New York Child Support Calculator (CSSA)
New York's Child Support Standards Act applies fixed percentages — 17% for one child to 35% for five or more — to the parents' combined income up to $193,000 (the cap in force since March 1, 2026), then splits the obligation pro-rata by income. This calculator implements the official LDSS-4515 worksheet, including the FICA-only income deductions and the self-support reserve tests.
Estimated monthly child support
$784.98Parent B (noncustodial)
Annual amount
$9,419.70Who pays
Parent B (noncustodial)| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Parent A (custodial) CSSA income Gross income minus FICA/SECA and local tax actually paid | $36,940.00 |
| Parent B (noncustodial) CSSA income Gross income minus FICA/SECA and local tax actually paid | $55,410.00 |
| Combined parental income | $92,350.00 |
| Basic obligation (17% of capped combined income) | $15,699.50 |
| Parent B (noncustodial) pro-rata income share Percent of combined income | 60 |
| Parent B basic obligation (pro-rata share of basic obligation) | $9,419.70 |
| Self-support reserve test Remainder is at or above the self-support reserve — basic obligation stands | $45,990.30 |
This is a guideline estimate under N.Y. Family Court Act §413 (CSSA) for informational purposes only — it is not legal advice and not a substitute for the official worksheet or a family-law attorney. Courts can deviate from guideline amounts based on statutory factors, and inputs like income determination or imputed income are ultimately decided by the court.
New York child support at a glance
| Model | Percentage of combined parental income |
| 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5+ children | 17% / 25% / 29% / 31% / 35% |
| Combined income cap | $193,000 (since Mar 1, 2026) |
| Self-support reserve (2026) | $21,546 |
| Statute | N.Y. Family Court Act §413 |
CSSA income is not take-home pay
Start from gross income as reported on the latest federal return, then deduct only: FICA actually paid, New York City or Yonkers local income tax actually paid, alimony paid to a non-party, and child support paid for other children. Federal and New York State income taxes are NOT deducted — the single most common mistake when estimating CSSA amounts by hand.
The $193,000 cap and above-cap discretion
The percentages must be applied to combined income up to $193,000 (adjusted every two years each March; previously $183,000). Above the cap, courts may — but need not — keep applying the percentages, or instead weigh the §413(1)(f) factors. This calculator shows the capped amount as the statutory baseline plus an optional full-income figure.
Self-support reserve protection
If paying the guideline amount would leave the noncustodial parent below the self-support reserve ($21,546 in 2026 — 135% of the $15,960 federal poverty guideline), the order is reduced to the greater of $600/year or income minus the reserve. If their income after the obligation would fall below the poverty guideline itself, the order is $300/year ($25/month) regardless of the number of children.
Frequently asked questions
What are the CSSA percentages in New York?
17% of combined parental income for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and no less than 35% for five or more. The total obligation is then divided between the parents in proportion to their incomes, and only the noncustodial parent's share becomes the actual payment. The percentages come from Family Court Act §413 and apply statewide, including New York City.
What is the New York child support cap for 2026?
$193,000 of combined parental income, effective March 1, 2026 (up from $183,000 set in 2024). The cap adjusts every two years with inflation — next change around March 2028. Above $193,000, applying the percentages is discretionary: courts may extend them to the full income or instead consider the statutory factors like the child's standard of living and each parent's finances.
Is child support based on gross or net income in New York?
Mostly gross. CSSA income deducts only FICA (Social Security and Medicare actually paid — the full self-employment tax for the self-employed), New York City or Yonkers local income tax, maintenance paid to a former spouse, and support paid for other children. Federal and New York State income taxes are not deducted, which is why CSSA amounts look high relative to take-home pay.
What if the paying parent has low income?
Two floors protect low-income payers (2026 figures from the official LDSS-4515 chart): if income minus the obligation falls below the $21,546 self-support reserve, the order drops to the greater of $600/year or income minus $21,546; if it falls below the $15,960 poverty guideline, the order is a flat $300/year ($25/month). The tests use income after subtracting the hypothetical obligation — not gross income directly.
What gets added on top of the basic CSSA percentage?
Reasonable childcare costs while the custodial parent works or studies, health insurance premiums for the child, unreimbursed medical expenses, and (at the court's discretion) educational expenses. Each add-on is split pro-rata by income share, separately from — and in addition to — the percentage-based basic obligation.
Do the same rules apply in New York City?
Yes — the CSSA is uniform statewide. The only NYC-specific wrinkle is that New York City (or Yonkers) local income tax actually paid is deductible from CSSA income, a deduction unavailable to residents elsewhere in the state since they don't pay those local taxes.