Pennsylvania Child Support

Who can get child support?
How much child support will I get?
How long does child support last?

Who can get child support?

You can ask for a child support order if your child is in your physical care.¹ This is true even if you do not already have a court order about your child’s custody.

¹ 23 Pa.C.S.A § 4341(b)

How much child support will I get?

Child support orders are based upon the reasonable needs of the child and the ability of the parents to pay support.¹ The judge will use specific Pennsylvania child support guidelines to figure out the amount.² To see an estimate of what you might receive, you can go to the Pennsylvania Child Support Program website.

Every child support order will include a requirement that either or both parents provide for the child to have health care coverage.³ The judge may also order either or both parents to pay a percentage of the child’s medical costs that are not covered by insurance.⁴

¹ 23 Pa.C.S.A § 4322(a)
² 231 Pa. Code § 1910.16-1
³ 23 Pa.C.S.A § 4326(l)
⁴ 23 Pa.C.S.A § 4326(e)

How long does child support last?

Parents in Pennsylvania are responsible for the support of children who are 18 years or younger.¹

Parents may sometimes also be required to support children who are older than 18.²  A judge may order parents who already have a child support order to pay for educational expenses after high school, which means tuition, fees, books, room, board, and other educational materials for college or vocational school.³ These expenses can be ordered before or after your child turns 18 and can continue until your child turns 23, or longer if the court finds there are exceptional circumstances.⁴ However, the judge will only order these expenses be paid if your child has made reasonable efforts to apply for scholarships, grants, and work-study assistance, and any amounts awarded will be deducted from the expenses the judge orders. ⁵

This type of case for educational expenses after high school may be filed by:

1. your child if s/he is over 18; or
2. by you if:
   • your child is under 18; or
   • your child is over 18 and gives you permission in writing.⁶

¹ 23 Pa.C.S.A § 4321(2)
² 23 Pa.C.S.A § 4321(3)
³ 23 Pa.C.S.A § 4327(a), (j)
⁴ 23 Pa.C.S.A § 4327(a), (f)(3)
⁵ 23 Pa.C.S.A § 4327(a), (d)
⁶ 23 Pa.C.S.A § 4327(b)