Child Support in Arkansas
Arkansas Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Your Complete 2025 Handbook
Last updated: August 2025
If You Need Help Today
Emergency Situations:
- Domestic violence: Call Arkansas Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-332-4443
- Immediate legal help: Arkansas Legal Aid at 1-800-950-5817
- Crisis assistance: 211 Arkansas (dial 2-1-1)
- Emergency food: Arkansas Food Bank Locator at arkfoodbank.org
Quick Action Steps:
- Apply for child support today: Call Arkansas OCSE at 501-371-5349
- Calculate your potential support: Use the Arkansas Child Support Calculator
- Get free legal help: Contact Arkansas Legal Aid
- Emergency financial assistance: Apply for Emergency SNAP benefits
Main Points
✅ Arkansas uses the Income Shares Model (since July 1, 2020) – both parents’ incomes matter for calculations¹
✅ Application fee is $25 – waived if you receive SNAP, Medicaid, TEA, or ARKids First²
✅ 13% service fee – deducted from payments (max $18/month) unless you’re on assistance programs³
✅ Two payment options: US Bank ReliaCard or direct deposit⁴
✅ Retroactive support available – up to 3 years before filing or child’s birth date⁵
✅ Support continues until age 18 – or 19 if still in high school⁶
Understanding Arkansas Child Support in 2025
What Changed in 2020 and Why It Matters
Arkansas made a major change effective July 1, 2020, when it switched from the old “Percentage of Income” model to the Income Shares Model under Administrative Order No. 10⁷. Here’s what this means for you:
Before July 2020: Only the non-custodial parent’s income mattered
Since July 2020: Both parents’ incomes are considered
Sarah’s Story: “When I applied under the old system in 2019, my ex was ordered to pay $400 monthly based only on his $3,000 income. When we modified in 2021 under the new system, even though I now make $1,500 monthly, the payment actually went up to $450 because his income had increased to $4,000. The new system is fairer because it considers what our child would have received if we stayed together.”
This change generally results in more equitable calculations. Arkansas Code § 9-14-107 states that an inconsistency between an existing child-support award and the amount under the new Income Shares Model constitutes a material change of circumstances sufficient to support a petition to modify child support⁸.
Who Can Apply for Arkansas Child Support in 2025
You can apply for child support services if you are:
- A parent with physical custody of a child under 18
- A legal guardian or caretaker with custody
- Someone owed back support for a child now over 18 (within certain time limits)
- A relative or “fictive kin” with strong ties to the child⁹
Important: You don’t have to be an Arkansas resident to apply for services in Arkansas, but be aware you might need to travel here for court hearings¹⁰.
Reality Check: Even if you’re nervous about “stirring up trouble,” remember that child support is your child’s legal right, not a favor you’re asking for.
How Much Arkansas Child Support Can You Actually Get?
Arkansas Income Shares Model Explained
The amount you’ll receive depends on several factors under Administrative Order No. 10:
| Factor | How It’s Used | Example Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Combined gross income | Both parents’ incomes added together | $3,000 + $2,000 = $5,000 total |
| Number of children | More children = higher total support | 1 child: $1,081; 2 children: $1,570 |
| Custody arrangement | Less than 141 overnights vs. shared custody | Standard vs. reduced obligation |
| Additional expenses | Childcare, health insurance, medical costs | Added to base support amount |
2025 Arkansas Child Support Amounts (Base Support Before Parent Income Split)
Based on the current Arkansas Family Support Chart:
| Parents’ Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $433 | $629 | $721 | $795 |
| $3,000 | $649 | $943 | $1,081 | $1,192 |
| $4,000 | $865 | $1,257 | $1,441 | $1,588 |
| $5,000 | $1,081 | $1,570 | $1,801 | $1,985 |
| $6,000 | $1,297 | $1,884 | $2,161 | $2,382 |
| $8,000 | $1,729 | $2,512 | $2,881 | $3,175 |
Reality Check: These are base amounts before considering each parent’s share. If you earn $1,000 monthly and the other parent earns $4,000 monthly, you’re responsible for 20% of the support amount, and they pay 80%.
Real-World Example: How Your Income Affects What You Receive
Example: Combined income is $5,000/month with 2 children
- Total support needed: $1,570/month
- If you earn $1,000 (20%) and other parent earns $4,000 (80%):
- Other parent pays: $1,256/month to you
- Your contribution: $314/month (through direct child care)
Use the Official Arkansas Child Support Calculator
The most accurate way to estimate your support is using the Arkansas Child Support Calculator provided by the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts¹¹. This calculator:
- Estimates child support amounts under current 2025 guidelines
- Generates the Child Support Worksheet (saveable as PDF)
- Accounts for shared custody adjustments
- Includes additional expenses calculations
What You’ll Need:
- Both parents’ gross monthly income (before taxes)
- Number of children needing support
- Monthly childcare costs
- Monthly health insurance costs for the children
- Any other court-ordered support payments
Note: The judge in your case has the final authority to determine the amount of child support ordered. This calculator only provides an estimate¹².
How to Apply for Arkansas Child Support Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before applying, collect these documents¹³:
- Child’s certified birth certificate
- Your photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Proof of income (3 recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefits statements)
- Information about the other parent:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth and Social Security number
- Current address and previous addresses
- Employer name and address
- Phone numbers and email addresses
- Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, custody orders)
- Medical insurance information for you and your child
Expert Tip: The more complete information you provide about the other parent, the faster OCSE can locate them and establish support. Even old information can be valuable.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
You have three ways to apply for Arkansas child support services:
Option 1: Online Application
- Visit the Arkansas DFA OCSE website
- Click “Apply online” and complete the electronic application
- Upload required documents
- Pay the $25 fee online (if applicable)
Option 2: In-Person Application
- Visit your local OCSE office during business hours
- Find office locations at dfa.arkansas.gov
- Bring all required documents and the $25 fee
- Complete the application with staff assistance
Option 3: Mail Application
- Download the Request for Services form
- Complete all sections and include required documents
- Mail with $25 money order or cashier’s check to your local OCSE office
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee (If Required)
OCSE charges a nonrefundable application fee of $25.00¹⁴.
You DON’T pay this fee if you receive:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid or Arkansas Works
- TEA (Transitional Employment Assistance)
- Your child receives ARKids First coverage
Important: A separate application and $25 fee is required for each non-custodial parent¹⁵.
Step 4: Work with Your OCSE Caseworker
Once OCSE receives your application, it will be referred to the appropriate local office for review within 30 days¹⁶. Your caseworker will:
- Review your case and contact you for any additional information
- Locate the other parent using state and federal databases if needed
- Establish paternity if necessary through voluntary acknowledgment or court order
- Work to establish a court order for child and medical support
- Begin enforcement once an order is in place
What to Expect Timeline:
- Simple cases (other parent cooperative, paternity established): 60-90 days
- Complex cases (location needed, paternity disputed): 6-12 months
- Interstate cases: 3-6 months depending on other state’s cooperation
Understanding Arkansas Child Support Fees and Costs in 2025
Complete Fee Breakdown
Based on Arkansas OCSE fee schedule:
| Fee Type | Amount | When Charged | Who Pays | Can Be Waived? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $25 | One-time when applying | Custodial parent | Yes (assistance recipients) |
| Service Fee | 13% of payment (max $18) | Monthly when payments received | Deducted from support | Yes (assistance recipients) |
| Legal Action Fee | $80 | When court action needed | Varies by case | No |
| Genetic Testing | $75-150 | When paternity testing required | Non-custodial parent initially | No |
Service Fee Example – Corrected Calculation
Example: You receive $500 in child support
- Service fee: 13% of $500 = $65
- Actual fee charged: $18 (because of the monthly cap)
- Amount you receive: $500 – $18 = $482
Another Example: You receive $100 in child support
- Service fee: 13% of $100 = $13
- Amount you receive: $100 – $13 = $87
Who Doesn’t Pay Fees
You won’t pay application or service fees if you’re required to cooperate with OCSE because you receive¹⁷:
- SNAP benefits
- Medicaid or Arkansas Works coverage
- TEA benefits
- Your child receives ARKids First coverage
How You’ll Receive Your Arkansas Child Support Payments
Arkansas offers two electronic payment methods through the Arkansas Child Support Clearinghouse:
Option 1: U.S. Bank ReliaCard®
The U.S. Bank ReliaCard is a prepaid Visa debit card, not a credit card¹⁸.
How it works:
- No bank account or credit check required
- Your payments are loaded directly onto the card
- Allow up to 10 business days to complete setup for new cards
- Once active, funds are available within 2 business days of OCSE disbursement
Services with NO fees:
- Making purchases anywhere Visa is accepted
- Teller cash withdrawals at U.S. Bank branches
- In-network ATM withdrawals
- Customer service calls
- Monthly account maintenance
Potential fees for:
- Out-of-network ATM withdrawals
- Paper statements
- Expedited card replacement
Contact for ReliaCard issues: Arkansas Child Support Clearinghouse at 1-866-428-8382
Option 2: Direct Deposit
Requirements:
- Open checking or savings account at any U.S. bank or credit union
- Completed Electronic Deposit Enrollment Form
Setup process:
- Submit enrollment form to OCSE
- Allow 5 business days for processing
- OCSE coordinates with your bank for setup
- Contact your bank to learn when funds become available
Important: If your direct deposit is rejected (account closed, frozen, etc.), you’ll automatically receive a U.S. Bank ReliaCard¹⁹.
When Arkansas Child Support Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement Tools
What Arkansas OCSE Can Do to Collect Support
OCSE has various enforcement methods available under Arkansas Code § 9-14-206 and federal law:
| Enforcement Method | How It Works | Requirements | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Withholding | Money taken directly from paychecks | Employment known | Most effective |
| State Tax Intercept | State tax refunds seized | $100+ owed (or $50+ if state debt) | Seasonal |
| Federal Tax Intercept | Federal tax refunds seized | Past due support | Annual |
| License Suspension | Driver’s, professional, recreational licenses suspended | Past due support | High compliance rate |
| Credit Bureau Reporting | Reports to Equifax, Experian, TransUnion monthly | Past due support | Long-term impact |
| Asset Seizure (FIDM) | Bank accounts frozen/seized | Significant arrears | Very effective |
| Property Liens | Liens placed on real estate, vehicles | $500+ owed | Prevents sales |
| Contempt of Court | Possible jail time up to 6 months | Administrative remedies exhausted | Last resort |
What You Can Do to Help Enforcement
- Keep detailed records of all missed or partial payments with dates and amounts
- Report changes immediately in the other parent’s employment, address, or assets
- Stay in regular contact with your caseworker (at least monthly if payments are inconsistent)
- Use OCSE MyCase to check payment status and case updates online
- Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay but show wealth on social media
When Enforcement Isn’t Working
If standard enforcement tools aren’t effective, OCSE may pursue:
- Federal criminal prosecution for willful non-payment across state lines (owing $5,000+ or 1+ year behind)²⁰
- Passport denial through the State Department for $2,500+ in arrears²¹
- Professional license suspension (medical, legal, real estate, etc.)
- Federal contractor exclusion (prevents getting government contracts)
Special Situations and Inclusive Support
LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Arkansas
Arkansas child support laws apply equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Key considerations:
Same-sex couples who were married: If both parents are listed on the birth certificate or adoption papers, both may have support obligations under Arkansas Code § 9-14-106.
Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered. This may require:
- Voluntary acknowledgment of parentage
- Court determination of parental rights
- Review of sperm/egg donor agreements
Discrimination concerns: If you face discrimination in the child support process, contact:
- Arkansas Equality: (501) 374-2687 or arkansasequality.org
- ACLU of Arkansas: (501) 374-2842
Additional Resources:
- PFLAG Little Rock: Support groups at pflaglittlerock.org
- Lambda Legal: Legal advocacy at lambdalegal.org
Native American and Tribal Connections
While Arkansas doesn’t have federally recognized tribal reservations, many families have tribal connections that can affect child support:
Interstate tribal cases: If the other parent lives on tribal land in another state, OCSE works with:
- Office of Tribal Services within the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement
- Tribal child support agencies that have cooperative agreements with states
- Tribal courts that may have exclusive or concurrent jurisdiction
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) considerations: May apply if:
- Children are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe
- Children are eligible for enrollment and biological parents are members
- Cases involve custody or placement decisions
Contact for tribal cases: Arkansas OCSE at 501-371-5349 can coordinate with federal tribal services.
Rural Families with Limited Access
Transportation challenges to OCSE offices:
- Phone consultations available: Call your local office to arrange
- Video conferencing: Some offices offer virtual meetings
- Mobile services: OCSE occasionally visits rural communities
- Documents by mail/fax: Most paperwork can be submitted remotely
Internet access limitations:
- Public libraries: Free internet and computer access for online services
- OCSE phone support: 501-371-5349 for assistance with online applications
- Local DHS offices: Can help with applications and provide internet access
- Community centers: Many rural communities have public computer access
Language accessibility:
- Spanish interpretation: Available by request for OCSE appointments
- Other languages: Federal law requires interpretation services
- TDD/TTY services: Available for hearing-impaired customers
Additional rural resources:
- Arkansas Cooperative Extension: Family resource information at local county offices
- Rural Health Network of Arkansas: Medical assistance programs
- USDA Rural Development: Housing and utility assistance programs
Single Fathers Seeking Child Support
Single fathers have identical rights under Arkansas child support law. However, studies show custodial fathers face unique challenges²²:
Statistics for custodial fathers:
- 38% never receive a single child support payment (vs. 29% for custodial mothers)
- More likely to receive non-cash support (65% vs. 56%)
- Less likely to be unemployed (9% vs. 22% for custodial mothers)
Same application process: Application, fees, and enforcement methods are identical for fathers
Specific resources for single fathers:
- Arkansas Fathers and Families: Support group information
- Single Fathers Network: Online community and resources
- Legal Aid: Same services available regardless of gender
Arkansas Organizations and Programs That Provide Support
Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE)
What they do: OCSE is a division within the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration that works in partnership with federal agencies to establish and enforce court-ordered financial and medical support. They provide comprehensive services including parent location, paternity establishment, court order creation, payment processing, and enforcement of support obligations.
Services provided: Locate non-custodial parents using state and federal databases, establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, create and modify child support orders, enforce payment through wage withholding and other tools, distribute collected support payments, and provide payment processing services for existing private orders.
How to contact: Main line 501-371-5349 or toll-free 877-731-3071, with 26 local offices across Arkansas providing in-person services.
Application process: Apply online at dfa.arkansas.gov, by phone, or in person with required documents and $25 fee (waived for assistance recipients).
Arkansas Legal Aid
What they do: Arkansas Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income Arkansas residents, including comprehensive family law representation for child support, custody, domestic relations, and protective order cases. They offer both direct representation and self-help resources to ensure equal access to justice.
Services provided: Legal representation in family court, advice and consultation for child support issues, assistance with modification requests, help with enforcement problems, domestic violence legal advocacy, and extensive online self-help resources including forms and guides.
Who qualifies: Households at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines (approximately $3,496/month for a family of three in 2025), with priority given to domestic violence survivors and cases involving children.
How to apply: Call 1-800-950-5817 for intake screening, use online application at arlegalservices.org, or visit offices in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Pine Bluff, El Dorado, Jonesboro, and Fayetteville.
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund
What they do: The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance and comprehensive support services to help single parents complete post-secondary education and achieve economic self-sufficiency. This program goes beyond tuition to cover living expenses, childcare, and transportation costs that create barriers to education.
Services provided: Scholarships up to $1,600 per semester for tuition, books, childcare, transportation, and living expenses; mentoring and counseling services; academic support and tutoring; career planning assistance; and ongoing case management throughout the educational program.
Who qualifies: Must live in Arkansas or Bowie County, TX; be legally single, divorced, or widowed; have physical custody (50% or more) of at least one dependent child; have low to moderate income typically not exceeding 250% of federal poverty guidelines; and be enrolled or accepted in an accredited post-secondary program.
Application process: Applications accepted three times yearly with Fall 2025 applications due August 1-September 1, 2025. Contact local coordinators through aspsf.org or call main office for application materials and deadlines.
Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS)
What they do: Arkansas DHS administers multiple assistance programs for families, coordinating closely with OCSE for automatic child support referrals when families receive certain benefits. They provide comprehensive family support services including food assistance, cash aid, medical coverage, and childcare assistance.
Services provided: SNAP food assistance for eligible families, TEA cash assistance (maximum 12 months), Medicaid and Arkansas Works health coverage, ARKids First child health insurance, childcare assistance for working parents, housing assistance programs, and utility assistance through LIHEAP.
Who qualifies: Eligibility varies by program based on income, family size, and specific circumstances, with most programs serving families at or below 130-138% of federal poverty level.
How to apply: Online applications at ACCESS Arkansas provide streamlined access to multiple programs, or visit local DHS offices in all 75 counties. Phone assistance available at 1-855-202-0007.
Frequently Asked Questions: Arkansas Child Support for Single Mothers
About Applying and Eligibility
Q: Do I have to be an Arkansas resident to get child support through Arkansas OCSE? A: No, you don’t have to be an Arkansas resident to apply for services²³. However, you might need to travel to Arkansas for court hearings. OCSE can work with other states if the non-custodial parent lives elsewhere.
Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: OCSE has extensive tools to locate parents including employment databases, tax records, credit reports, utility records, and motor vehicle registrations. Provide any information you have, even if it’s years old – including previous addresses, employers, relatives’ names, or social media profiles.
Q: Can I apply for child support if I was never married to the father? A: Absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. OCSE can help establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing if needed.
Q: What if the father claims he’s unemployed or can’t afford to pay? A: Arkansas courts can “impute income” based on earning capacity. Under Arkansas Code § 9-14-106, if someone is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, support can be based on what they could earn with their education, training, and experience.
About Calculations and Amounts Under the Income Shares Model
Q: How does my income affect what the other parent pays under the new Income Shares Model? A: Under the Income Shares Model, both incomes are combined to determine total support needed, then each parent pays their percentage. Example: Combined income $5,000, support needed $1,570 for 2 children. If you earn $1,000 (20%) and other parent earns $4,000 (80%), they pay $1,256 to you while you provide $314 through direct care.
Q: Can I get retroactive child support for years before I applied? A: Yes. Under Arkansas Code § 9-14-105, judges can order retroactive support for up to 3 years before you filed the petition, or back to the child’s birth if they’re under 3 years old.
Q: What counts as “income” for Arkansas child support calculations? A: Administrative Order No. 10 defines income broadly: wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, overtime, tips, self-employment income, rental income, retirement benefits, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, Social Security benefits, and any other regular income source.
Q: Is there a maximum amount of child support in Arkansas? A: Arkansas doesn’t set a specific cap. The Family Support Chart goes up to $30,000 per month in combined income. For higher incomes, courts have discretion to order additional support based on the child’s needs.
About Payments and Problems
Q: What if my child now spends more time with the other parent than when we got the original order? A: If either parent has the child for 141 or more overnights per year (approximately 39% time), this may qualify as “shared custody” under Administrative Order No. 10, which can reduce the support obligation. You’ll need to petition the court for modification.
Q: How do I switch from ReliaCard to direct deposit or vice versa? A: Complete a new Electronic Deposit Enrollment Form and submit it to OCSE. Allow 5-10 business days for the change to take effect.
Q: What should I do if I receive a child support payment that seems wrong? A: Contact the Arkansas Child Support Clearinghouse immediately. While OCSE works to correctly post payments, errors can occur. If you receive money you’re not entitled to, you’ll be asked to return it, but OCSE will work with you on repayment options.
Q: How long does it typically take to receive my first child support payment? A: Timeline varies significantly:
- Cooperative cases with wage withholding: 4-8 weeks after order is entered
- Cases requiring parent location: 3-6 months
- Contested paternity cases: 6-12 months
- Interstate cases: 3-9 months depending on other state cooperation
About Enforcement and Legal Issues
Q: What if the other parent quits their job or moves to avoid paying child support? A: OCSE has multiple enforcement tools beyond wage withholding. They can seize tax refunds, suspend licenses, report to credit bureaus, freeze bank accounts, and even pursue federal criminal charges for willful non-payment. Job changes must be reported to the Arkansas New Hire Registry.
Q: Can OCSE help with custody, visitation, or parenting time issues? A: No. OCSE only handles financial and medical support. For custody or visitation issues, you’ll need to contact a private attorney, Arkansas Legal Aid, or file directly with the family court.
Q: What happens to child support if the other parent moves to another state? A: OCSE can work with child support agencies in all 50 states under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. The Arkansas order remains enforceable, and the other state will assist with enforcement.
Q: Does child support automatically stop if the other parent goes to jail? A: No. Incarceration doesn’t automatically terminate child support obligations under Arkansas Code § 9-14-107. The obligation continues to accrue, though the incarcerated parent may petition for a temporary modification based on inability to pay.
About Modifications and Appeals
Q: How do I modify my child support order if circumstances change? A: You can request a modification if there’s been a material change in circumstances, defined as:
- A change of 20% or $100 in monthly income
- A change in custody arrangement (141+ overnights)
- A change in childcare or health insurance costs
- Every 3 years since the last review Contact OCSE or file a petition with the court that issued the original order.
Q: What if I disagree with the child support amount the court ordered? A: You have the right to appeal within 30 days of the order. Contact Arkansas Legal Aid at 1-800-950-5817 for assistance with appeals, or consult with a private family law attorney.
Q: Can child support be forgiven or reduced if the other parent can’t pay? A: Child support debt cannot be forgiven without court approval. Only the court can modify future payments, and only with proper legal grounds. Past-due support (arrears) generally cannot be waived, even by agreement between parents.
Complete Arkansas Child Support Resources and Contact Information
Arkansas OCSE Main Contacts
Statewide Services:
- Main OCSE Line: 501-371-5349 or 877-731-3071
- Clearinghouse (Payment Issues): 1-866-428-8382
- OCSE MyCase Portal: ark.org/mycase
- Main Website: dfa.arkansas.gov/office/child-support-enforcement
- Mailing Address: PO Box 8133, Little Rock, AR 72203-8133
Legal Help and Advocacy
Free Legal Services:
- Arkansas Legal Aid: 1-800-950-5817 | arlegalservices.org
- Arkansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral: 501-375-4606
- Court Self-Help Center: arcourts.gov
- Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy: Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 1-800-269-4668
LGBTQ+ Legal Support:
- Arkansas Equality: 501-374-2687 | arkansasequality.org
- Lambda Legal: lambdalegal.org | 1-866-542-8336
Financial Assistance Programs
State Benefits:
- ACCESS Arkansas (Multiple Benefits): access.arkansas.gov | 1-855-202-0007
- Arkansas 211 (Local Resources): Dial 2-1-1 or arkansas211.org
- Arkansas Food Bank: arkfoodbank.org | 501-565-8121
- Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: aspsf.org
Utility and Housing Assistance:
- Arkansas LIHEAP (Energy Assistance): humanservices.arkansas.gov | 1-855-202-0007
- Arkansas Development Finance Authority (Housing): adfa.arkansas.gov | 501-682-5900
Emergency Help and Crisis Support
Immediate Safety:
- Arkansas Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-332-4443
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Arkansas Crisis Center: 1-888-274-7472
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Child Services:
- Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-482-5964
- Arkansas Department of Human Services Child Protective Services: humanservices.arkansas.gov
Online Tools and Calculators
Official Arkansas Resources:
- Child Support Calculator: arcourts.gov/child-support-calculator
- Arkansas Court Forms: arcourts.gov/forms-and-publications
- Arkansas Child Support Guidelines: arcourts.gov/forms-and-publications/arkansas-child-support-guidelines
- ReliaCard Management: usbankreliacard.com
Benefits Screening:
- Arkansas Benefits Screener: access.arkansas.gov
- SNAP Calculator: snap-step1.usda.gov/fns
Accessibility Services
Language Support:
- Arkansas Language Line: Available through OCSE offices for interpretation services
- Spanish-speaking OCSE Staff: Available at most regional offices
Disability Accommodations:
- Arkansas Relay Service (TDD/TTY): 711
- Division of Services for the Blind: arkansas.gov/dhs/dsb | 501-682-5463
- Disability Rights Arkansas: disabilityrightsarkansas.org | 1-800-482-1174
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 Arkansas guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement, Arkansas Legal Aid, USDA, and HHS to ensure accuracy.
Information compiled from official Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement, Arkansas Judiciary, Arkansas Legal Aid, and federal sources. 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.
Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about Arkansas child support law and procedures as of August 2025. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and program details can change, and individual situations vary significantly.
Always:
- Verify current information with the Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement at 501-371-5349
- Consult with an attorney for legal advice specific to your unique situation
- Keep detailed records of all communications, payments, and missed payments
- Report changes in your circumstances to OCSE promptly
- Review your case regularly through OCSE MyCase or by contacting your caseworker
The information in this guide:
- Is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional legal advice
- May not apply to every individual situation or case
- Is subject to change without notice as laws and regulations are updated
- Should be verified with official sources before making legal or financial decisions
Limitation of liability: While we strive for accuracy, this guide cannot cover every possible scenario or exception to Arkansas child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Arkansas OCSE directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.
For the most current information, contact Arkansas OCSE at 501-371-5349 or visit dfa.arkansas.gov/office/child-support-enforcement.
Footnotes and Sources
¹ Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 10 (effective July 1, 2020)
² Arkansas Administrative Code, Division 25, Rule 006.25.20-001
³ Arkansas DFA OCSE Costs and Fees Schedule (April 2024)
⁴ Arkansas Child Support Clearinghouse Payment Options
⁵ Arkansas Code § 9-14-105(c)(2) and § 9-14-106(c)(1)
⁶ Arkansas Code § 9-14-237
⁷ Arkansas Supreme Court Per Curiam Opinion, April 2, 2020
⁸ Arkansas Code § 9-14-107
⁹ Arkansas Administrative Code 006.25.20-001
¹⁰ Arkansas OCSE General Questions FAQ (October 2024)
¹¹ Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts
¹² Arkansas Child Support Calculator Disclaimer
¹³ Arkansas OCSE Application Requirements
¹⁴ Arkansas Administrative Code 006.25.20-001
¹⁵ Arkansas OCSE Fee Schedule
¹⁶ Arkansas OCSE Processing Timeline
¹⁷ Arkansas DFA OCSE Fee Waiver Criteria
¹⁸ Arkansas Child Support Clearinghouse Payment Methods
¹⁹ Arkansas Electronic Deposit Enrollment Process
²⁰ Federal Criminal Non-Support Guidelines
²¹ Federal Passport Denial Program
²² Annie E. Casey Foundation Child Support Statistics (2023)
²³ Arkansas OCSE Non-Resident Services Policy
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- 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
- 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
- 🎓 Education Grants
- 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
- 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
- 🔧 Job Training
- ⚖️ Legal Help
- 🧠 Mental Health Resources
- 🚗 Transportation Assistance
- 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
- ⚡ Utility Assistance
- 🥛 WIC Benefits
- 🏦 TANF Assistance
- 🏠 Housing Assistance
- 👶 Childcare Assistance
- 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
- 🚨 Emergency Assistance
- 🤝 Community Support
- 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
- 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
- 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
- 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
- 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
- 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
- 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
- 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
- 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
- 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
- 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
