Interest on Child Support Arrears in New York: Rate, Simple vs. Compound and When It Applies
New York child support interest is 9% a year on arrears fixed in a money judgment; sources say unpaid installments do not draw interest until they are reduced to one.
Does New York charge interest on child support arrears?
On a money judgment, yes. The New York City Human Resources Administration’s handbook says arrears are fixed by the court at a specific amount in a money judgment, which accrues 9% interest annually until it is paid off (NYC HRA handbook). Sources cite CPLR 5004 for the rate. Several sources also say that arrears which accumulate without a money judgment do not automatically draw interest, so the New York arrears calculator adds interest only on the judgment amount you enter.
How is the interest calculated?
As simple interest at 9% a year on the judgment amount for the months since it was entered. The calculator multiplies the judgment amount by 9% and the months divided by 12.
| Judgment case at 9% simple | Interest | Total on the judgment |
|---|---|---|
| $6,000 judgment, 12 months | $540.00 | $6,540.00 |
| $12,000 judgment, 24 months | $2,160.00 | $14,160.00 |
| $18,000 judgment, 36 months | $4,860.00 | $22,860.00 |
These are illustrations, not your balance.
How does arrears become a money judgment?
Through a violation proceeding: a support magistrate or judge finds a violation and fixes the arrears at a specific amount in a money judgment, which may be filed with the County Clerk and can become a lien (HRA handbook). Ask the Support Collection Unit whether yours has been entered.
Why verify with the court?
Because the interest rule is described in sources rather than in a statute section we could read directly. Ask for a ledger that shows the judgment date, the amount and the interest charged.
What about retroactive support?
Retroactive child support is support arrears or past-due support, payable in one sum or periodic sums as the court directs, and enforceable like other support, including by an execution for support enforcement (Family Court Act 449; 440).
Does New York interest apply to retroactive support?
Retroactive child support is arrears payable in one sum or periodic sums as the court directs (FCA 449); whether interest runs on it depends on whether it is reduced to a money judgment, so ask the court.
Is the New York interest part of what the Support Collection Unit collects?
Ask for a ledger that separates support, retroactive support and any judgment interest. Retroactive child support is treated as arrears and is enforceable like other support, including by an execution for support enforcement (FCA 449).
What if I disagree with a money judgment amount?
The court fixes the amount in a money judgment after a violation proceeding (HRA handbook). Bring payment records and ask the unit for its payment history before the hearing.
Can I limit interest by paying on time?
Paying current support on time keeps new arrears from building, and the sources describe interest as running on the judgment amount until it is paid off. Ask the unit in writing how interest is applied to any payment arrangement.
Where do you get the official figure?
From the Support Collection Unit or the Family Court clerk. See whether arrears expire or can be forgiven and file to modify if your circumstances changed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the New York interest rate on child support arrears?
Nine percent a year on arrears fixed in a money judgment.
Does New York charge interest on child support arrears before a judgment?
Sources say interest runs only once the arrears are reduced to a money judgment.
Is New York judgment interest compound?
The sources describe 9% annually; the calculator uses simple interest.
How do I find out if my New York arrears are a money judgment?
Ask the Support Collection Unit or the Family Court clerk for the judgment date and amount.
Where can I check my New York child support balance?
With the Support Collection Unit or the Family Court clerk.
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
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited New York statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed New York attorney.