Pennsylvania Child Support Calculation Guide

Pennsylvania uses an income-shares model to calculate child support, implemented through court rules Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16-1 through 1910.16-7. Whether you're navigating an uncontested or contested divorce, understanding these calculations is essential.

The Income-Shares Model

Pennsylvania's approach ensures children receive the same proportion of parental income they would have if the family remained intact:

• Step 1: Calculate each parent's monthly net income
• Step 2: Combine net incomes and find the basic support obligation (BSO) from the schedule
• Step 3: Divide the obligation based on each parent's percentage of combined income
• Step 4: Apply parenting-time adjustments and add-ons

Calculating Net Income

Pennsylvania requires at least a 6-month average of income. Gross income includes wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, investments, pensions, Social Security, workers' compensation, and unemployment benefits.

Allowable deductions to reach net income include: federal/state/local income taxes, FICA/self-employment taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, mandatory union dues, and alimony paid to the other party.

The $30,000 Schedule Cap

The Basic Child Support Schedule applies to combined monthly net incomes up to $30,000. Sample BSO values:

• $6,000 combined, 1 child: $1,097/month
• $5,500 combined, 2 children: $1,567/month
• $2,500 combined, 2 children: $877/month

High-Income Cases (Over $30,000)

For combined monthly net income exceeding $30,000, use this formula:

• 1 child: $3,608 + 4.0% of excess over $30,000
• 2 children: $4,250 + 4.0% of excess
• 3 children: $4,951 + 4.7% of excess
• 4 children: $5,530 + 5.3% of excess
• 5 children: $6,083 + 5.8% of excess
• 6 children: $6,613 + 6.3% of excess

The calculated amount cannot be less than what would have been due at $30,000 (the "presumptive minimum").

Estimate Your Pennsylvania Child Support

Use our calculator for a preliminary estimate. For official calculations, use the Pennsylvania Child Support Estimator.

40% Overnight Threshold

If the obligor has 40% or more of annual overnights (approximately 146 nights), a rebuttable presumption of a reduction applies:

• Calculate the obligor's overnight percentage
• Subtract 30% from that percentage
• Reduce the obligor's income share by that difference
• At 40% time: 10 percentage point reduction
• At 50% time: 20 percentage point reduction

For equal 50/50 custody, the lower-income parent cannot be ordered to pay basic support to the higher-income parent.

Self-Support Reserve

Pennsylvania protects low-income obligors with a Self-Support Reserve (SSR) of $1,063/month. If the presumptive amount would reduce the obligor's income below the SSR, special calculations apply to ensure they retain enough for basic needs.

Add-On Expenses

Certain expenses are added to basic support and allocated pro-rata:

• Child care: Work or education-related costs, reduced by the federal child care tax credit
• Health insurance: Children's coverage premiums (reasonable cost: not exceeding 5% of obligor's monthly net)
• Unreimbursed medical: Costs above $250 per person per calendar year
• Private school/extracurriculars: May be allocated if reasonable under the circumstances
• Mortgage deviation: Available when housing costs exceed 25% of the obligee's net income

Modification and Review

Pennsylvania allows modification when:

• Material and substantial change in circumstances
• Triennial review: Every 36 months upon request, even without proving changed circumstances
• Guideline changes: New or revised guidelines may constitute a change

Enforcement and Arrears

Pennsylvania's enforcement tools include:

• Income withholding: Mandatory and immediate
• License suspension: When arrears reach 3 months and wages are not attachable
• Credit bureau reporting: Impacts credit score
• Liens: On real property and financial accounts
• Contempt: Up to 6 months incarceration for willful non-compliance
• Penalty: Up to 10% on amounts 30+ days overdue if willful

Interest on arrears is 6% simple when reduced to judgment.

Key Takeaways

• Income-shares model: Both parents' incomes determine the child's needs
• $30,000 cap: High-income formula applies above this threshold
• 40% overnight threshold: Triggers shared-custody reduction
• SSR: $1,063/month protects low-income obligors
• Add-ons: Child care, health insurance, and medical above $250/person/year
• Triennial review: Every 36 months without proving change
• 6% interest: On arrears reduced to judgment

For more information about Pennsylvania divorce processes, see our Pennsylvania divorce timeline and filing checklist.