Massachusetts Child Support Office

Like Florida, Massachusetts runs child support through its tax agency, the Department of Revenue, rather than a health or human services department. It's administered statewide, with walk-in regional offices in Boston, Taunton, Woburn, Worcester, and Springfield.

CSS locates noncustodial parents, establishes paternity, sets support orders, and collects and enforces payments once a case is active, with case management available through the Case Manager online portal.

A parent or caretaker of a child can apply for Massachusetts child support services through the Case Manager portal or by visiting a regional office. Families already receiving TAFDC (Massachusetts' TANF program) or MassHealth are typically referred for services automatically.

The application requires identifying information for both parents and the child, along with any existing custody or support paperwork. CSS then works to establish paternity if needed and get a support order in place.

Massachusetts collects most support through income withholding once an order is active, disbursed to the receiving parent by direct deposit or debit card.

Payments can also be made through Massachusetts' Smart e-Pay portal, and both parents can check payment history through the Case Manager system.

DOR's Child Support Services Division can intercept tax refunds, suspend licenses, and report arrears to credit bureaus when a parent falls behind on payments.

As in every state, federal law allows a passport to be denied or revoked once past-due support exceeds $2,500.