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.
Next section:
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?
Next section:
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
Next section:
4. How to apply
Here are your options.
Apply in person
Come back to it later.
We can send you a link to this page to help you get back to it when you’re ready.