Skip to main content
Family Services

Child support services

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

1. How it Works

The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) makes children the priority through helping mothers, fathers and guardians in opening and maintaining child support cases. A child can get child support until age 21 even if the other parent isn’t involved in the child’s life. Parents who pay child support can get help finding a job and managing their child support debt. Other services are also available.

The Office of Child Support Services’ Training Institute offers free online information sessions on topics that are important to parents as well as community-based organizations. See the list of upcoming sessions and register today!

Office of Child Support Services

  • You don’t have to be a citizen to get this service. You won’t be asked about your immigration status.
  • This service doesn’t help with custody or visitation but it can guide you to services that do, such as mediation.
  • Get a child support order even if the other parent can’t afford to pay right now. They can get help finding work and may qualify for financial protections.
  • Parents who are behind on their child support payments may qualify for a program to lower their debt.
    • Noncustodial parents can also get connected to job services if they are unemployed or underemployed.
    • Avoid extra credit card fees: make child support payments on the ACCESS HRA Child Support mobile app instead of the NYS Child Support website.
  • If you’re a custodial parent applying for or get cash assistance on your child’s behalf – not responding to your child support notice or missing a child support appointment might lead to:
    • your Cash Assistance benefit being reduced by 25%
    • loss of Medicaid coverage for yourself
    • loss of eligibility for some rental assistance programs.
  • Modifying Orders through Stipulation (MOTS) is a program that can reduce a child support order based on both parents’ incomes.
    • MOTS uses the same guidelines as Family Court. The agreement is then reviewed in Family Court with all parties present.
    • A modified order is usually issued after one hearing.
  • For assistance, please call the phone number on your appointment notice or email OCSS at [email protected]

2. Determine your eligibility

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

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

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

4. How to apply

Here are your options.

Apply online

Apply online using the NYC ACCESS HRA Child Support Mobile App

  • Enroll in child support via your phone
  • Pay child support by credit, debit or PayPal with no fees
  • Complete child support forms and apply to debt reduction programs
  • Scan and upload required documents
  • Learn more about the mobile app at NYC ACCESS HRA Child Support Mobile App or download the app for free from the App Store (Apple) and Google Play (Android.)

Apply online

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.

More ways to get help with this program

Visit the website

Visit the Child Support Services website to learn more about available services.

Visit the Noncustodial Parents page for services available to noncustodial parents, such as work and lowering debt.

Visit the Family Court website for information about custody and visitation.

Email Child Support Services

Email [email protected] to request a customer service phone appointment or get an email response.

Please provide your name, Child Support case number, a description of your concern(s), phone number, and the best time to reach you. Write “Requesting a Customer Service Appointment” in the subject line of your email.

Call 311

Ask for Child Support.

Call the Helpline

Call NYS Child Support Helpline at 888-208-4485 (or 866-875-9975 if you have trouble hearing) for more information. Automated information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your Social Security number and PIN are required.

Visit the walk-in center or a borough office

Visit the OCSS Customer Service Walk-in Center:
151 West Broadway, 4th Floor
(between Worth and Thomas Streets)
New York, NY 10013
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (except holidays)

Visit the OCSS Family Court office in your borough.

Last Updated March 28, 2024

Stay updated on benefits

Get occasional emails about benefits news, upcoming enrollment periods, and deadlines. Translations are available in 11 languages.