How child support is calculated in New York
The formula, the official tool, and the rules for low incomes and health insurance.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.
Short answer
New York figures child support as a percentage of both parents' combined income: 17% for 1 child, 25% for 2 and 29% for 3. New York's Child Support Standards Act adds both parents' incomes together (combined parental income) and multiplies it by a set percentage for the number of children, up to a yearly cap.
- Model
- Percentage of income
- 1 child
- 17%
- Official calculator
- Official New York child support guidelines
Estimate support in New York
Enter the income and the number of children. We apply New York's guideline percentage. It is a starting point, not the amount a court or agency will order.
What goes into support in New York
New York's Child Support Standards Act adds both parents' incomes together (combined parental income) and multiplies it by a set percentage for the number of children, up to a yearly cap. Each parent pays a share in proportion to income. Child care, health care and sometimes education costs are added, and the court can go above the cap or adjust the amount if the result would be unjust.
Law: Fam. Ct. Act § 413; Dom. Rel. Law § 240(1-b); Soc. Serv. Law § 111-i (combined parental income cap)
1 child 17%, 2 children 25%, 3 children 29%, 4 children 31%, 5 or more children at least 35% of combined parental income.
Law: Fam. Ct. Act § 413(1)(b)(3)
The low-income rule in New York
If support would push the paying parent below the federal poverty guideline for one person, basic support is $25 a month. If it would push the parent below the self-support reserve (135% of the poverty guideline, updated every March 1) but not below poverty, basic support is $50 a month or the difference between income and the reserve, whichever is greater. The court can still order a different amount if this is unjust.
Law: Fam. Ct. Act § 413(1)(b)(6), (d)
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)
The model in plain words
In a percentage-of-income state, the guideline starts from the paying parent's income and takes a set percentage for the number of children. Other costs and rules can raise or lower 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
Medical support in New York
Orders must address the child's health insurance. Coverage is presumed 'reasonable in cost' if the cost of adding the child (premium and deductible) is no more than 5% of the parents' combined gross income.
Law: Fam. Ct. Act § 416
In nearby states
- Wisconsin: Percentage of income · 1 child 17%
- Mississippi: Percentage of income · 1 child 14%
- North Dakota: Percentage of income
- Texas: Percentage of income · 1 child 20%
Get your number in New York
Gather income papers
Recent pay stubs and last year's tax return are the usual starting point.
Use the official tool
The official number comes from Official New York child support guidelines.
Include other costs
The child's health insurance and child care costs can change the amount.
Get an order
The agency can set up an order: contact NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), Division of Child Support Services (1-888-208-4485)
Ask for free help
Legal aid can help for free: LawHelpNY (legal aid directory).
Free help in New York
Questions about the New York guidelines
What formula does New York use for child support?
New York's Child Support Standards Act adds both parents' incomes together (combined parental income) and multiplies it by a set percentage for the number of children, up to a yearly cap. Each parent pays a share in proportion to income. Child care, health care and sometimes education costs are added, and the court can go above the cap or adjust the amount if the result would be unjust.
What are the New York child support percentages?
1 child 17%, 2 children 25%, 3 children 29%, 4 children 31%, 5 or more children at least 35% of combined parental income.
What if the paying parent has a low income in New York?
If support would push the paying parent below the federal poverty guideline for one person, basic support is $25 a month. If it would push the parent below the self-support reserve (135% of the poverty guideline, updated every March 1) but not below poverty, basic support is $50 a month or the difference between income and the reserve, whichever is greater. The court can still order a different amount if this is unjust.
Who pays for the child's health insurance in New York?
Orders must address the child's health insurance. Coverage is presumed 'reasonable in cost' if the cost of adding the child (premium and deductible) is no more than 5% of the parents' combined gross income.
Related New York pages
Sources
- Fam. Ct. Act § 413; Dom. Rel. Law § 240(1-b); Soc. Serv. Law § 111-i (combined parental income cap)
- N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 413-b
- N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 416
- N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 451
- N.Y. Soc. Serv. Law § 111-g
- N.Y. Soc. Serv. Law § 111-i
- OCSS Intergovernmental Reference Guide - New York profile
- N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 454 (violation, jail)
- N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 458-b (license suspension)
- N.Y. Soc. Serv. Law § 111-b
- N.Y. CPLR 5004 (interest rate)
- OCSS: State and tribal child support agency contacts
Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.