Child Support Services

1. How it Works

The program helps mothers, fathers, and guardians with child support. People who receive child support can get help collecting it. People who pay child support can get help finding a job and managing their child support debt. Other services are also available.

You don’t have to be a citizen to get this service, and you won’t be asked about your immigration status
This program doesn’t help with custody or visitation. It can guide you to resources for these services that do, such as mediation.
You should get a child support order even if you think the other parent can’t afford to pay right now. They can get help finding work and may qualify for financial protections
A child can get child support until age 21, even if the other parent isn’t involved in the child’s life
If you don’t follow child support requirements, you may receive less cash assistance. After you begin to comply, you can restore the full amount by bringing the necessary documentation to your child support office.
Noncustodial parents who are unemployed or underemployed can get connected to job services.
Parents who are behind on their child support payments may qualify for a program to lower their debt to the Department of Social Services.

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2. Determine Your Eligibility

2. Determine your eligibility

To be eligible for child support services, you should be able to answer “yes” to these questions:

Are you a parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of 21?
Are you primarily responsible for the child’s day-to-day life?

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3. What You Need to Include

3. What you need to include

When you go to your interview, you’ll need to bring the following documents:

Your completed application
Your child’s birth certificate
A recent photo of the other parent is helpful but not required

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4. How to Apply

4. How to apply

Here are your options.

Download and complete the child support application. You only need to fill out the last 7 pages.
Submit the application to your local child support office at the Family Court in your borough.
If you’re applying for or receiving cash assistance or medical assistance, you need to interview at the Office of Child Support Services Borough Office to open a case.
Bring as much information as you can about the child’s other parent. Examples include their date of birth, Social Security number, address, and employer’s name. A photo is also helpful.
If you’re a noncustodial parent looking for work, read more about the Support Through Employment Program (STEP).
If you’re a noncustodial parent with child support debt, learn your options to lower it with the Manage Your Child Support brochure. After, fill out the Arrears Cap Program application or Arrears Credit Program application.

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Child support services

Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) | NYC Human Resources Administration

1. How it Works

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More ways to get help with this program

2. Determine your eligibility

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3. What you need to include

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4. How to apply

Here are your options.

More ways to get help with this program

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