How Pennsylvania Child Support Is Calculated
Pennsylvania uses a variant of the Melson formula, defined in Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16. The approach resembles Income Shares but incorporates a Self-Support Reserve (SSR) that protects a minimum amount of the paying parent's income for their own basic needs.
Calculate each parent's net monthly income
Net income = gross income minus federal tax, Pennsylvania state tax (3.07%), Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and mandatory union dues or retirement.
Apply the Self-Support Reserve ($981/mo, 2025)
The paying parent retains the first $981/month for their own basic needs. Income above this amount is "available income" for child support. If net income is at or below $981, only minimum support is ordered.
Look up combined income in Pennsylvania schedule
Both parents' net incomes are combined and matched against the Pennsylvania Basic Child Support Schedule to find the total obligation.
Pro-rate the paying parent's share; add add-ons
The NCP pays their income-proportional share of the basic obligation. Health insurance premiums and childcare are allocated proportionally and added to the base support.
| Combined Net Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $332 | $487 | $554 | $600 |
| $2,500 | $527 | $775 | $882 | $956 |
| $4,000 | $808 | $1,188 | $1,353 | $1,466 |
| $5,000 | $989 | $1,454 | $1,657 | $1,795 |
| $6,000 | $1,170 | $1,721 | $1,961 | $2,124 |
| $8,000 | $1,529 | $2,247 | $2,562 | $2,775 |
| $10,000 | $1,882 | $2,766 | $3,155 | $3,418 |
| $12,000 | $2,230 | $3,278 | $3,739 | $4,051 |
| $15,000 | $2,748 | $4,040 | $4,608 | $4,993 |
Source: Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines Schedule, Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16-3. 2025. Self-Support Reserve: $981/month.
Pennsylvania Child Support — Frequently Asked Questions
Pennsylvania uses a hybrid of the Income Shares and Melson formula approach (Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines, Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16). The formula first ensures the non-custodial parent can meet their own basic living expenses (the Self-Support Reserve), then applies a percentage of remaining income to child support.
The Self-Support Reserve (SSR) is the minimum amount a paying parent is allowed to retain for their own living expenses before child support is calculated. In 2025, the SSR is approximately $981/month. If your net income is below the SSR, courts typically order minimum support only. If income is above the SSR, the excess is available for support.
Pennsylvania uses net monthly income — gross income minus federal and state income taxes, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and mandatory union dues or retirement contributions. Pennsylvania state income tax is 3.07% (flat rate). Local earned income taxes (EIT) may also apply and reduce net income.
Yes. Like most Income Shares states, Pennsylvania considers both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation, then each parent pays their proportional share. The non-custodial parent's share is the monthly payment. This calculator focuses on the paying parent's obligation.
Pennsylvania allows add-ons for: health insurance premiums for the children, and work-related childcare costs. These are divided proportionally between parents based on their incomes, and added to the base support amount.
Pennsylvania generally requires a minimum monthly support of $50 per month when the paying parent has income above the Self-Support Reserve but below a threshold that would generate a higher amount. Courts retain discretion to adjust this based on circumstances.