Pennsylvania Child Support Calculator (2026)
Estimate your child support payments in Pennsylvania using our free calculator based on the official Pennsylvania Rule 1910.16-3. Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.
Pennsylvania Child Support Calculator
Based on Pennsylvania's 2026 Pennsylvania Rule 1910.16-3
This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.
Key Facts: Child Support in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares model based on both parents' combined monthly net incomes.
- Net income is gross income minus taxes, FICA, mandatory union dues, retirement contributions, and existing support obligations.
- The basic obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $221/month at $1,500 combined income to $3,267/month at $25,000 combined monthly net income (2026 schedule).
- Pennsylvania's schedule was updated effective January 1, 2026 (55 Pa.B. 5978).
- The Self-Support Reserve is $1,255 per month. A parenting time adjustment is available when the non-custodial parent has 40% or more of the overnights.
Source: Pennsylvania Rule 1910.16-3 • Last verified: 2026-05-30
How Much Is Child Support in Pennsylvania?
If you make $60,000 a year in Pennsylvania, child support for 1 child is estimated at $899 per month ($10,788 per year) based on the Pennsylvania Rule 1910.16-3. This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody arrangements, and additional expenses.
If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in Pennsylvania, child support for 1 child is approximately $801/month.
Pennsylvania Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)
| Annual Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $696/mo | $1,045/mo | $1,245/mo |
| $50,000/yr | $785/mo | $1,171/mo | $1,388/mo |
| $60,000/yr | $899/mo | $1,326/mo | $1,553/mo |
| $70,000/yr | $990/mo | $1,469/mo | $1,727/mo |
| $80,000/yr | $1,080/mo | $1,587/mo | $1,849/mo |
| $100,000/yr | $1,281/mo | $1,872/mo | $2,169/mo |
| $120,000/yr | $1,463/mo | $2,137/mo | $2,474/mo |
Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary based on both parents' incomes, custody time, and adjustments. Compare all states →
How Child Support Is Calculated in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support obligations. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.
Factors That Affect Child Support in Pennsylvania
Important Notes for Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares model based on both parents' combined monthly net incomes.
- Net income is calculated by deducting federal, state, and local taxes, FICA, mandatory union dues, mandatory retirement contributions, and existing support obligations from gross income.
- Pennsylvania updated its child support schedule effective January 1, 2026 (55 Pa.B. 5978). The 2026 schedule covers combined monthly net incomes from $1,300 to $25,000.
- The Self-Support Reserve (SSR) is $1,255 per month. If the obligor's monthly net income is at or below the SSR, support may only be awarded after consideration of actual financial resources.
- The court may deviate from the guidelines based on unusual needs and best interest of the child.
Example Child Support Calculation in Pennsylvania
Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.
Step 1: Combined monthly income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000
Step 2: Parent A's income share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%
Step 3: Look up basic obligation from the guidelines schedule for $8,000 combined income and 2 children.
Step 4: Multiply the basic obligation by Parent A's share (62.5%) to determine their payment.
Note: Additional adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Child Support
How is child support calculated in Pennsylvania?
What income is used for PA child support?
How much is child support for 1 kid in Pennsylvania?
Does shared custody reduce child support in PA?
About This Calculator
This calculator uses the official Pennsylvania Rule 1910.16-3 (2026 guidelines) to estimate child support in Pennsylvania. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by Pennsylvania courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a Pennsylvania family law attorney.
Our methodology: Based on the Income Shares model as defined in the Pennsylvania Rule 1910.16-3. Updated for 2026.