New York Child Support Calculator
Estimate the CSSA guideline amount under Family Court Act §413. Covers combined parental income up to the $183k OTDA cap — free, instant, no data stored.
CSSA Guideline Estimate
Source: N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act §413; CSSA percentage; OTDA 2025 income cap.
How New York's CSSA formula works
New York uses the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) formula:
- Add both parents' gross incomes to get combined parental income.
- Multiply by the CSSA percentage for the number of children (17% for 1, up to 35% for 5+).
- Divide by 12 to get the monthly basic support obligation.
- Each parent pays their pro-rata share: their income divided by the combined total.
The formula applies to combined income up to the OTDA cap (currently $183,000/year, adjusted periodically). Income above the cap may result in additional support at the court's discretion.
CSSA percentages
| Children | CSSA percentage |
|---|---|
| 1 | 17% |
| 2 | 25% |
| 3 | 29% |
| 4 | 31% |
| 5 or more | 35% |
What income counts under CSSA?
CSSA income starts with gross income from all sources (wages, self-employment, rental income, unemployment benefits, and others). Adjustments are then made for items like FICA taxes paid, certain alimony, and income from a second household. This calculator uses gross income directly and is a simplified estimate; the exact CSSA calculation accounts for deductions.
Frequently asked questions
What happens above the income cap? Courts must still consider the parties' incomes above the cap, but the CSSA percentage does not automatically apply. The court uses factors including the children's needs, lifestyle, and both parents' finances.
Can the court deviate from CSSA? Yes — if applying the formula is "unjust or inappropriate," the court must state findings in writing explaining the deviation.
Does the custodial parent also owe money? Yes. Each parent owes their share of the total obligation, but the custodial parent's share is presumed to be spent directly on the children. Only the non-custodial parent typically makes a cash payment.