Navigating child support can feel overwhelming for many families in New York. Whether you’re going through a divorce, separation, or simply setting up a new custody arrangement, understanding your financial responsibilities is critical. That’s where the New York child support calculator comes in, it helps parents estimate how much support the non-custodial parent may owe or the custodial parent may receive under New York law.
While the calculator is not legally binding, it provides a useful starting point. It’s based on the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), which ensures that child support orders are consistent, fair, and aligned with a child's needs. Let’s break down how the New York child support calculator works, what factors it considers, and what parents should know before using it.
What Is the New York Child Support Calculator?
The New York child support calculator is an online tool that estimates the child support obligation one parent must pay to the other. It follows guidelines established by New York law to help ensure that children maintain the same standard of living they would have had if their parents stayed together.
Parents can use the calculator to get a general idea of the amount of support that may be ordered by a judge in Family Court or during a divorce proceeding in Supreme Court. However, the calculation is just a guideline. The court may consider additional factors before issuing a final court order.
Key Factors in the New York Child Support Calculation
New York uses a formula that starts with the combined parental income. This includes nearly all forms of income from both parents:
- Wages or salary
- Self-employment income
- Social Security (excluding SSI)
- Unemployment benefits
- Workers’ compensation
- Pensions and retirement income
- Investment income
- Other taxable income reported on a tax return
Deductions from Income
Certain deductions are allowed before calculating the support amount. These include:
- FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare)
- New York City or Yonkers income taxes
- Court-ordered support for other children
- Maintenance (alimony) payments to a former spouse
- Public assistance received by the custodial parent
These deductions ensure that the calculation reflects a parent’s actual available income rather than gross income alone.
Applying the Child Support Standards Act Formula
Once each parent’s income is determined, the incomes are added together to get the combined parental income. The calculator then multiplies this figure by a fixed percentage depending on the number of children:
- 17% for one child
- 25% for two children
- 29% for three children
- 31% for four children
- 35% or more for five or more children
This calculation results in what’s called the basic child support obligation.
Pro-Rata Share
After the basic support obligation is determined, the non-custodial parent is typically responsible for paying their pro-rata share of the support. For example, if the non-custodial parent earns 60% of the combined income, they will be responsible for paying 60% of the total support obligation.
Even in 50/50 custody arrangements, the parent with the higher income may still be ordered to pay child support, especially if there is a significant income difference. This ensures the child’s needs are met equally in both households.
Income Caps and Special Considerations
As of 2025, New York uses an income cap of $183,000 when applying the basic formula. If the combined parental income is higher than this, the court can choose whether to apply the statutory percentages to the excess income. Some courts do; others consider additional factors such as:
- The standard of living the child would have had if the parents stayed together
- Each parent’s financial resources
- The child’s needs, including education and medical care
- Any agreements between the parents
The Self-Support Reserve
New York’s guidelines protect low-income parents through the Self-Support Reserve, which is currently set at $21,128 per year. If applying the standard formula would leave the non-custodial parent with income below this level, the court may issue a minimum order of $50 per month or adjust the payment to reflect the parent’s limited resources. In some cases, if a parent earns less than the federal Poverty Income Guideline (currently $15,650 in 2025), the court may issue a poverty order, setting child support at $25 per month.
Maintenance and Child Support
Sometimes post-divorce maintenance (alimony) is also a factor. New York courts consider maintenance payments when calculating child support. If the higher-earning parent is already paying maintenance, this amount is deducted from their income when determining child support obligations. Similarly, the recipient of maintenance must add it to their income in the calculation.
Using the New York Child Support Calculator
There are several online child support calculators available for New York residents, including:
- The NYC Human Resources Administration Child Support Calculator (NYC.gov)
- The New York State Unified Court System’s Post-Divorce Maintenance and Child Support Calculator(Nycourts.gov)
- Private calculators offered by attorneys and legal aid organizations
These calculators require information like:
- Both parents’ incomes
- Number of children
- Tax filing status
- Existing support obligations
- Child care and health insurance costs
Remember, the calculator provides an estimate. The final child support order will be determined by the court based on the details of your case.
When to Use the Child Support Calculator
Parents should use the New York child support calculator when:
- Preparing for a divorce or separation
- Filing a child support petition in Family Court
- Negotiating a support agreement with the other parent
- Seeking to modify an existing child support order
- Estimating obligations before attending a Support Magistrate hearing
Modifying Child Support Payments
If your financial situation changes after a child support order is issued, you can request a modification through the court. Common reasons for modifying child support include job loss, a significant income change of 15% or more, or other substantial changes in circumstances such as a medical emergency.
Additionally, New York allows either parent to seek a modification if three years have passed since the last order was issued or adjusted. Until the court approves a modification, the existing child support order remains legally binding, and any unpaid support will continue to accumulate as arrears. The New York child support calculator is a helpful resource for estimating payments and understanding your obligations, but keep in mind that the final decision is up to the court.
Since each case is unique, judges may adjust the amount based on specific factors beyond the calculator’s estimate. For personalized guidance, it’s recommended to consult with a family law attorney or contact your local child support services office. You can also reach the New York State Child Support Helpline at 888-208-4485 for assistance.