Every state runs a child support program that helps parents establish, collect, and enforce support orders. Here's how to open a case, what documents you'll need, and how to reach your state's child support office.
The child support program is a federal-state partnership that helps children receive financial support from both parents. The federal Office of Child Support Services sets the framework, but each state, territory, and tribe runs its own program through an agency such as a Department of Human Services, Department of Revenue, or the state Attorney General's office.
A child support agency can help locate a parent, establish legal paternity, set up a support order through the courts, and collect and distribute payments. Once an order is in place, the agency can enforce it using tools such as income withholding, tax refund interception, and license suspension.
You do not need to be receiving public assistance to use these services. Any parent or guardian who needs help establishing or collecting child support can apply, usually for a small application fee that varies by state.
The exact steps depend on your state, but opening a case generally follows the same path. Start by contacting your state or local child support office.
Each state administers child support through its own agency. Locate your state's program and customer service line using the state list below, then ask for the office that serves your county.
Most states let you apply online, by mail, or in person. If you already receive SNAP or TANF benefits, a case may be opened for you automatically as part of those programs.
After you apply, a caseworker helps locate the other parent if needed, establish paternity and a support order, and begin collecting payments through income withholding.
Having the right information ready helps your child support office process your case faster. Most applications ask for:
If you don't have every detail — such as the other parent's current address or employer — you can still apply. Child support agencies have locate services that can help find a parent so a case can move forward.
Each state runs its own child support program under its own name. Call your state's customer service line for help with an application, an existing case, or payment questions. Numbers are subject to change — always confirm with your official state agency.
| State | Agency | Customer service |
|---|---|---|
| California | Dept. of Child Support Services | 1-866-901-3212 |
| Florida | Dept. of Revenue, Child Support | 1-850-488-5437 |
| Georgia | Division of Child Support Services | 1-844-694-2347 |
| Illinois | Division of Child Support Services (HFS) | 1-800-447-4278 |
| Maryland | Child Support Administration | 1-800-332-6347 |
| Massachusetts | Child Support Enforcement (DOR) | 1-800-332-2733 |
| Mississippi | Division of Child Support Enforcement | 1-877-882-4916 |
| Missouri | Family Support Division | 1-866-313-9960 |
| Nevada | Child Support Enforcement Program | 1-800-992-0900 |
| New York | Child Support Helpline | 1-888-208-4485 |
| North Carolina | Child Support Services | 1-800-992-9457 |
| Pennsylvania | Bureau of Child Support Enforcement | 1-800-932-0211 |
| Texas | Child Support Division (OAG) | 1-800-252-8014 |
This is a partial list of common states. Agency names and phone numbers vary and are subject to change — always verify with your official state child support agency before applying. For any state not shown, search for your state's child support agency or call the federal Office of Child Support Services for a referral.
No. Any parent or guardian can apply for child support services, whether or not they receive public assistance. Families receiving TANF or some other benefits may have a case opened automatically, but services are open to everyone.
Most states charge a small one-time application fee (often around $25), though it is waived in some situations. There may also be a small annual fee deducted once a certain amount of support has been collected. Check your state's program for exact amounts.
You can still apply. Child support agencies offer locate services that use state and federal databases to find a parent's address and employer so paternity and a support order can be established.
Most payments are collected through automatic income withholding from the paying parent's paycheck. Agencies can also intercept tax refunds, place liens, and use other enforcement tools when payments fall behind.
Start with your state's agency using the state list above, then ask for the office that serves your county or area. Many states also offer an online office locator and a 24-hour automated phone line for case information.