How New York Child Support Is Calculated
New York uses the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA). The formula applies a percentage to the combined adjusted gross income of both parents (up to the income cap), then allocates the non-custodial parent's proportional share.
Calculate each parent's adjusted gross income
Start with gross income, then subtract Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) taxes. NYC and Yonkers local taxes are also deducted if applicable.
Combine incomes (cap at $183,000/year)
Add both parents' adjusted incomes. If the combined total exceeds $183,000/year ($15,250/month), the formula applies only up to the cap. Courts have discretion above the cap.
Apply CSSA percentage to combined income
17% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 29% for 3, 31% for 4, 35% for 5+. This is the total obligation shared between both parents.
Pro-rate the NCP's share
The paying parent's share equals their adjusted income divided by the combined income, multiplied by the total obligation. Add-ons (childcare, health insurance) are also split proportionally.
| Number of Children | CSSA Percentage | Max obligation (at $15,250/mo cap) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | 17% | $2,593/mo combined |
| 2 children | 25% | $3,813/mo combined |
| 3 children | 29% | $4,423/mo combined |
| 4 children | 31% | $4,728/mo combined |
| 5 or more | 35% | $5,338/mo combined |
* $183,000/year annual cap ($15,250/month combined), as updated for 2024.
New York Child Support — Frequently Asked Questions
The CSSA establishes New York's child support formula. It uses a percentage of combined parental income, with the non-custodial parent paying their proportional share based on income. The formula is: Combined Parental Income × CSSA percentage × NCP income share.
As of 2024, the CSSA income cap is $183,000 in combined adjusted income. Below this cap, the formula applies automatically. Above the cap, courts have discretion to apply additional support based on the child's reasonable needs and the parents' means. The cap is reviewed and adjusted periodically.
Adjusted gross income for CSSA purposes is calculated by subtracting: Social Security and Medicare taxes, New York City or Yonkers income taxes (if applicable), amounts paid under prior court orders for other children, and non-recurring income. Federal and New York State income taxes are generally NOT deducted from the CSSA gross income figure.
Yes. New York combines both parents' adjusted gross incomes and applies the CSSA percentage to that combined figure. The NCP then pays their proportional share of the obligation. A parent earning more will owe a larger percentage of the combined support amount.
Yes. In addition to the basic CSSA amount, courts typically order add-ons for childcare costs (100% allocated between parents proportionally), health insurance premiums, and educational or extraordinary expenses. These are allocated in proportion to each parent's income.