent B earns $40,000 and has primary custody. Neither lives in New York City.
After FICA, Parent A's income is about $73,880 and Parent B's about $36,940, for combined income of $110,820, below the cap.
One child: $110,820 x 17% = $18,839 basic annual obligation.
Parent A's share of combined income is two thirds, so Parent A owes about $12,560 per year.

Parent A pays Parent B about $1,047 per month in basic child support, plus a pro rata share of childcare and health insurance.

New York child support questions

Until what age is child support paid in New York?

Until 21, unless the child becomes emancipated sooner. Support can continue to 26 for a child with a developmental disability under a 2021 amendment to the Family Court Act and Domestic Relations Law.

What happens with 50/50 custody in New York?

The higher-earning parent is treated as the non-custodial parent and pays their pro rata share of the basic obligation. Courts can adjust the amount under the statutory factors but do not apply an automatic shared-custody credit.

Is the $193,000 cap per parent or combined?

Combined. The cap applies to the parents' total adjusted income. A separate cap of $241,000 applies to the payor's income when calculating spousal maintenance.

Does a new spouse's income count?

No. Only the parents' own incomes enter the formula. A court could consider household resources when deciding whether to deviate, but that is unusual.

Can parents agree to a different amount?

Yes, if the agreement states the guideline amount, states the reasons for any deviation, and confirms both parents were advised of the CSSA. Agreements that skip these steps can be set aside.

Sources

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