When child support ends in Pennsylvania
The age support ends, the high school and disability rules, and what happens with orders from other states.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.
Short answer
18, or graduation from high school if the child is still in high school, whichever is later.
- Usual end age
- 18
- Law
- 23 Pa.C.S. 4321(2)-(3); Pa.R.Civ.P. 1910.19(e)
When support stops in Pennsylvania
18, or graduation from high school if the child is still in high school, whichever is later.
Law: 23 Pa.C.S. 4321(2)-(3); Pa.R.Civ.P. 1910.19(e)
Support can continue for an adult child who cannot care for himself or herself (for example, because of special needs), or when the parents agreed to pay longer. Within 6 months before the child turns 18, the DRS sends an emancipation inquiry to check graduation date and any agreement or special needs.
When does support end? Check your situation
Moved to another state?
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)
A state must enforce another state's child support order. The state that made the order keeps the power to change it while a parent or the child still lives there.
Law: 28 U.S.C. 1738B(a), (d)
What is owed stays owed
Support that was due before it ended is still owed. Each unpaid payment became a judgment on the day it was due, and the agency can keep collecting it.
Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)
In nearby states
- Maryland: 18, or until 19 if the child is still enrolled in secondary school
- District of Columbia: 21
- New Jersey: 19 - support ends automatically when the child turns 19, marries…
- Delaware: 18, or if the child is still in high school, when the child…
Steps as support ends in Pennsylvania
Check the order
Your order may name an end date or event.
Compare with the law
Pennsylvania's rule: 18, or graduation from high school if the child is still in high school, whichever is later.
Contact the agency
The agency can end withholding when support ends: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Child Support Enforcement (1-800-932-0211) · Apply online
Pay or collect arrears
Support that was due remains owed.
Ask for free help
Legal aid can help for free: Pennsylvania Bar Association - Find a Lawyer.
Where to get free help in Pennsylvania
Questions about when support ends in Pennsylvania
At what age does child support stop in Pennsylvania?
18, or graduation from high school if the child is still in high school, whichever is later.
Is there support during the last year of high school in Pennsylvania?
18, or graduation from high school if the child is still in high school, whichever is later.
Can child support continue past the usual age in Pennsylvania?
Support can continue for an adult child who cannot care for himself or herself (for example, because of special needs), or when the parents agreed to pay longer. Within 6 months before the child turns 18, the DRS sends an emancipation inquiry to check graduation date and any agreement or special needs.