Child Support for Single Mothers
Complete Child Support Guide for Single Mothers 2025
Last updated: August 2025
If You Need Help Today
Emergency Child Support Resources:
- National Child Support Hotline: 1-888-369-4287
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Legal Aid: Find your local office at LSC.gov
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Immediate Action Steps:
- Apply for child support through your state’s online portal
- Document all income and expenses
- Contact your local child support agency if payments are missed
- Consider emergency assistance programs (TANF, SNAP, WIC)
Main Points
- Child support is a legal right – Every child deserves financial support from both parents
- You can apply for free – Most states charge no application fees
- Enforcement tools are powerful – Wage garnishment, asset seizure, and license suspension are available
- Collection rates are improving – 62% of expected child support was collected nationally in 2017, totaling $32.7 billion
- Support continues regardless of job status – Unemployment doesn’t eliminate the obligation
- Modifications are possible – Orders can be adjusted when circumstances change significantly
Understanding Child Support in 2025
Child support is court-ordered financial assistance that a non-custodial parent pays to help cover a child’s living expenses. This money helps pay for housing, food, clothing, healthcare, education, and other necessities.
Who Qualifies for Child Support
Any parent with primary custody of a child can seek support from the other parent, regardless of:
- Marital status (married, divorced, or never married)
- Gender of the custodial parent
- Income level of either parent
- Whether paternity has been established
What Child Support Covers
Child support typically covers:
- Basic necessities: Food, clothing, housing
- Healthcare: Medical insurance premiums, doctor visits, prescriptions
- Education: School supplies, tuition, extracurricular activities
- Childcare: Daycare, after-school programs
- Transportation: Costs related to the child’s needs
Reality Check: Child support rarely covers 100% of a child’s expenses. Just 23% of female-headed families reported receiving any child support in 2020-2022, down from 26% in 2018-2020.
Current Child Support Statistics
| Statistic | Amount/Percentage | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total collected nationally (2021) | $32.7 billion | HHS |
| Average monthly payment per child | $3,431 per custodial parent annually | U.S. Census Bureau |
| Percentage receiving full payment | 62% of expected amount | Census Bureau 2017 |
| Custodial parents with agreements | 57% received payments in 2017 | Census Bureau |
Payment Compliance by Method
| Payment Method | Compliance Rate |
|---|---|
| Automatic wage withholding | 80-90% |
| Direct payment | 40-60% |
| Court-ordered garnishment | 75-85% |
How to Apply for Child Support
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before applying, collect:
- Your information: Social Security number, driver’s license, employment details
- Child’s information: Birth certificate, Social Security number, custody orders
- Other parent’s information: Full name, last known address, employer, Social Security number (if known)
- Financial documents: Pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
Online Application (Recommended):
- Fastest processing time
- Available 24/7
- Immediate confirmation
- Most states offer this option through their child support agency websites
In-Person Application:
- Required in some rural areas
- Helpful if you need assistance with forms
- May take longer to process
By Mail:
- Slowest option
- Higher chance of delays due to missing information
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Visit your state’s child support enforcement website or call your local office. Texas allows online applications, which are processed faster than mailed applications. Most states have similar online systems.
Application Fees
Connecticut charges a $35 annual fee (deducted from payments) if you’ve never received public assistance and at least $550 is collected during the state fiscal year. Many states charge no upfront fees.
Tip: Ask about fee waivers if you’re low-income. Most states offer these for families receiving public assistance.
The Child Support Process
Timeline Overview
| Step | Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Application submitted | Day 1 | Case opens, initial review begins |
| Locate other parent | 30-90 days | Agency uses databases to find non-custodial parent |
| Establish paternity (if needed) | 60-120 days | DNA testing if paternity disputed |
| Calculate support amount | 30-60 days | Apply state guidelines to determine payment |
| Issue court order | 30-90 days | Judge reviews and approves support order |
| Begin collection | Immediately | Wage withholding or other payment method starts |
If the Other Parent Can’t Be Located
Don’t give up if you don’t know where the other parent lives or works. Child support agencies have powerful tools to locate parents:
- Federal Parent Locator Service: Searches Social Security, IRS, and Department of Motor Vehicle records
- New Hire Directory: Tracks when someone starts a new job
- Credit bureau searches: Finds current addresses
- Asset searches: Locates bank accounts and property
Establishing Paternity
If you were never married to the child’s father, paternity must be legally established before child support can be ordered. This process:
- Costs nothing if done through the child support agency
- Protects your child’s rights to support, inheritance, and benefits
- May require DNA testing if the father disputes paternity
- Creates legal father-child relationship for custody and visitation purposes
How Child Support Amounts Are Calculated
All states use mathematical formulas to determine child support amounts, but the methods vary:
Three Main Calculation Models
Income Shares Model (Used by 41 states):
- Combines both parents’ incomes
- Determines total support needed
- Divides obligation based on each parent’s income percentage
Percentage of Income Model (Used by 6 states):
- Takes percentage of non-custodial parent’s income
- Typically 20% for one child, 27% for two children
Melson Formula (Used by 3 states):
- More complex calculation ensuring both parents’ basic needs are met
- Used by Delaware, Hawaii, and Montana
Factors That Affect the Amount
- Both parents’ gross income (including wages, self-employment, benefits)
- Number of children needing support
- Custody arrangement (overnight visits may reduce payments)
- Health insurance costs for the child
- Childcare expenses necessary for work or education
- Special needs of the child
Important: Under 2025 updates, income definitions now include gig work and freelance earnings more comprehensively to prevent underreporting.
New Child Support Laws for 2025
Major Changes Taking Effect
Enhanced Income Tracking: States have implemented clearer guidelines and technology to detect, verify, and include income streams from gig work and freelance jobs in child support calculations.
Faster Modification Process: Instead of waiting 2-3 years, parents can now request modifications after as little as 6 months in some states, with online portals and self-help forms available.
Support During Pregnancy: The Unborn Child Support Act allows pregnant women to receive child support for pregnancy-related expenses like medical visits and prenatal vitamins.
Incarceration Relief: If a parent becomes incarcerated, their child support payments will now be paused rather than continuing to accrue debt.
State-Specific Updates
California: Senate Bill 343 introduced significant changes in September 2024, requiring modification reviews for existing orders.
Massachusetts: Currently reviewing guidelines based on current cost of living, including grocery price increases.
Texas: Expanded modification rules that were introduced in 2023 may be further expanded in 2025.
Child Support Enforcement Tools
When payments are missed, child support agencies have numerous enforcement options:
Automatic Enforcement
- Wage withholding: Most common and effective method
- Asset seizure: Bank accounts, investment accounts
- Tax refund intercepts: Federal and state refunds
- Unemployment benefit intercepts
Administrative Actions
| Enforcement Tool | How It Works | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Wage garnishment | Employer withholds payment directly | 80-90% success rate |
| Bank account levy | Freezes and takes money from accounts | Varies by available funds |
| Property liens | Claim on real estate or vehicles | Effective for property owners |
| Credit bureau reporting | Reports debt to credit agencies | Motivates voluntary payment |
Legal Consequences
License Suspension:
- Driver’s licenses
- Professional licenses
- Recreational licenses (hunting, fishing)
Passport Denial: Currently passports can be denied for those with $5,000 in outstanding arrearages; H.R. 4678 would lower this threshold to $2,500.
Contempt of Court:
- Fines
- Community service
- Jail time (as last resort)
Reality Check: Enforcement can be slow. Most nonpaying fathers receive at least one enforcement action during their first nonpayment spell, where the most common action is a letter.
Modifying Child Support Orders
When You Can Request a Modification
Support orders can be changed when there’s a “substantial change in circumstances,” such as:
- Income changes: Job loss, promotion, change in work hours
- Custody changes: Child spending significantly more time with other parent
- Health changes: New medical needs or insurance changes
- New children: Either parent has additional children
- Cost of living: Significant changes in living expenses
Modification Thresholds by State
| State | Threshold for Modification |
|---|---|
| Florida | 15% change (or $50) within 3 years; 10% (or $25) after 3 years |
| Texas | 20% change or $100 difference |
| Georgia | 15% within 3 years; 10% after 3 years |
| California | 20% change or $50, whichever is less |
How to Request a Modification
Online Submission: Many states—including Florida—allow you to submit modification requests through official state child support agency portals.
Required Documentation:
- Recent pay stubs (3 months)
- Tax returns (previous year)
- Proof of changed circumstances
- Updated childcare or medical costs
Processing Time: Typically takes 3-6 months for review.
Warning: Keep paying the current amount until a new order is issued. Informal agreements between parents don’t change the legal obligation.
Collecting Unpaid Child Support (Arrearages)
Understanding Back Support
When child support isn’t paid on time, it becomes “arrearages” or back support. This debt:
- Never goes away (doesn’t expire)
- Accrues interest (typically 6% annually)
- Continues after the child turns 18 until fully paid
- Can be collected from inheritance, lottery winnings, insurance settlements
Collection Statistics
In 2018, over $118 billion was owed in past-due child support arrearages nationwide.
Strategies for Collecting Back Support
- Contact the child support agency immediately when payments are missed
- Document all missed payments with dates and amounts
- Request asset searches to locate hidden income or property
- Consider intercepting windfalls (tax refunds, insurance settlements)
- Pursue contempt proceedings for willful non-payment
Interstate Child Support Cases
When Parents Live in Different States
Child support can be enforced across state lines through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). This means:
- Your home state keeps jurisdiction over the case
- Other states must enforce your support order
- Child support agreements remain enforceable no matter which state you or your child moves to
- You don’t need to hire lawyers in multiple states
International Cases
The Central Authority Payment Service has sent over $10 million in international child support payments to 13 countries since 2023.
Working with Child Support Agencies
What Child Support Agencies Do
Free Services Include:
- Locating the non-custodial parent
- Establishing paternity
- Obtaining support orders
- Collecting and distributing payments
- Enforcing orders
- Modifying orders when circumstances change
What They Don’t Do
Important: Child support agencies do not represent either the custodial or non-custodial parent. Their goal is to establish and enforce court orders so children receive the financial and medical support they need.
Working Effectively with Your Caseworker
- Respond promptly to requests for information
- Keep your contact information updated
- Document all communications in writing
- Provide complete financial information
- Report changes immediately (address, job, income)
When to Consider Private Legal Help
- Complex custody disputes
- High-conflict cases with domestic violence
- Significant assets or business ownership
- Interstate or international complications
- Modification disputes
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: “He Doesn’t Have a Job”
Reality: Unemployment doesn’t eliminate child support obligations. Payments may be based on earning capacity rather than actual income.
Solutions:
- Request imputed income based on earning potential
- Seek modification when employment status changes
- Pursue enforcement of any income (unemployment benefits, disability)
Challenge: “She Won’t Let Me See the Kids”
Important: Child support and visitation are separate legal issues. You cannot stop paying support because of visitation problems, and custodial parents cannot withhold visitation for missed support.
Solutions:
- File separate motions for visitation enforcement
- Consider family mediation
- Document visitation interference
Challenge: “The Amount Seems Too High/Low”
Solutions:
- Review the calculation worksheet for errors
- Gather documentation of actual income and expenses
- Request modification if circumstances have changed
- Consider factors that may not have been included (special needs, extraordinary expenses)
Challenge: Dealing with Self-Employed Parents
Self-employed parents may try to hide income or manipulate their reported earnings.
Strategies:
- Request multiple years of tax returns
- Subpoena business records
- Use lifestyle analysis (comparing reported income to spending)
- Monitor business licenses and professional activities
Special Circumstances
Military Families
Special Protections:
- Military deployment may qualify as grounds for temporary modification
- Service members have specific rights under the Service Members Civil Relief Act
- Support can be collected from military pay through specialized procedures
Domestic Violence Situations
Safety Considerations:
- Child support cases can be handled confidentially
- Addresses can be kept private through safe address programs
- Court proceedings may include special security measures
- Alternative service methods available if direct contact is dangerous
Resources:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Local victim advocacy services
- Legal aid organizations specializing in domestic violence
Special Needs Children
Support may continue beyond age 18 for children with disabilities who cannot become self-supporting. Additional support may be ordered for:
- Special medical care
- Therapeutic services
- Educational accommodations
- Assistive technology
Inclusive Resources for All Families
LGBTQ+ Single Mothers
Legal Considerations:
- Adoption proceedings may be needed to establish parental rights
- Same-sex couples should ensure both parents are legally recognized
- Sperm donor agreements should address financial obligations
- Some states have specific protections for LGBTQ+ families
Resources:
- National Center for Lesbian Rights
- Family Equality Council
- LGBTQ+-affirming family law attorneys
Tribal and Native American Families
63 tribal child support programs collected $50 million and served over 57,000 children in FY 2024.
Tribal Child Support Services:
- Tribal courts may have jurisdiction over child support cases
- Federal funding available for tribal programs
- Cultural considerations in support determinations
- Coordination between tribal and state systems
Resources:
- National Congress of American Indians
- Tribal child support enforcement offices
- Bureau of Indian Affairs family services
Rural Single Mothers
Unique Challenges:
- Limited access to legal services
- Fewer employment opportunities for non-custodial parents
- Geographic barriers to court appearances
- Seasonal employment affecting income
Solutions:
- Online case management systems
- Video court hearings
- Mobile legal aid services
- Flexible modification standards for seasonal work
Single Fathers
Custodial fathers are less likely to have child support orders than custodial mothers, but the same rights and services apply.
Considerations:
- May face gender bias in some jurisdictions
- Support amounts calculated the same way regardless of custodial parent’s gender
- Equal access to all child support services
- Same enforcement tools available
Resources by Region
Federal Resources
- Office of Child Support Services: acf.hhs.gov/css
- National Child Support Enforcement Association: ncsea.org
- Federal Parent Locator Service: Through state agencies only
State Resources (Examples)
California:
- CA Child Support Services
- Phone: 1-866-901-3212
Texas:
- Texas Attorney General Child Support
- Phone: 1-800-252-8014
New York:
- NY Child Support Services
- Phone: 1-888-208-4485
Florida:
- Florida Department of Revenue Child Support
- Phone: 1-800-622-5437
Find your state’s agency at the ACF website
Legal Aid Organizations
- Legal Services Corporation: lsc.gov
- National Legal Aid & Defender Association: nlada.org
- American Bar Association: americanbar.org
Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)
Q: Can I refuse child support if I don’t want the father involved?
A: While you can technically refuse private payments, you cannot waive your child’s right to support. If you receive public assistance, you’re required to cooperate with child support enforcement. It’s generally not recommended to refuse support as it’s money legally owed to your child.
Q: What if the father has another family and claims he can’t afford to pay?
A: Child support may be reduced if the father has additional children, as family size partly affects payment calculations in most jurisdictions. However, the obligation to existing children doesn’t disappear. The court will consider all children’s needs when determining fair amounts.
Q: Can child support be taken from unemployment benefits or disability payments?
A: Yes, child support can be collected from unemployment benefits, Social Security disability payments, worker’s compensation, and most other forms of income. There are specific procedures for intercepting these payments.
Q: How long does it take to start receiving payments?
A: This varies significantly by case complexity:
- Simple cases: 3-6 months from application to first payment
- Complex cases: 6-12 months or longer
- When location is needed: Can add several months
- If paternity must be established: Adds 2-4 months
Q: What happens if the father moves to another country?
A: The U.S. has agreements with many countries for child support enforcement. The Central Authority Payment Service facilitates international payments to multiple countries. However, enforcement can be more challenging and time-consuming.
Q: Can I get back support from before I filed my case?
A: Generally, child support orders are not retroactive beyond the date you filed your application. Some states allow limited retroactivity (3-6 months). File your application as soon as possible to avoid losing potential support.
Q: What if I can’t find the father?
A: Child support agencies have extensive locate tools including federal databases, credit bureaus, and employment records. The Federal Parent Locator Service assists agencies in finding non-custodial parents. Don’t assume someone can’t be found – provide any information you have, no matter how old.
Q: Can child support be modified if my ex gets remarried?
A: The remarriage itself doesn’t automatically change child support. However, if the new spouse’s income significantly changes your ex’s financial situation or if there are new stepchildren involved, it might be grounds for modification depending on your state’s laws.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to get child support?
A: No, child support agencies provide free services to establish and enforce support orders. However, you may want legal representation if:
- Your case involves significant assets or complex income
- There are disputes about custody or paternity
- Domestic violence is involved
- The other parent has an attorney
Q: What if my ex declares bankruptcy?
A: Child support obligations typically cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. Both current support and back support (arrearages) are considered priority debts that survive bankruptcy proceedings.
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
Immediate Steps (This Week)
- Gather documents: Birth certificates, Social Security cards, any existing court orders
- Create a financial inventory: List all income sources, expenses, and the child’s specific needs
- Contact your state agency: Find your local child support office contact information
- Start documenting: Keep records of any informal support payments or communications
Short-term Steps (This Month)
- Submit your application: Use online portals when available for faster processing
- Provide complete information: Include everything you know about the other parent
- Follow up regularly: Stay in contact with your caseworker
- Connect with resources: Apply for other assistance programs if needed
Long-term Success Strategies
- Keep records organized: Maintain files of all payments, court orders, and communications
- Report changes promptly: Update your address, income, or custody arrangements immediately
- Stay engaged: Participate in all hearings and respond to agency requests quickly
- Plan for the future: Understand how support will change as your child ages
Disclaimer
Child support laws and procedures vary by state and change frequently. The information in this guide is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Program details, eligibility requirements, and contact information can change. Always verify current information with your state’s child support agency or consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
This guide was compiled using official government sources and current research as of August 2025. For the most up-to-date information, contact your local child support enforcement office or visit your state’s official child support website.
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.
This child support guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including the federal Office of Child Support Services, state child support agencies, U.S. Census Bureau, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.
Information compiled from official sources including the Office of Child Support Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Census Bureau, state child support agencies, and current federal legislation. Last verified: August 2025.
The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.
