Pennsylvania Child Support Calculator

Pennsylvania uses the income shares model. Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares Model under Pa. Code Rules 1910.16-1 through 1910.16-4. Both parents' combined monthly net incomes are used to determine the total child support obligation from the Basic Child Support Schedule. The obligation is then split proportionally based on each parent's share of combined income. Adjustments are made for custody time, childcare costs, health insurance premiums, and other expenses. Guidelines were updated effective January 1, 2026, with basic obligations increased 3%-10% to reflect inflation and rising costs.

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in Pennsylvania generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in Pennsylvania can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

Pennsylvania has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.