Written by Junaidul Islam
Last Updated: October 11, 2026
Understanding how much child support may be paid or received in New York City can be difficult, especially when both parents have different incomes, additional childcare expenses, health insurance costs, and complicated custody arrangements.
New York follows the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), which establishes a statewide formula for calculating basic child support. However, the amount a parent may actually pay depends on more than the number of children and a single income figure. Allowable deductions, both parents’ financial circumstances, the applicable income cap, and additional child-related expenses can all affect the result.
This New York City Child Support Calculator helps parents estimate a potential child support obligation using the New York guidelines effective March 1, 2026. You can review the estimated annual and monthly amounts, understand how income shares work, and see how qualifying additional expenses may affect the calculation.
The calculator is designed for informational planning. It does not replace a court determination, an official child support worksheet, or advice from a qualified New York family law attorney.
Use the calculator below to estimate a potential child support obligation based on both parents’ adjusted CSSA income, the number of children, and eligible additional expenses.
New York City Child Support Calculator
Estimate your 2026 New York child support obligation using both parents’ adjusted income and eligible child-related expenses.
Estimated Annual Child Support
Estimated monthly payment: $0.00
| Noncustodial parent’s adjusted income | |
| Custodial parent’s adjusted income | |
| Combined adjusted parental income | |
| Income used under the statutory cap | |
| Applicable child support percentage | |
| Total basic guideline obligation | |
| Noncustodial parent’s income share | |
| Basic support before low-income review | |
| Low-income adjustment | |
| Noncustodial parent’s share of additional expenses | |
| Additional above-cap amount entered | |
| Estimated total annual payment |
Enter accurate annual income figures whenever possible. If you do not know your CSSA-adjusted income, review the income and deduction sections below before relying on your estimate.
How Does Child Support Work in New York City?
New York City does not have a separate basic child support percentage formula for each borough. Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island generally follow the same New York State Child Support Standards Act.
The primary legal framework comes from New York Family Court Act Section 413 and Domestic Relations Law Section 240(1-b).
New York uses an income-shares approach. This means the court considers the combined income of both parents, applies the appropriate percentage based on the number of children, and allocates the resulting basic obligation according to each parent’s share of the combined income.
For example, a parent earning 60% of the combined parental income generally has a 60% share of the basic child support obligation before applicable adjustments.
The parent designated as the noncustodial parent generally pays their allocated share to the custodial parent, subject to the court’s order and any relevant circumstances.
New York Child Support Percentages for 2026
New York uses different statutory percentages depending on the number of children covered by the support calculation.
| Number of children | CSSA percentage |
|---|---|
| 1 child | 17% |
| 2 children | 25% |
| 3 children | 29% |
| 4 children | 31% |
| 5 or more children | At least 35% |
These percentages apply to combined parental income up to the applicable statutory income cap.
The percentage is not simply taken from the noncustodial parent’s individual salary. It is applied to the relevant combined parental income, and the resulting basic obligation is divided proportionally between the parents.
For five or more children, New York law specifies no less than 35%. The actual amount may depend on the circumstances of the case.
What Is the New York Child Support Income Cap in 2026?
One of the most important changes for parents calculating support in 2026 is the updated combined parental income cap.
Effective March 1, 2026, the New York Child Support Standards Act income cap is $193,000.
This means the statutory child support percentage is applied to combined parental income up to $193,000 when calculating the basic guideline amount.
For example, if the parents have a combined CSSA income of $150,000 and two children, the basic calculation starts with:
$150,000 × 25% = $37,500 per year.
If combined parental income is $250,000, the calculation through the statutory cap starts with:
$193,000 × 25% = $48,250 per year.
The remaining $57,000 is above the statutory cap.
Importantly, income above $193,000 is not automatically ignored. A court may apply the statutory percentage to some or all of the additional income, or determine an appropriate amount by considering the statutory factors.
Those factors include the financial resources of the parents, the child’s needs and standard of living, educational circumstances, and other relevant considerations.
Therefore, an estimate based only on the capped amount should not be treated as a final prediction of what a judge will order.
2026 Self-Support Reserve and Poverty Guidelines
New York also recognizes that parents need sufficient income to support themselves while meeting their child support responsibilities.
For calculations effective March 1, 2026, the relevant figures are:
| Financial threshold | 2026 amount |
|---|---|
| Federal poverty guideline for one person | $15,960 |
| New York self-support reserve | $21,546 |
| Poverty-level minimum child support | $25 per month |
| Self-support reserve minimum child support | $50 per month |
The self-support reserve is 135% of the applicable federal poverty guideline for one person.
If the basic child support obligation would leave a noncustodial parent below the self-support reserve, a reduced minimum obligation may apply.
Generally:
- A parent below the federal poverty guideline may qualify for a $25 monthly poverty-level order.
- A parent above the poverty guideline but below the self-support reserve may qualify for a $50 monthly minimum order.
- A parent whose payment would reduce their remaining income below the reserve may also qualify for the applicable minimum-order protection.
These are statutory protections and eligibility rules, not automatic guarantees that every low-income parent will receive a particular result. The court must consider the applicable facts and law.
How Is Adjusted Income Calculated for New York Child Support?
Many online calculators use gross income without explaining which adjustments are allowed. This can create misleading estimates.
Under New York’s CSSA, income generally starts with the amounts reported or reportable on the parent’s most recent federal income tax return, subject to the statutory additions and deductions.
Income that may be included
Depending on the parent’s circumstances, qualifying income may include:
- Wages and salaries.
- Bonuses and commissions.
- Self-employment income.
- Investment income.
- Pension and retirement benefits.
- Social Security benefits.
- Workers’ compensation.
- Disability benefits.
- Unemployment insurance benefits.
- Veterans’ benefits.
- Annuity payments.
- Fellowships and stipends.
- Certain deferred compensation.
- Certain fringe benefits and other imputed income.
A court may also consider whether a parent is voluntarily underemployed or deliberately reducing income to avoid child support responsibilities.
However, income cannot simply be imputed without considering the parent’s circumstances and the relevant statutory requirements.
Allowable CSSA income deductions
New York law permits certain deductions before calculating the basic support obligation.
Depending on the facts, these may include:
- FICA taxes actually paid.
- New York City or Yonkers income or earnings taxes actually paid.
- Qualifying maintenance or alimony actually paid.
- Court-ordered child support actually paid for another child who is not part of the current case.
- Certain unreimbursed employee business expenses.
- Public assistance.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Certain qualifying self-employment adjustments.
Not every tax or household expense qualifies as a CSSA deduction.
For example, federal income tax and ordinary New York State income tax should not automatically be subtracted as CSSA deductions merely because they appear on a parent’s pay statement.
This distinction matters because CSSA income is not necessarily the same as take-home pay.
Does New York City Income Tax Affect Child Support?
Yes. New York’s child support law specifically allows the deduction of New York City or Yonkers income or earnings taxes actually paid when determining CSSA income.
This can be particularly relevant for parents living or working in New York City.
However, the deduction must be based on the applicable statutory rules and actual qualifying tax payments.
Parents should avoid entering an estimated federal or state tax amount as though every tax payment were deductible.
A reliable calculation should distinguish between:
- Federal income tax.
- New York State income tax.
- New York City resident income tax.
- Yonkers income or earnings tax, where applicable.
- Social Security and Medicare taxes.
The calculator uses adjusted CSSA income as an input so users can account for qualifying deductions without pretending that a simple tax estimate is an official court calculation.
How to Calculate Child Support When Both Parents Work
When both parents earn income, New York generally combines their adjusted incomes and calculates each parent’s proportional share.
Consider this example:
- Parent A’s annual adjusted CSSA income: $60,000.
- Parent B’s annual adjusted CSSA income: $40,000.
- Number of children: Two.
- Combined parental income: $100,000.
The applicable percentage for two children is 25%.
Step 1: Calculate the basic obligation
$100,000 × 25% = $25,000 annually.
Step 2: Calculate each parent’s income share
Parent A:
$60,000 ÷ $100,000 = 60%.
Parent B:
$40,000 ÷ $100,000 = 40%.
Step 3: Calculate the noncustodial parent’s share
If Parent A is the noncustodial parent:
$25,000 × 60% = $15,000 annually.
That equals $1,250 per month before additional expenses or other applicable adjustments.
This is an illustrative calculation, not a court order. The final amount may change because of allowable deductions, low-income protections, additional expenses, or judicial discretion.
Are Childcare Expenses Included in New York Child Support?
Childcare can significantly affect the amount a parent may need to contribute.
Under the New York guidelines, qualifying childcare expenses related to a parent’s employment or attendance at an educational or vocational program may be added to the basic child support obligation.
These expenses are generally allocated between the parents according to their proportional income shares.
For example:
- Combined adjusted income: $100,000.
- Noncustodial parent’s income share: 60%.
- Qualifying annual childcare expense: $8,000.
The noncustodial parent’s estimated proportional share would be:
$8,000 × 60% = $4,800 per year.
That is an additional $400 per month.
The court determines which expenses qualify and how they should be allocated. Not every babysitting, household, or childcare expense automatically qualifies.
How Does Health Insurance Affect Child Support?
Health insurance is another important component of New York child support.
The cost of providing health insurance for a child may be considered separately from the basic support obligation.
Depending on the case, the court may allocate the child’s health insurance premium and qualifying unreimbursed healthcare expenses between the parents.
Examples include:
- The child’s portion of a health insurance premium.
- Medical expenses not covered by insurance.
- Dental treatment.
- Vision care.
- Other qualifying unreimbursed healthcare costs.
When calculating expenses, parents should use the portion attributable to the child rather than the entire family insurance premium.
The court may also specify how future medical expenses should be shared.
Can Educational Expenses Increase Child Support?
Yes, in appropriate circumstances.
New York courts may award educational expenses when they determine that the present or future provision of post-secondary, private, special, or enriched education is appropriate.
The court considers the circumstances of the family and the child’s best interests.
Possible expenses include:
- Private school tuition.
- Special educational programs.
- College expenses.
- Certain other educational costs.
Educational expenses are not automatically included in every basic child support calculation.
The court determines whether an additional educational award is appropriate and how the parents should contribute.
Does 50/50 Custody Mean No Child Support in New York?
No. Equal parenting time does not automatically eliminate child support in New York.
Even when parents share physical custody, their incomes may be significantly different.
For example, one parent may earn $120,000 annually while the other earns $45,000. Both may share substantial parenting responsibilities, but the court may still determine that financial support is appropriate.
New York custody arrangements and child support calculations involve case-specific legal considerations.
The CSSA does not provide a universal automatic overnight-based percentage reduction.
Parents should not assume that having a child for half the year means they owe nothing.
The court may consider the actual custody arrangement, financial circumstances, and relevant case law when determining an appropriate award.
What Happens When a Parent Earns More Than $193,000?
The $193,000 income cap does not mean that child support stops increasing once the parents reach that income level.
The court has discretion to consider income above the cap.
Under New York law, the court may apply the statutory percentages to the additional income or consider the statutory deviation factors when determining an appropriate amount.
These considerations may include:
- The child’s financial needs.
- The financial resources of each parent.
- The child’s standard of living.
- Educational requirements.
- The physical and emotional health of the child.
- Tax consequences.
- Other relevant circumstances.
The court should explain its reasoning when deviating from the presumptive guideline amount as required by law.
A high-income family’s final support obligation may therefore differ substantially from a simple capped calculation.
How Often Is Child Support Paid in New York?
New York child support orders may use different payment schedules.
Common payment frequencies include:
| Payment frequency | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Weekly | Annual amount ÷ 52 |
| Biweekly | Annual amount ÷ 26 |
| Twice monthly | Annual amount ÷ 24 |
| Monthly | Annual amount ÷ 12 |
For example, if a parent’s estimated annual obligation is $15,000:
- Weekly: $288.46.
- Biweekly: $576.92.
- Twice monthly: $625.
- Monthly: $1,250.
The actual payment schedule depends on the court order and payment arrangements.
Can Child Support Be Modified in New York?
Yes. A child support order may be modified when the legal requirements for modification are met.
Under New York law, certain circumstances can provide a basis for requesting a modification, including:
1. A substantial change in circumstances
A significant change in financial or family circumstances may support a modification request.
2. Three years have passed
Certain qualifying child support orders may be reviewed after three years from the order’s entry, last modification, or adjustment.
3. A 15% change in income
A qualifying change of at least 15% in either parent’s gross income may provide a basis for modification, subject to statutory requirements and applicable exceptions.
A parent should not assume that a job change or salary reduction automatically changes an existing order.
In most situations, the parent must follow the appropriate court or child support agency procedure. Continuing to pay an old amount until an order is changed may result in unpaid support or arrears.
What Happens If a Parent Does Not Pay Child Support?
New York has child support enforcement procedures to help collect court-ordered payments.
Depending on the case, enforcement actions may include:
- Income withholding.
- Collection of certain tax refunds.
- Bank account enforcement where legally authorized.
- Liens.
- License-related enforcement measures.
- Other lawful collection remedies.
The amount that can be withheld from earnings is subject to applicable state and federal limitations.
A parent experiencing genuine financial hardship should seek a modification through the proper legal process rather than simply stopping payments.
How to Apply for Child Support in New York City
Parents who need child support services in New York City can contact the New York City Office of Child Support Services (OCSS).
The process generally involves providing relevant information about the parents and child, establishing legal parentage when necessary, and following the applicable administrative or court procedures.
Useful information may include:
- Both parents’ full legal names.
- Contact information.
- The child’s identifying information.
- Employment and income details.
- Existing court orders, if any.
- Relevant financial records.
Parents may also seek help through the New York Family Court.
Official information and application guidance are available through the New York City government website.
New York Child Support Calculator vs. Official Court Calculation
An online calculator can help parents understand a potential financial obligation before speaking with an attorney or attending court.
However, an informational calculator and an official court calculation are not interchangeable.
New York City’s OCSS calculator provides a basic estimate and explicitly explains that it does not account for every income component, deduction, and additional expense under the CSSA.
New York Courts also provides more detailed worksheets and calculators for certain divorce-related calculations.
For more complicated situations involving maintenance, high income, shared custody, disputed expenses, or income imputation, parents should review the official court worksheets or obtain legal assistance.
Our calculator is intended to provide a transparent starting point rather than promise an exact court result.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the child support percentage for one child in New York?
The statutory percentage for one child is 17% of combined parental income, subject to the applicable income cap and other legal requirements.
2. How much child support is paid for two children in NYC?
The CSSA percentage for two children is 25% of combined parental income up to the applicable income cap. The noncustodial parent’s proportional income share is used to determine their basic obligation.
3. What is the New York child support income cap in 2026?
The combined parental income cap is $193,000 effective March 1, 2026.
4. Is child support based on gross or net income in New York?
The calculation begins with income defined under the CSSA, which generally uses federal gross income and specified additions and deductions. It is not simply based on take-home pay.
5. Does NYC income tax reduce child support income?
Qualifying New York City or Yonkers income or earnings taxes actually paid may be deducted when calculating CSSA income.
6. Does 50/50 custody eliminate child support?
No. Equal parenting time does not automatically eliminate child support. The parents’ incomes and other legal circumstances remain relevant.
7. Are daycare expenses included in child support?
Qualifying work-related or education-related childcare expenses may be allocated between parents in proportion to their income shares.
8. Does health insurance count toward child support?
The child’s health insurance premium and qualifying unreimbursed medical expenses may be allocated separately from basic child support.
9. Can a parent pay only $25 or $50 per month?
Certain low-income parents may qualify for a $25 poverty-level or $50 self-support reserve minimum order under the applicable rules.
10. What happens if combined parental income exceeds $193,000?
The court may consider applying the statutory percentage to income above the cap or determine support using the applicable statutory factors.
11. Can child support be changed after a divorce?
Yes. A parent may request modification when the applicable legal requirements are satisfied, including qualifying changes in circumstances, income, or the passage of time.
12. Does a parent have to pay child support after a child turns 18?
New York generally considers a child eligible for parental support until age 21 unless an applicable legal exception applies, such as emancipation.
13. Is child support taxable income in the United States?
Generally, child support payments are not deductible by the paying parent and are not taxable income to the receiving parent under federal tax rules.
14. Can a parent be ordered to pay college expenses?
Yes. A New York court may award appropriate post-secondary educational expenses depending on the family’s circumstances and the child’s best interests.
15. Is this calculator an official New York court calculator?
No. It is an independent informational calculator designed to estimate a potential obligation using selected CSSA inputs and 2026 statutory figures. It is not operated by New York State or New York City.
Official New York Child Support Resources
For accurate legal information, parents should review primary government and court resources rather than rely entirely on commercial calculators.
- New York Family Court Act Section 413: Explains parental support obligations, income, deductions, percentages, and additional expenses.
- New York Domestic Relations Law Section 240(1-b): Provides the child support guidelines used in matrimonial proceedings.
- New York Child Support Standards Chart (LDSS-4515): Provides the current guideline figures and worksheet.
- NYC Office of Child Support Services: Offers child support information and application assistance.
- New York Courts Maintenance and Child Support Tools: Provides worksheets and official calculation resources.
The following official references are useful:
- https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/FCT/413
- https://www.nycourts.gov/divorce-resources/maintenance-and-child-support-tools
- https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/child-support-calculator.page
- https://www.nycourts.gov/divorce-resources/child-support-resources
- https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/COURTS/8jd/erie/family/pdfs/CSSA2026.pdf
Final Thoughts
Calculating child support in New York City requires more than multiplying one parent’s salary by a percentage.
The CSSA considers both parents’ adjusted income, the number of children, the applicable income cap, qualifying deductions, and additional child-related expenses. Low-income protections and court-approved deviations may also affect the final amount.
Using a calculator can help parents understand the financial possibilities and prepare better questions before a legal consultation.
For the most reliable result, use accurate financial information, review the official New York worksheets, and seek qualified legal guidance when your situation involves complicated income, custody, or additional expenses.
About This Calculator: NewYorkCalculator.com provides independent informational calculators and practical financial guides to help people make better-informed decisions.
Author: Junaidul Islam
Disclaimer: This calculator and article are provided for general educational and informational purposes only. They do not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. The estimated results are not a guarantee of a court-ordered amount. New York courts retain authority to determine child support based on applicable laws and individual circumstances. Always verify current statutory figures and consult a qualified New York family law attorney for advice about your specific case.