Quick answer: In New York, arrears fixed by the court in a money judgment accrue 9% interest a year; sources say unpaid installments do not draw interest until they are reduced to a judgment. A modification cannot reduce arrears accrued before the application. Driving privileges can be suspended when arrears reach four months of support.
This New York child support arrears calculator adds up the unpaid installments, adds 9% simple interest only on the part you enter as reduced to a money judgment, and flags the four-month license and passport thresholds under Family Court Act 451.
New York child support arrears and interest at a glance
| Rule | What New York says |
|---|---|
| Money judgment | A court fixes arrears at a specific amount, which accrues 9% interest a year until paid (NYC HRA handbook) |
| Before a judgment | Sources say interest runs only on arrears reduced to a money judgment (CPLR 5004) |
| Arrears and modification | A modification cannot reduce or annul arrears accrued before the application (FCA 451(1)) |
| Driver’s license | The court may order suspension when arrears equal at least four months of support (FCA 458-a) |
| Other licenses | Recreational licenses at four months (458-c); professional licenses after a hearing (childsupport.ny.gov) |
| Retroactive support | Enforceable like arrears, by execution for support enforcement (FCA 449) |
How do child support arrears work in New York?
- Interest and method. See the New York child support interest rate.
- Collection. See what happens if you do not pay child support in New York.
- Time limits and forgiveness. See whether New York child support arrears expire or can be forgiven.
What does this arrears calculator check?
You enter the monthly support and the number of installments unpaid. If a court has reduced part of the arrears to a money judgment, you also enter that amount and how many months ago it was entered, and the calculator adds 9% simple interest on it. It flags the withholding, four-month license and $2,500 passport triggers. It does not model partial payments. To change the amount going forward, see the New York child support modification calculator, and for when the obligation stops, the New York child support end date calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does New York charge interest on child support arrears?
Arrears fixed in a money judgment accrue 9% interest a year until paid; sources say unpaid installments do not draw interest until they are reduced to a judgment.
What is the New York interest rate on child support arrears?
Nine percent a year on a money judgment for arrears, under CPLR 5004 as cited by the New York City Human Resources Administration.
When can a New York driver's license be suspended for unpaid child support?
When the arrears equal or exceed four months of support, the court may order the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend driving privileges.
Can a New York judge reduce child support arrears?
A modification cannot reduce or annul arrears accrued before the application; the court cannot reduce other arrears without good cause shown.
Does New York income execution start right away?
An income execution can be issued for support, and retroactive support is enforceable like arrears.
Official sources
- Family Court Act 451: arrears and modification
- NYC HRA: child support handbook for noncustodial parents
- Family Court Act 458-a: suspension of driving privileges
- Family Court Act 458-c: recreational licenses
- NY Division of Child Support Services: enforce an order
- Family Court Act 449: retroactive support
- 15 U.S.C. 1673: restriction on garnishment
- 42 U.S.C. 652(k): denial of passports