How child support is calculated in Pennsylvania

How the guideline works, what the official calculator needs, and the low-income and health insurance rules.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Pennsylvania uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. The court adds both parents' monthly net incomes, finds the basic child support amount on the state schedule for that income and number of children, and divides it by each parent's share of the income.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official Pennsylvania child support calculator

The official Pennsylvania calculator

The court adds both parents' monthly net incomes, finds the basic child support amount on the state schedule for that income and number of children, and divides it by each parent's share of the income. Child care, health insurance and other costs are added and shared the same way, and shared custody can lower the amount.

Law: 23 Pa.C.S. 4322; Pa.R.Civ.P. 1910.16-1 to 1910.16-7 (SSR in 1910.16-2(e))

We don't estimate Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania child support calculator

The Pennsylvania guideline, step by step

The court adds both parents' monthly net incomes, finds the basic child support amount on the state schedule for that income and number of children, and divides it by each parent's share of the income. Child care, health insurance and other costs are added and shared the same way, and shared custody can lower the amount.

Law: 23 Pa.C.S. 4322; Pa.R.Civ.P. 1910.16-1 to 1910.16-7 (SSR in 1910.16-2(e))

The model in plain words

Income shares means the child should get what the parents would spend if they lived together. Both incomes are combined, and each parent's share of the total sets their part.

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 Pennsylvania

Every child support order must include medical support. Health insurance premiums paid by either parent are shared in proportion to income, as are reasonable unreimbursed medical expenses above a yearly amount. 23 Pa.C.S.

Law: 4326; Pa.R.Civ.P. 1910.16-6

If the paying parent earns little in Pennsylvania

A Self-Support Reserve of $1,255 a month protects the paying parent's basic needs. If the paying parent's net income is at or below that amount, the court may order support only after looking at both parties' actual finances and living expenses.

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)

In nearby states

Steps to a support amount in Pennsylvania

  1. Find the income numbers

    Recent pay stubs and last year's tax return are the usual starting point.

  2. Check the official calculator

    The official number comes from Official Pennsylvania child support calculator.

  3. Add the extra costs

    Health insurance, child care and other costs can be added or shared as the state's rules say.

  4. Ask for an order

    Only a court or the agency can set the amount. Open a case with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Child Support Enforcement (1-800-932-0211) · Apply online

  5. Talk to legal aid

    Legal aid can help for free: Pennsylvania Bar Association - Find a Lawyer.

Where to get free help in Pennsylvania

Questions about the Pennsylvania guidelines

How does Pennsylvania figure child support?

The court adds both parents' monthly net incomes, finds the basic child support amount on the state schedule for that income and number of children, and divides it by each parent's share of the income. Child care, health insurance and other costs are added and shared the same way, and shared custody can lower the amount.

Where is the Pennsylvania child support calculator?

Yes: Official Pennsylvania child support calculator.

Is there a low-income rule in Pennsylvania?

A Self-Support Reserve of $1,255 a month protects the paying parent's basic needs. If the paying parent's net income is at or below that amount, the court may order support only after looking at both parties' actual finances and living expenses.

Is health insurance part of child support in Pennsylvania?

Every child support order must include medical support. Health insurance premiums paid by either parent are shared in proportion to income, as are reasonable unreimbursed medical expenses above a yearly amount. 23 Pa.C.S.

Related Pennsylvania pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources