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Module 2: Important Information for Custodial Parents

What does child support include?

custodial parent asking questions

The goal of child support is to provide children with the resources they need to live happy and healthy lives. In general, a New York State child support order includes:

  • Payment of cash child support until 21 years of age
  • benefits (such as payment of health insurance and child care, educational, and unreimbursed medical expenses)

Each child support order is based on the parents' income, the number of children involved, and expenses for child care, education and medical coverage.

For additional information on how child support orders are determined, refer to Module 1, Support Establishment.