How Child Support is Calculated in New York
New York applies the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), which is technically a hybrid of percentage-of-income and income-shares. Combined parental income up to a statutory cap is multiplied by a fixed percentage based on the number of children: 17% for one, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and at least 35% for five or more.
Estimated Monthly Child Support in New York
Below are sample calculations using our New York formula. These figures assume the higher-earning parent pays support and exclude childcare or insurance add-ons.
| Your Income | Other Parent | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000/mo | $3,000/mo | ~$720 | ~$1,260 | ~$1,692 |
| $4,000/mo | $2,500/mo | ~$880 | ~$1,540 | ~$2,068 |
| $6,000/mo | $3,000/mo | ~$1,200 | ~$2,100 | ~$2,820 |
What Can Increase or Decrease Payments in New York?
- Each parent's gross monthly income from all sources
- The number of children covered by the order
- Health insurance premiums paid for the children
- Work-related childcare and daycare expenses
- How much overnight parenting time each parent has
- Any extraordinary medical, educational, or special-needs costs
How to File for Child Support in New York
- Open a case with New York's Department of Child Support Services (or the equivalent state agency).
- Provide proof of both parents' income — pay stubs, tax returns, or a financial affidavit.
- Submit a parenting plan or custody order showing each parent's overnight time.
- Attend a hearing or administrative review where a judge or referee finalizes the order.
Frequently Asked Questions — New York Child Support
What is New York's combined income cap?
The CSSA cap is reviewed every two years and is currently $183,000 (2024 update). Income above the cap is discretionary — the court considers ten statutory factors.
Does New York add childcare and healthcare on top of the base?
Yes. Reasonable childcare and unreimbursed medical expenses are pro-rated between the parents in addition to the basic CSSA amount.
How does shared custody work under CSSA?
New York case law (Bast v. Rossoff) treats the parent with the majority of overnights as the custodial parent. True 50/50 splits use the higher earner as the non-custodial parent.
When does New York child support end?
Support continues until the child turns 21, one of the longest durations in the country.