What Child Support Services Cover
State child support enforcement (CSE) agencies — funded through federal Title IV-D of the Social Security Act — provide free or low-cost services including: establishing paternity for children born outside marriage, establishing child support orders through court proceedings, modifying existing orders, enforcing collection when the paying parent doesn't pay, locating absent parents, and in some cases establishing medical support orders. These services are available to any custodial parent regardless of income.
How to Apply
Apply through your state's child support enforcement agency. Find it by searching "[your state] child support enforcement" or calling 211. Application methods: online portal (most states), in person at a local office, or by mail. The application is typically 2–5 pages and takes about 20–30 minutes. There is no income requirement — any custodial parent may apply.
Documents You'll Need
Gather: your own ID; the child's birth certificate; any existing court orders (custody, divorce, paternity); the other parent's full legal name and last known address (the agency can help locate them if you don't have current information); the other parent's employer information if known; and Social Security numbers for all parties if available. Incomplete information delays the process — provide as much as you have.
Establishing Paternity
For children born to unmarried parents, legal paternity must be established before a support order can be entered. Options: voluntary acknowledgment of paternity (a form both parents sign, often at the hospital after birth); genetic testing ordered through the court or CSE agency; or contested paternity proceedings. Once paternity is established, the process to set a support order proceeds. The CSE agency handles paternity establishment at no cost.
After an Order Is Established
Once a support order exists, the CSE agency can process payments through an income withholding order — automatically deducting support from the paying parent's paycheck and disbursing it to you. This is the most reliable collection mechanism. Payments are typically processed through a state disbursement unit and deposited to your bank account or loaded to a prepaid card.
What Happens If Support Isn't Paid
CSE agencies have strong tools when a paying parent falls behind: income withholding orders (wage garnishment), interception of state and federal tax refunds, bank account levies, driver's and professional license suspension, passport denial, credit bureau reporting, and contempt of court (resulting in fines or incarceration for willful non-payment). If your order isn't being paid and you've gone through the CSE agency, ask specifically about the status of enforcement actions on your case.
If You Receive TANF
If you receive TANF, you are required to cooperate with child support enforcement as a condition of TANF receipt — you must assign your right to child support to the state and cooperate with establishing paternity and locating the other parent. Some TANF recipients receive a "child support pass-through" — the state passes a portion of collected support directly to you rather than keeping it all to reimburse the state for TANF. Pass-through amounts and policies vary by state. Ask your TANF caseworker about your state's child support pass-through policy.