Everything you need to know about Pennsylvania child support laws, updated for 2026.
Last verified: February 2026
Pennsylvania child support laws require both parents to provide financial support for their children. The state uses the Income Shares Model, which ensures children receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the family remained intact.
Pennsylvania Child Support: Quick Summary
- Governing Law: Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure 1910.16-1 through 1910.16-7
- Model Used: Income Shares Model
- Age of Termination: 18 (or high school graduation, whichever is later, up to age 19)
- Administering Agency: Bureau of Child Support Enforcement (BCSE) under the Department of Human Services
- Contact: 1-800-932-0211
- Online Portal: Pennsylvania Child Support Program
Table Of Contents
How to Apply for Child Support in Pennsylvania
The Bureau of Child Support Enforcement (BCSE), operating under the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), administers the state’s child support program through local Domestic Relations Sections (DRS) in each county.
To apply for services:
- Online: Visit the Pennsylvania Child Support Program website and create an account to request support services
- In Person: Visit the Domestic Relations Section in your county courthouse
- By Mail: Download application forms from the website and mail to your local DRS
Locate your nearest Domestic Relations office
What to remember:
- Online requests do not constitute an official filing until the DRS reviews and accepts them. For faster processing, consider applying in person or through an attorney.
- Parents who have never received cash assistance must pay an annual $35 service fee (federal requirement).
- Child support arrears begin accruing from the date you file the petition or complaint.
- You may request to proceed “In Forma Pauperis” (waived filing fees) if you meet low-income requirements.
Documents needed for application:
- Your name and Social Security number
- Proof of income and employment
- Documentation of expenses (daycare, medical costs, etc.)
- Special needs documentation for the child (if applicable)
- As much information as possible about the other parent
How is Paternity Established in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law no longer recognizes common law marriage for relationships established after January 1, 2005. For paternity purposes:
- Married Parents: When a child is born to a married couple, the law presumes the husband is the father.
- Unmarried Parents: A child born to an unmarried woman has no legal father until paternity is established through an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or court order.
Methods to establish paternity:
- Acknowledgment of Paternity (PA/CS 611): Both parents sign this form at the hospital or later at County Assistance Offices, DRS, or DHS offices. The signing must be witnessed.
- Genetic Testing: Either parent can request genetic (DNA) testing through the DRS or court.
Important notes:
- Either party can rescind an AOP within 60 days of signing or before any court proceedings begin.
- Paternity establishment grants the father visitation and custody rights, gives the child inheritance rights and access to the father’s health insurance, and reduces the custodial parent’s financial burden.
For paternity questions, contact the Child Support Enforcement Paternity Coordinator at 1-800-932-0211.
How to Determine Child Support in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support obligations. The underlying principle is that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived together.
Under federal law (42 U.S.C. 667(a)), Pennsylvania must review and update its child support guidelines every four years to ensure they remain appropriate.
Factors considered in the calculation:
- Combined net incomes of both parents
- Number of children covered by the support order
- Physical custody arrangements and parenting time
- Reasonable child-rearing costs (daycare, education)
- Health insurance costs
Allowable deductions from gross income include:
- Federal, state, and local income taxes
- FICA (Social Security and Medicare taxes)
- Mandatory retirement contributions
- Union dues
- Alimony paid to another party
Pennsylvania maintains a Basic Child Support Schedule that shows support amounts based on combined monthly net income and number of children.
How to Calculate Child Support in Pennsylvania
Use the Pennsylvania Child Support Estimator to get an approximate calculation. Remember that the actual ordered amount may differ based on judicial discretion and the best interests of the child.
The court may deviate from the guidelines if the standard calculation would be unjust or inappropriate given the circumstances.
How to Modify Child Support in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania allows parents to request a modification of child support at any time there is a material and substantial change in financial circumstances.
Valid grounds for modification include:
- Job loss or significant change in income (involuntary)
- Changes in daycare or childcare expenses
- Changes in medical or dental insurance coverage
- Physical or mental disability (parent or child)
- Change in custody arrangements
- Addition of new dependents
- Extraordinary expenses for the child’s benefit
How to apply for modification:
- Contact or visit the DRS office handling your case
- Download the Petition for Modification form
- Complete the form and submit it to the DRS
Important notes:
- Either parent can request a modification.
- The petitioning parent must provide evidence that circumstances have changed.
- A written agreement between both parents may expedite the process.
- Incarcerated parents may request the Child Support Incarceration Packet.
- If you voluntarily quit your job or become voluntarily underemployed, the court will “impute” income based on your earning capacity.
For modification assistance, call 1-800-932-0211.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay Child Support in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has numerous enforcement tools to collect unpaid child support:
- Automatic Wage Withholding: Income is garnished directly from wages or other income sources
- State/National New Hire Reporting: Helps locate delinquent parents who have new employment
- Tax Refund Intercept: Federal, state, and local tax refunds may be seized
- Financial Institution Data Match: Bank accounts can be located and garnished
- Credit Bureau Reporting: Past-due support is reported to major credit bureaus, affecting credit scores
- Passport Denial: Passports may be denied or revoked for arrears exceeding $2,500
- Lump-Sum Interception: Workers’ compensation, personal injury settlements, and lottery winnings can be seized
- License Suspension: Driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses may be suspended
- Public Notice: Information may be published in local newspapers if arrears exceed one month of support
Criminal Nonsupport in Pennsylvania
Title 23-4354 defines willful failure to pay a support order as a criminal offense when the person has the financial ability to comply.
Penalties for criminal nonsupport:
- Third-degree misdemeanor: Up to 1 year imprisonment
- Second-degree misdemeanor: Up to 2 years imprisonment
- First-degree misdemeanor: Up to 5 years imprisonment
Civil contempt charges may result in up to 6 months in jail or a $500 fine. The court may also order enrollment in parenting programs, community service, or work release programs.
You can prevent enforcement actions by modifying your order if circumstances warrant or by making consistent payments on your arrears.
When Does Child Support End in Pennsylvania?
Child support in Pennsylvania typically terminates when the child turns 18. However, support may continue until the child graduates high school if they turn 18 before graduation, but generally not beyond age 19.
Recommendations:
- Contact the DRS at least 6 months before the child’s 18th birthday to prepare for termination
- Receiving parents should petition for any necessary extensions before support ends
- Paying parents should ensure they do not overpay beyond the termination date
College and Higher Education: Pennsylvania courts cannot order child support past age 19 for college expenses. However, parents may enter into a legal agreement to extend support through higher education. If you want to ensure college tuition is covered, negotiate this arrangement with the other parent and formalize it in a written agreement.
Emancipation: Pennsylvania does not have a formal court process or statute for minor emancipation. A minor cannot legally move out at 16 without parental consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is income defined for child support purposes in Pennsylvania?
Income includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, interest, dividends, rental income, Social Security benefits, pensions, unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation, and most other sources of income. Some public assistance benefits are excluded.
What happens if the other parent hides income?
Pennsylvania allows the court to impute income based on earning capacity. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may calculate support based on what they could earn rather than actual income. Financial records can be subpoenaed during discovery.
Can I get retroactive child support in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Child support can be ordered retroactive to the date you filed your complaint or petition. You cannot typically recover support for periods before filing, so it is important to file promptly.
Does shared custody affect child support?
Yes. Pennsylvania uses a shared custody formula when a child spends 40% or more overnight time with each parent. The calculation adjusts to reflect both parents’ direct expenditures on the child during their parenting time.
How long does a modification take in Pennsylvania?
Modification timelines vary by county. If both parties agree, modifications can be processed relatively quickly. Contested modifications requiring a hearing may take several months.