Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines Updated for 2026: What Parents Need to Know
Effective January 1, 2026, Pennsylvania’s child support guidelines have been updated for the first time in four years. These changes generally increase support amounts, reflecting rising costs of living. Here’s what parents need to know.
Why the Guidelines Changed
Pennsylvania law requires child support guidelines be reviewed every four years. The 2026 update ensures support amounts align with current economic realities—inflation, childcare costs, and wage changes. Key motivations include rising living expenses, adjustments to the federal poverty guidelines, and the need to treat similarly situated families consistently under the state’s Income Shares Model.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed keeping up with our state’s evolving laws, it’s time to take action. Solomon, Berschler, Campbell & Thomas PC can work to ensure you get what you deserve. Contact us for guidance on your case or call us at 610-279-4300 to discuss your situation today. Let’s work together to secure your financial future.
Key Changes in the 2026 Guidelines
Higher Basic Support Amounts: For most income levels, basic child support obligations increased by roughly 3% to 10%. For example, a family with $5,000 combined monthly net income and two children previously owed $1,484 per month; under the new guidelines, that figure is approximately $1,629, about a 10% increase.
Adjustments for Low Incomes: The “self-support reserve” (the minimum income a paying parent keeps for basic needs) increased from about $1,063 to $1,255 per month. At very low income levels, support amounts actually decreased to prevent undue hardship. An obligor with $1,300 monthly net income saw their one-child obligation drop from $213 to around $41.
High-Income Cases: For families with combined net incomes above $30,000 per month, the methodology remains similar, but base figures and multipliers have been adjusted, generally resulting in higher obligations.
Medical Expense Inclusion: The definition of “unreimbursed medical expenses” now automatically includes reasonable costs for mental health services (therapy, counseling) and orthodontia. These expenses are shared proportionally without needing special agreements.
No Change in Calculation Method: Pennsylvania still uses the Income Shares Model and the same chart format. The process for adjustments—accounting for custody time, childcare, health insurance, and other expenses—remains unchanged.
Will My Support Automatically Increase?
No. Your support order will not change automatically. To benefit from the 2026 update, you must file a petition to modify your order. Pennsylvania law doesn’t provide automatic cost-of-living adjustments when guidelines change.
Important: Any change in support is retroactive only to the date you file the petition—not to January 1st. If you wait, you lose potential support for that time.
The guideline update qualifies as a “material and substantial change in circumstances,” which is required to modify a support order. However, parents must request the change through proper legal channels.
How to Modify a Child Support Order
Before you do any of the following, remember to contact a child support lawyer, who can guide you through the process.
Step 1: Gather Information. Collect recent pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of income for both parents. Have your current support order ready, along with documentation of any other changes (new job, custody changes, new expenses).
Step 2: File a Petition to Modify. Submit a formal Petition to Modify Support with the court that issued your original order. You can file online through Pennsylvania’s E-Services portal on the PA Child Support Website, which forwards your request to your county’s Domestic Relations Section. Paper filing in person or through an attorney is also available.
Step 3: No Filing Fee. There is no fee to file a modification petition in Pennsylvania.
Step 4: Attend the Conference. The Domestic Relations office will schedule a support modification conference. Both parents receive notice. At the conference, you’ll update income information, and an officer will apply the 2026 guidelines to recommend a new amount. Bring all required documents.
Step 5: Reach an Outcome. If both parties agree on a new amount, an agreed order is entered. If there’s no agreement, the officer issues a recommended order. Either party can object, triggering a hearing before a judge for a final decision.
Step 6: Final Order. Once complete, a new support order reflecting the updated guidelines will supersede the previous one.
What This Means for Parents
For Custodial Parents (Recipients): You’re likely entitled to more money per month, but you must file for modification to receive it. Consider estimating the new amount with an attorney to decide if pursuing the increase is worthwhile. Don’t delay—increases only begin from your filing date.
For Non-Custodial Parents (Payors): Review the new guidelines to understand how your payment might change. If your income is very low, you might actually qualify for a reduction. Be aware that filing for modification opens both parties’ finances to review, which could affect the outcome in unexpected ways.
Shared Custody Situations: The percentage of time each parent has the children still affects calculations. If your custody schedule changed recently, that’s another reason to seek modification alongside the guideline update.
High-Income Families: If your combined income exceeds the guideline chart’s range ($30,000 net per month), consult a family law attorney. High-income cases can be complex and may require litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are the guidelines updated? Every four years. The next update will likely be in 2030.
Do I need to show a change in circumstances? Yes, but the guideline update itself counts as a changed circumstance. Other qualifying changes include significant income changes, custody arrangement changes, or new childcare costs.
How do I file a modification petition? Submit a Petition to Modify Support to the Domestic Relations Section that issued your order, either online through Pennsylvania’s E-Services portal or in person. There’s no filing fee.
Do the 2026 guidelines apply statewide? Yes. The guidelines apply in every Pennsylvania county. File your modification in the county court that has your case.
Will the court automatically review my case? No. You must file for a modification. Changes are not retroactive to before your filing date.
Should I file now if income recently changed? Generally, yes. Since modifications aren’t retroactive, filing sooner captures more of any increased (or decreased) support you’re entitled to.
Can I estimate the new support amount myself? You can get a rough idea using the chart in Rule 1910.16-3, but accurate calculations require accounting for custody percentages, health insurance, childcare costs, and other factors. Consider consulting an attorney or using the Pennsylvania Child Support Program’s calculator.
Does this affect spousal support or alimony? Indirectly. Changes to child support can alter net income figures used in spousal support calculations. Review your entire support picture with an attorney if you receive or pay both.
What if I’m happy with the current arrangement? You don’t have to do anything, but be aware the other parent can file for a change at any time if the new guidelines favor them.
Where can I find the actual 2026 guidelines chart? In Rule 1910.16-3 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, available on the Pennsylvania Code website or through the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Conclusion
The 2026 Pennsylvania child support guidelines update means more financial support for children in most situations. The key takeaway: you must be proactive. Changes won’t happen unless you file a petition to modify your order. The process is straightforward—online filing is available, and there are no fees. If you have questions about your specific case, consider consulting an experienced family law attorney to ensure your support order is fair, current, and serving your children’s best interests.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed keeping up with our state’s evolving laws, it’s time to take action. Solomon, Berschler, Campbell & Thomas PC can work to ensure you get what you deserve. Contact us for guidance on your case or call us at 610-279-4300 to discuss your situation today. Let’s work together to secure your financial future.