Special Needs Child Support Calculator
Estimate the pro-rata division of extraordinary medical and educational expenses.
Income Information (Net Monthly)
Monthly Special Needs Expenses
Calculation Results
Combined Net Monthly Income:
$0.00
Custodial Parent Share (%):
Non-Custodial Parent Share (%):
Total Monthly Special Needs Expenses:
$0.00
Custodial Parent Expense Obligation:
$0.00
Non-Custodial Parent Expense Obligation:
$0.00
Total NCP Monthly Payment (Base + Add-ons):
$0.00
Understanding Special Needs Child Support Add-Ons
Calculating child support for a child with special needs is significantly more complex than standard guideline calculations. While most states provide a basic formula based on parental income, families with special needs children often face substantial "extraordinary" expenses that exceed the basic coverage of standard support.
This calculator is designed to help parents estimate how these extraordinary costs—often referred to as "add-ons" or "mandatory deviations"—are divided between parties based on the income shares model.
Key Concept: The Income Shares Model
Most courts adhere to the principle that the child should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have received if the parents lived together. Consequently, extraordinary expenses are typically split "pro rata," meaning in proportion to each parent's percentage of the combined net income.
Most courts adhere to the principle that the child should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have received if the parents lived together. Consequently, extraordinary expenses are typically split "pro rata," meaning in proportion to each parent's percentage of the combined net income.
What Qualifies as an Extraordinary Expense?
While standard child support covers basic food, shelter, and clothing, children with disabilities often require specific services that courts recognize as necessary add-ons. Common qualifying expenses include:
- Unreimbursed Medical Expenses: Co-pays, deductibles, and medications not covered by insurance.
- Therapy Costs: Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
- Special Education: Private school tuition (if public schools cannot meet the IEP), tutoring, and educational advocates.
- Specialized Care: Respite care, in-home nursing, or specialized childcare for older children who cannot be left alone.
- Adaptive Equipment: Wheelchairs, hearing aids, communication devices, and home modifications (e.g., ramps).
How the Calculation Works
The calculation process generally follows three steps:
- Determine the Income Share: The court calculates the combined monthly net income of both parents. If Parent A earns $6,000 and Parent B earns $4,000, the total is $10,000. Parent A holds 60% of the income share, and Parent B holds 40%.
- Aggregate Allowable Expenses: All qualifying monthly costs for the special needs child are totaled. For example, if therapy costs $500 and medication costs $200, the total extraordinary expense is $700.
- Apply the Ratio: The total expense is multiplied by each parent's percentage. In the example above, Parent A would be responsible for 60% of the $700 ($420), and Parent B would be responsible for 40% ($280). This amount is usually added on top of the base child support obligation.
Lifetime Support and Age Limits
Standard child support typically ends at the age of majority (18 or 21, depending on the state). However, for children with severe physical or mental disabilities who cannot support themselves, many jurisdictions allow for post-majority support. This means support obligations, including payments for medical care and specialized housing, may continue indefinitely throughout the child's adult life.
It is crucial to structure these payments carefully—often using a Special Needs Trust—to ensure the child does not lose eligibility for government benefits like SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or Medicaid.