How much is child support for one kid in New York?

Asked by: Mara Satterfield  |  Last update: May 24, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (5 votes)

In New York, child support for one child is determined by a percentage-based formula (Child Support Standards Act - CSSA) that applies 17% to the combined income of both parents, with specific calculations depending on each parent's earnings, healthcare/childcare costs, and the non-custodial parent's income share. There isn't a single fixed amount; it's a calculation based on combined parental income, so a higher combined income generally leads to higher support, with specific tools like the NYC.gov calculator helping estimate payments.

How much is child support in NY for one child?

The Basic Formula

New York uses a percentage-based formula that consists of the combined income of both parents and the number of children requiring support. The percentages used under CSSA are: 17% for one child. 25% for two children.

How much child support will I pay if I make $1000 a week?

If you make $1,000 a week (about $4,333/month), your child support could range roughly from $160 to over $300 weekly, but it heavily depends on your state's formula (percentage of income or income shares), the other parent's income, custody, and expenses like health insurance, with some states using percentages like 17-20% for one child, while others consider both parents' incomes for an "income shares" model. 

Which parent pays child support in NY?

In New York, both parents are responsible for supporting a child, but child support is generally considered to be the money a noncustodial parent pays a custodial parent to help support the child.

What is the income cap for child support in NY 2025?

As of 2025, that cap is $183,000. For income above this cap, courts have discretion in determining additional child support based on the child's needs and the parents' circumstances. Also, parents earning below the NYS Self-Support Reserve ($21,128 in 2025) may qualify for reduced obligations.

How Much Is Child Support in New York? - CountyOffice.org

45 related questions found

What is the new child support law in NY?

17% for one child; • 25% for two children; • 29% for three children; • 31% for four children; and • 35% for five or more children. The New York percentages are applied presumptively up to a combined parental income amount that is adjusted every two years. In 2022, that threshold is $163,000 per year.

What's the lowest amount you can pay in child support?

There's no single national minimum child support payment; it varies by state, but most have guidelines ensuring low-income parents still contribute, often starting around $12-$50 monthly or a small percentage of income for very low earners, while higher earners pay proportionally more based on combined parental income, number of children, and specific expenses like healthcare, with amounts varying significantly. 

At what age does a father stop paying child support in NY?

In New York, child support generally ends when a child turns 21, but can end earlier if the child becomes emancipated (e.g., joins the military, gets married, or becomes financially independent) or be extended for a disabled child up to age 26 under certain conditions, requiring a court order to stop payments, even if support goes past 21 for college. 

Does child support cover kids' cell phone bills?

Examples of what is not covered

Things that child support does not cover include: Clothing and personal items beyond basic necessities. Cell phone and internet bills.

Can you refuse to pay child support us?

No, you generally cannot simply refuse to pay court-ordered child support in the USA; it's a legal obligation, and non-payment leads to severe penalties like license suspension, wage garnishment, property seizure, passport denial, and even jail time for willful refusal, with federal law penalizing non-payment across state lines. If circumstances change, you must petition the court for a modification, rather than just stopping payments, to avoid arrears and legal action, as child support is the child's right, not the parent's. 

Is $200 a week good for child support?

For one child: Usually 15-20% of your income, which equals $150-$200 per week. For two children: Usually 20-25% of your income, which equals $200-$250 per week. For three children: Usually 25-30% of your income, which equals $250-$300 per week.

What is the biggest mistake in custody battle?

The biggest mistake in a custody battle is losing sight of the child's best interests by letting anger and personal feelings drive decisions, which courts heavily penalize, with other major errors including bad-mouthing the other parent, alienating children, failing to co-parent, posting negatively on social media, or ignoring court orders, all of which signal immaturity and undermine your case. Judges focus on stability, safety, and a parent's ability to foster healthy relationships, so actions that harm the child's emotional well-being or disrupt their life are detrimental. 

Can my ex go after my new wife's income?

Generally, an ex-spouse cannot directly go after your new wife's income for child or spousal support, as these obligations are tied to the parents' incomes; however, her financial contributions (like paying household bills) can indirectly affect the calculation by reducing your expenses, potentially freeing up your income for support, or in rare cases, leading to imputed income if she covers everything, but separate finances are key to preventing direct seizure. 

How much can child support take from your check in NY?

According to the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) section 5241 and the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA), the maximum amount that can be withheld for child support is between 50% - 65% of your disposable earnings, depending on your situation.

Do you have to pay child support if you have 50/50 custody in NY?

The CSSA establishes child support amounts that allow children to have an appropriate standard of living, based on the income of their parents. Both parents' incomes are considered in the formula even if they have joint custody, because both parents have the duty to support their children.

What looks bad in a child support case?

In child support cases, bad actions include hiding income, failing to pay support, badmouthing the other parent, involving children in disputes, making threats, lying, showing instability (substance abuse, criminal activity), interfering with visitation, and poor courtroom demeanor or attire; judges look for responsible, stable parents focused on the child's best interest, so any behavior that seems selfish, irresponsible, or harmful to the child looks very bad. 

What if I can't afford child support?

If you can't pay child support, you face serious penalties like wage garnishment, license suspension (driver's, passport, professional), property liens, tax refund intercepts, and fines, with potential jail time for contempt of court if a court finds you have the ability to pay but willfully refuse, though showing genuine hardship can lead to a modification rather than punishment. It's crucial to contact the child support agency or a family law attorney immediately to request a modification or payment plan to avoid escalating enforcement actions. 

Does the IRS always take your refund if you owe child support?

Then, if the noncustodial parent is due to receive a tax refund, the IRS has the authority to take the amount of overdue support out of the refund and forward it to the child support agency. This means the parent may receive a partial refund or none at all—depending on how much they owe and the original refund amount.

What is the minimum support payment in NY?

If the court finds that the needs of the child are not being met financially, then the needs of the child for support may override the written agreement of both parents. Most courts will require a minimum of $25.00 per month per child, even if a party gives up the right to receive child support.

How does child support work if the mother has no job?

If a mother has no job, child support still applies, with courts often "imputing" income based on her skills or minimum wage to ensure fair support, or ordering low minimum payments if truly destitute, while looking favorably on good-faith job-seeking efforts; both parents are responsible, so a judge might also assess the father for support, considering the custodial parent's lack of income as a factor. 

Do I need a lawyer for NY child support?

The parties may hire lawyers to represent them or may speak for themselves without a lawyer. Where a party cannot afford to hire one, the court will assign a lawyer at no cost, only when it is alleged that there has been a violation of the order and a party is in danger of going to jail.

Can child support take 50% of your income?

The amount that can be withheld from your wages is limited by the Consumer Credit Protection Act. Here are the limits: 50% of disposable income if an obligated parent has a second family. 60% if there is no second family.

How much child support do I pay if I make $2000 a week in California?

California also uses the Income Shares Model but considers the state's high cost of living. For a parent earning $2,000 per week, estimated payments could be: One child: Approximately $1,200 per month. Two children: Approximately $1,800 per month.

How often does child support get increased?

While the standard answer is that child support can be modified every three years, exceptions are made when there is a substantial change in circumstances. If you've experienced a significant change in your income or your child's needs, it may be worth exploring your options for an earlier modification.

How to avoid child support in NY?

Life events that can terminate a child support obligation include:

  1. Marriage of the child.
  2. The child habitually residing with a person of the opposite sex.
  3. Death of the wife or the child.
  4. Permanent residence located away from the custodial parent.
  5. Attainment of 21 years of age.
  6. Entry into the armed forces.