How child support is calculated in New Jersey

The formula, the official tool, and the rules for low incomes and health insurance.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

New Jersey uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. 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.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official New Jersey child support calculator

The official New Jersey calculator

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:

Official New Jersey child support calculator

If the paying parent earns little 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).)

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

Medical support 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.)

The New Jersey guideline, step by step

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

What the model means

The income-shares model looks up an amount for the parents' combined income, then splits it by each parent's share of that income. Parenting time and costs can change it.

Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56

In nearby states

From income to an order in New Jersey

  1. Collect proof of income

    The formula needs each parent's income: use pay stubs and tax returns.

  2. Run the official numbers

    Get the guideline amount from Official New Jersey child support calculator.

  3. Add the extra costs

    Insurance and child care often go on top of the basic amount.

  4. Get an order

    The agency can set up an order: contact New Jersey Child Support Program (Division of Family Development, NJ Department of Human Services (1-877-655-4371) · Apply online

  5. Ask for free help

    Legal aid can help for free: Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJLAW Hotline) and LSNJLaw self-help resources.

Free help in New Jersey

Questions about the New Jersey guidelines

How does New Jersey figure child support?

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?

Yes: Official New Jersey child support calculator.

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).)

Is health insurance part of child support 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 for New Jersey

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources