Child support in New Jersey
New Jersey uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. To open a case, contact the New Jersey Child Support Program (Division of Family Development, NJ Department of Human Services at 1-877-655-4371.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026. · Free letters and checklist ↓
How much child support in New Jersey?
Both parents' net incomes are added together. The guideline schedules show what parents with that combined income would spend on the children, and each parent's share is in proportion to income. Child care, health insurance and uninsured health costs over $250 per child per year are added, and parenting time (PAR time) can lower the award.
Law: Appendix IX-F of the Court Rules; N.J. Court Rule 5:6A and Appendices IX-A to IX-H (Child Support Guidelines), as amended effective June 1, 2026
We don't estimate New Jersey's amount here: its formula uses both parents' incomes and other facts, and a home-made number could mislead you. The official tool gives the real starting number:
Open a child support case in New Jersey
- Phone
- 1-877-NJKIDS1 (1-877-655-4371)
- Apply
- Apply online
- How to open a case
Apply online at application.njchildsupport.gov (about 30 minutes; $6 fee). If you have an existing case, live out of state, don't know the other parent's address, or get or got WFNJ/TANF or Medicaid for the child, print the paper application and court forms and send them to the Family Division in your county (by JEDS upload or mail), or call 1-877-NJKIDS1 to get them mailed. The application is filed with the court as a complaint and a hearing is scheduled.
- Application fee
One-time $6 fee to apply for full child support services. Partial services (payment processing and account monitoring only) cost $25 a year.
Source: NJ Child Support 'Apply' page; NJ Courts self-help
- Yearly fee
New Jersey pays the $35 federal annual fee itself instead of passing it on to either parent.
Source: OCSS Intergovernmental Reference Guide, New Jersey profile
- Forms
- Paternity (legal fatherhood)
Unmarried parents can sign a Certificate of Parentage (COP) - free and voluntary - at the hospital, the State Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, the local registrar, or the county social service agency. Or apply to the child support program for a court paternity order; the court may order genetic testing. Paternity can be established any time before the child turns 23.
New Jersey child support by topic
How support is calculated in New Jersey
The model, the percentages or the official calculator, and low-income rules.
Change child support in New Jersey
When you can ask, how to ask, and a review letter.
Collect unpaid support in New Jersey
Collection tools, interest and license rules, and a letter.
When support ends in New Jersey
The end age, high school and disability rules.
How child support is figured in New Jersey
- Model
- Income shares
- How it works
Both parents' net incomes are added together. The guideline schedules show what parents with that combined income would spend on the children, and each parent's share is in proportion to income. Child care, health insurance and uninsured health costs over $250 per child per year are added, and parenting time (PAR time) can lower the award.
Law: Appendix IX-F of the Court Rules
- Low income
Self-support reserve: 150% of the federal poverty guideline for one person ($460 a week as of January 1, 2026, in the guidelines effective June 1, 2026). If paying support would push the paying parent below it, the court reviews income and expenses and can lower the award, but a fixed amount is always ordered - generally between $5 a week and the schedule amount at $180 combined net weekly income. The reserve adjustment is not made if the receiving parent would also be below 150% of poverty. (Appendix IX-A, paras. 7(h), 20(a).)
- Official calculator
- Official New Jersey child support calculator
- Health insurance and medical costs
Unless parents agree otherwise, every order must cover the child's health care needs and require health insurance when either parent can get it at a reasonable cost. The parent's added cost of covering the child is added to the support award. Uninsured health costs up to $250 per child per year are included in the basic award; costs above that are shared by income. Court-ordered medical support ends when child support ends. (Appendix IX-A, para. 26.)
Law: N.J. Court Rule 5:6A and Appendices IX-A to IX-H (Child Support Guidelines), as amended effective June 1, 2026
Change a child support order in New Jersey
- When a change is allowed
Either parent can ask the court to modify at any time, but must show that circumstances have changed since the order was entered (Lepis v. Lepis). New revised guidelines alone are not a reason to modify. Every three years you get a notice offering a review (public assistance cases are reviewed automatically), and most orders made or changed after September 1, 1998 get an automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) every two years.
- How to ask
File the Application for Modification of Court Order (CN 11487) with the Family Division (by JEDS, in person or by mail); the filing fee is $25 unless you get a fee waiver. Include the Summary Form for Financial Information. In a three-year review, the county welfare agency first tries to reach a consent agreement and files a motion if parents don't agree.
Law: Appendix IX-A para. 23; N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.9a; Lepis v. Lepis, 83 N.J. 139 (1980); R. 5:6B (COLA)
Can I ask for a change? Check your situation
Collect unpaid child support in New Jersey
Arrears means support that is past due. The child support agency can use these tools to collect it:
- Collection tools
- Income withholding
- Federal and state tax refund offset (federal: $500+ owed in non-assistance cases)
- Bank levy and seizure of assets
- Passport denial ($2,500 or more owed)
- Credit reporting (over $1,000 owed)
- NJ Lottery intercept ($600+ winnings)
- Casino, sports wagering and internet gaming intercept ($40,000+ winnings)
- Civil awards and settlements intercept
- Liens and automatic judgments
- Driver's, professional, occupational and recreational license suspension
- Bench warrants and court enforcement hearings
- License suspension
Licenses (driver's, professional, occupational, recreational) can be suspended when unpaid support equals six months of support or more, or court-ordered health coverage hasn't been provided for six months. Probation first sends a notice; you have 30 days to pay in full, show coverage, or ask in writing for a court hearing.
Source: NJ Child Support Enforcement page; OCSS IRG New Jersey profile
- Contempt of court
Your Probation child support worker or a private lawyer can ask for an enforcement hearing in Family Court. The judge can order immediate payment, extra payments toward arrears, or arrest if payment isn't made. You can also file a post-judgment motion to enforce.
- Interest on unpaid support
No interest. New Jersey has no statute adding interest to child support arrears, and the agency does not calculate interest. Unpaid support does become a judgment automatically.
Source: OCSS Intergovernmental Reference Guide, New Jersey profile
Law: NJ Child Support Program, Enforcement page; OCSS IRG New Jersey profile
When child support ends in New Jersey
- Support ends
19 - support ends automatically when the child turns 19, marries, dies or enters military service
- Exceptions
Support can continue past 19 (but generally not past 23) if the child is still in high school, attends full-time college, vocational or graduate school, or has a disability. You must file a 'Request for Continuation of Support' with proof within 45 days of the child's 19th birthday after you get the termination notice. For other reasons, you can ask Family Court for 'financial maintenance'.
Law: N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.67
When does support end? Check your situation
Free help in New Jersey
- Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJLAW Hotline)
- LSNJLaw self-help resources
- Find free legal help at LawHelp.org
Official self-help
Free letters and checklist
Ask the agency to review (change) your order
A letter to the child support agency asking for a review and adjustment.
Ask the agency to collect unpaid support
A letter asking the agency to enforce the order and collect what is past due.
Checklist: what to bring to open a case
IDs, birth certificates, the other parent's details and your papers, with New Jersey's agency contact.
Good to know in New Jersey
- In New Jersey, child support stops automatically at 19 unless you ask in time to continue it for school or disability, up to age 23 (NJ Child Support FAQ; N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.67).
- Most orders get an automatic cost-of-living adjustment every two years, based on regional consumer prices (NJ Child Support FAQ).
- It costs only $6 to apply for full child support services (NJ Child Support 'Apply' page).
Changes in 2024–2026
The Child Support Guidelines are updated every year. Amendments took effect June 1, 2024, June 1, 2025 and June 1, 2026. The June 1, 2026 update raised the self-support reserve to $460 a week (150% of the 2026 poverty guideline for one person) and changed qualified child care costs to care for a child under 13 (or a child with a disability), instead of under 15.
Source: Appendix IX-A and related appendices
Federal rules in every state
- Applying. If you don't get TANF, Medicaid or foster care help, a state may charge an application fee of up to $25 to open a child support case. Law: 42 U.S.C. 654(6)(B)(i)
- Yearly fee. If you never got TANF and the agency collected at least $550 for you in a year, the state charges a $35 yearly fee. It can come out of your support, but never out of the first $550. Law: 42 U.S.C. 654(6)(B)(ii)
- Review every 3 years. If your case is with the child support agency, either parent can ask it to review the order every 3 years and adjust it to the guidelines. Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(10)(A); 45 CFR 303.8
- Past-due support. Each unpaid payment becomes a judgment on the day it is due. It can't be lowered later, except back to the date the other parent got notice of a request to change the order. Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)
- Tax refunds. The federal government can take a federal tax refund to pay past-due child support. Law: 42 U.S.C. 664
- Passports. A parent who owes more than $2,500 in past-due support can be refused a passport. Law: 42 U.S.C. 652(k)
- Pay withholding limit. For support, up to 50% of take-home pay can be withheld if the parent supports another spouse or child, or 60% if not. It is 55% or 65% when support is more than 12 weeks behind. Law: 15 U.S.C. 1673(b)
- How long support lasts. How long support lasts follows the law of the state that made the order, even if you move. Law: 28 U.S.C. 1738B(h)(2)
Questions about child support in New Jersey
How is child support calculated in New Jersey?
Both parents' net incomes are added together. The guideline schedules show what parents with that combined income would spend on the children, and each parent's share is in proportion to income. Child care, health insurance and uninsured health costs over $250 per child per year are added, and parenting time (PAR time) can lower the award.
Is there an official child support calculator for New Jersey?
What if the paying parent has a low income in New Jersey?
Self-support reserve: 150% of the federal poverty guideline for one person ($460 a week as of January 1, 2026, in the guidelines effective June 1, 2026). If paying support would push the paying parent below it, the court reviews income and expenses and can lower the award, but a fixed amount is always ordered - generally between $5 a week and the schedule amount at $180 combined net weekly income. The reserve adjustment is not made if the receiving parent would also be below 150% of poverty. (Appendix IX-A, paras. 7(h), 20(a).)
How do I apply for child support in New Jersey?
Apply online at application.njchildsupport.gov (about 30 minutes; $6 fee). If you have an existing case, live out of state, don't know the other parent's address, or get or got WFNJ/TANF or Medicaid for the child, print the paper application and court forms and send them to the Family Division in your county (by JEDS upload or mail), or call 1-877-NJKIDS1 to get them mailed. The application is filed with the court as a complaint and a hearing is scheduled.
Does it cost money to open a child support case in New Jersey?
One-time $6 fee to apply for full child support services. Partial services (payment processing and account monitoring only) cost $25 a year.
Is there a yearly fee for child support services in New Jersey?
New Jersey pays the $35 federal annual fee itself instead of passing it on to either parent.
When can child support be changed in New Jersey?
Either parent can ask the court to modify at any time, but must show that circumstances have changed since the order was entered (Lepis v. Lepis). New revised guidelines alone are not a reason to modify. Every three years you get a notice offering a review (public assistance cases are reviewed automatically), and most orders made or changed after September 1, 1998 get an automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) every two years.
How do I ask to change child support in New Jersey?
File the Application for Modification of Court Order (CN 11487) with the Family Division (by JEDS, in person or by mail); the filing fee is $25 unless you get a fee waiver. Include the Summary Form for Financial Information. In a three-year review, the county welfare agency first tries to reach a consent agreement and files a motion if parents don't agree.
What happens if child support is not paid in New Jersey?
Arrears means support that is past due. The child support agency can use these tools to collect it: Income withholding; Federal and state tax refund offset (federal: $500+ owed in non-assistance cases); Bank levy and seizure of assets; Passport denial ($2,500 or more owed); Credit reporting (over $1,000 owed); NJ Lottery intercept ($600+ winnings); Casino, sports wagering and internet gaming intercept ($40,000+ winnings); Civil awards and settlements intercept; Liens and automatic judgments; Driver's, professional, occupational and recreational license suspension; Bench warrants and court enforcement hearings.
Can a license be suspended for unpaid child support in New Jersey?
Licenses (driver's, professional, occupational, recreational) can be suspended when unpaid support equals six months of support or more, or court-ordered health coverage hasn't been provided for six months. Probation first sends a notice; you have 30 days to pay in full, show coverage, or ask in writing for a court hearing.
Can a parent be held in contempt for not paying in New Jersey?
Your Probation child support worker or a private lawyer can ask for an enforcement hearing in Family Court. The judge can order immediate payment, extra payments toward arrears, or arrest if payment isn't made. You can also file a post-judgment motion to enforce.
Is there interest on unpaid child support in New Jersey?
No interest. New Jersey has no statute adding interest to child support arrears, and the agency does not calculate interest. Unpaid support does become a judgment automatically.
When does child support end in New Jersey?
19 - support ends automatically when the child turns 19, marries, dies or enters military service
Can child support continue past the usual age in New Jersey?
Support can continue past 19 (but generally not past 23) if the child is still in high school, attends full-time college, vocational or graduate school, or has a disability. You must file a 'Request for Continuation of Support' with proof within 45 days of the child's 19th birthday after you get the termination notice. For other reasons, you can ask Family Court for 'financial maintenance'.
How is paternity established in New Jersey?
Unmarried parents can sign a Certificate of Parentage (COP) - free and voluntary - at the hospital, the State Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, the local registrar, or the county social service agency. Or apply to the child support program for a court paternity order; the court may order genetic testing. Paternity can be established any time before the child turns 23.
Who pays for the child's health insurance in New Jersey?
Unless parents agree otherwise, every order must cover the child's health care needs and require health insurance when either parent can get it at a reasonable cost. The parent's added cost of covering the child is added to the support award. Uninsured health costs up to $250 per child per year are included in the basic award; costs above that are shared by income. Court-ordered medical support ends when child support ends. (Appendix IX-A, para. 26.)
More help on our sister sites
Sources
- NJ Child Support Program
- NJ Child Support: Apply
- NJ Child Support: Get Started
- NJ Child Support: Enforcement
- NJ Child Support: FAQs
- NJ Child Support Guidelines, Appendix IX-A (amendments through June 1, 2025)
- NJ Courts Self-Help: Child Support
- NJ Courts Self-Help: FD Filing Fees
- NJ Courts Self-Help: Change a Non-Dissolution Court Order
- OCSS Intergovernmental Reference Guide - New Jersey profile
- NJ Supreme Court Order: Child Support Guidelines annual updating amendments, effective June 1, 2026
Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.
- State plan requirements: application fee, annual fee, safeguards, 42 U.S.C. 654
- Required state laws: arrears as judgments, review every 3 years, UIFSA, 42 U.S.C. 666
- Federal tax refund offset, 42 U.S.C. 664
- Passport denial for child support arrears, 42 U.S.C. 652(k)
- Garnishment limits for support orders, 15 U.S.C. 1673(b)
- Full faith and credit for child support orders, 28 U.S.C. 1738B
- Office of Child Support Enforcement (federal)