How is child support calculated in New York?

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New York   child support   is governed by the   Child Support Standards Act (CSSA)   codified at   DRL § 240(1-b)   and   Family Court Act § 413  .    1. Percentage of Combined Parental Income   The court adds both parents' incomes and applies a fixed percentage: -   1 child   — 17% -   2 children   — 25% -   3 children   — 29% -   4 children   — 31% -   5 or more   — no less than 35%  The non-custodial parent pays a   pro rata share   based on income.    2. Income Definition (DRL § 240(1-b)(b)(5))   Includes wages, investment income, workers' comp, unemployment, Social Security, pensions, fellowships, and even fringe benefits if they reduce expenses. Allowable deductions: FICA, NYC/Yonkers tax, alimony actually paid, prior-order child support.    3. The Cap and "Above-Cap" Income   The CSSA cap is adjusted every 2 years for cost of living. The   2024 cap is $183,000   of combined parental income (was $163,000 in 2022). Above the cap, the court may   either   (a) apply the same statutory percentage   or   (b) consider the   paragraph (f) factors   — financial resources of child and parents, child's standard of living, tax consequences, non-monetary contributions, educational needs, etc.    4. Add-Ons (DRL § 240(1-b)(c)(4)-(7))   - Pro rata share of   childcare   for employment or education -   Health insurance   and unreimbursed medical -   Educational expenses   in the court's discretion    5. Duration (Family Court Act § 413(1)(a))   Support continues until the child reaches age   21   (one of the longest ages in the U.S.) unless   emancipated   earlier (marriage, military service, full-time employment, etc.).    6. Modification (DRL § 236(B)(9)(b)(2))   A party may seek modification if   any   of the following: -   3 years   have passed since the order was entered, last modified, or adjusted; OR - Either party's   gross income changed by 15% or more  ; OR - A   substantial change in circumstances  .    7. Self-Support Reserve   Where the obligor's income falls below 135% of the federal poverty level, support may be set as low as   $25/month   under the CSSA's low-income provisions.  This is legal information, not legal advice.