In New York, child support is calculated using a simple formula. Parents pay a set percentage of their income based on the number of children they are supporting: 17% for one child and 25% for two.
This percentage applies to most of the parents’ income, up to $148,000, after deductions for Medicare, FICA, and NYC taxes. Support payments already made based on court orders or agreements can be deducted from this amount. Income includes worker’s compensation, disability, unemployment benefits, social security, pensions, and other sources. For income over $148,000, the court decides whether to use these percentages.
Besides the basic support amount, the order must also cover medical support, including health insurance and any out-of-pocket medical expenses for the child. One parent might need to provide health insurance if it’s reasonably priced. The support amount may be increased to cover a share of child care expenses if the custodial parent is working or studying. It may also be adjusted to cover a share of educational costs for the child.