New York Child Support Calculator
Uses NY CSSA — 17%/25%/29%/31%/35% of combined income up to $163K cap
Table of Contents
How New York Calculates Child Support
New York uses a unique approach through the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), codified in Domestic Relations Law Section 240(1-b) and Family Court Act Section 413(1)(a). While technically an Income Shares framework, the CSSA operates by applying statutory percentages to the combined parental income up to a cap amount (currently $163,000 annually), then allocating the obligation based on each parent's pro rata share of income.
The CSSA percentages are: 17% for one child, 25% for two children, 29% for three children, 31% for four children, and 35% for five or more children. These percentages are applied to the combined parental income (after FICA deductions) up to the statutory cap. For income above the cap, the court has discretion to apply the percentages, consider the factors listed in the statute, or apply a combination.
The $163,000 Income Cap
One of the most important features of the NY CSSA is the income cap. As of 2025, the cap is $163,000 of combined annual parental income (approximately $13,583 per month). The CSSA percentages automatically apply to combined income up to this cap. For income above the cap, the court may: (1) apply the same percentages to the excess, (2) use the statutory factors to determine additional support, or (3) apply a combination approach. The cap is periodically adjusted by the Legislature to reflect inflation and economic changes.
This cap creates a significant distinction in New York child support law. For families with combined income below the cap, the calculation is relatively straightforward. For higher-income families, there is considerable judicial discretion, which can lead to substantial variation in outcomes depending on the specific facts and the court's analysis.
Income Under the CSSA
New York starts with each parent's gross income as reported on the most recent federal tax return. From this, the CSSA subtracts: FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), New York City or Yonkers income tax (if applicable), unreimbursed employee business expenses, and alimony or maintenance paid to a spouse from a prior relationship. The result is each parent's income for CSSA purposes.
All income sources are included: wages, self-employment, rental, investment, pensions, Social Security, unemployment, workers' compensation, alimony received, and other income. NY courts can impute income to voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parents.
CSSA Add-On Expenses
Beyond the basic percentage obligation, the CSSA requires additional allocation of specific expenses, divided proportionally based on each parent's share of combined income:
- Childcare expenses related to the custodial parent's employment or education
- Health insurance premiums for the children (the child-only portion)
- Unreimbursed medical expenses exceeding $250 per child per year
- Educational expenses as deemed appropriate by the court
Shared and Split Custody
The CSSA does not have specific provisions for shared custody (equal time). New York courts have developed case law approaches, typically calculating each parent's obligation separately and offsetting them. For split custody (where each parent has primary custody of at least one child), the court calculates each parent's obligation for the children in the other parent's custody and offsets the amounts.
Modification and Enforcement
NY allows modification when there is a substantial change in circumstances, or every three years even without changed circumstances if either party requests a review. The NY Office of Child Support Services handles enforcement through income withholding, tax interception, license suspension, contempt, liens, bank levies, credit reporting, and passport denial. NY also has a 9% annual interest rate on unpaid child support.
NY applies 17% (1 child), 25% (2), 29% (3), 31% (4), 35% (5+) to combined parental income up to the cap
New York Child Support Schedule
Below is a representative sample of the New York child support schedule showing basic monthly obligations:
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children | 5 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $340 | $500 | $580 | $620 | $700 |
| $3,000 | $510 | $750 | $870 | $930 | $1,050 |
| $5,000 | $850 | $1,250 | $1,450 | $1,550 | $1,750 |
| $7,500 | $1,275 | $1,875 | $2,175 | $2,325 | $2,625 |
| $10,000 | $1,700 | $2,500 | $2,900 | $3,100 | $3,500 |
| $13,583 | $2,309 | $3,396 | $3,939 | $4,211 | $4,754 |
| $15,000 | $2,550 | $3,750 | $4,350 | $4,650 | $5,250 |
| $20,000 | $3,400 | $5,000 | $5,800 | $6,200 | $7,000 |