Child Support in Louisiana

Last Updated on August 13, 2025 by Rachel

Louisiana Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Complete 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:

Domestic violence: Louisiana Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-888-411-1333
Child protection: Louisiana Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437)
Emergency financial assistance: Call 211 or visit Louisiana 211
Crisis support: VIA LINK Louisiana Parent Line at 833-LA-CHILD (833-522-4453)

Quick Action Steps:

Apply for child support today: Call DCFS Child Support at 1-888-LAHELP-U (1-888-524-3578)
Calculate potential support: Use the Louisiana Child Support Estimator
Get free legal help: Contact Louisiana Law Help or call your local legal aid office
Emergency food assistance: Apply for SNAP benefits online

Main Points

✅ Louisiana uses an Income Shares Model – both parents’ incomes determine support amounts¹

✅ Application fee is $25 – waived if you receive FITAP, KCSP, or Medicaid²

✅ Additional annual fee of $35 – charged when state collects $550+ in a federal fiscal year³

✅ Two payment options: Direct deposit to your bank account or Direct Payment Card⁴

✅ Support continues until age 18 – or 19 if still in high school full-time⁵

✅ Guidelines updated January 1, 2021 – next review due before 2024 legislative session⁶

Understanding Louisiana Child Support in 2025

What Louisiana’s Income Shares Model Means for You

Louisiana child support uses a shared income model based on parents’ combined earnings. Each parent contributes proportionally to their income, with adjustments for existing obligations and expenses like healthcare and childcare. This approach considers what your child would receive if both parents lived together.

Here’s how it works in simple terms: The court looks at how much money both parents make together, then figures out how much it costs to raise your child. Each parent pays their fair share based on their income percentage.

Real Example:

You earn $2,000/month, other parent earns $4,000/month
Combined income: $6,000/month
For one child, total support needed: approximately $1,200/month
Your share: 33% ($400 through direct care)
Other parent pays: 67% ($800 to you)

Who Can Apply for Louisiana Child Support Services

You can apply for child support if you are:

A parent with physical custody of a child under 18
A legal guardian caring for a child
A relative (like grandparent) with custody
Someone owed back support (within certain time limits)

Important Note: Anyone who receives FITAP, KCSP, or is referred to DCFS by Medicaid automatically receives child support enforcement services. If you’re on these programs, your case will be set up automatically.

How Much Louisiana Child Support You Can Get

Current 2025 Louisiana Child Support Guidelines

The Louisiana Child Support Schedule was updated on January 1, 2021, in accordance with Federal and State law that requires the State’s Child Support Guidelines to be reviewed every four years. The guidelines cover combined monthly incomes up to $40,000 of combined monthly adjusted gross income. For cases with combined monthly adjusted gross income above $40,000, the child support obligation should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Basic Child Support Obligation Table (2025)

Combined Monthly Income	1 Child	2 Children	3 Children	4 Children
$1,000	$248	$382	$461	$517
$2,000	$426	$655	$791	$887
$3,000	$587	$903	$1,090	$1,223
$4,000	$736	$1,133	$1,368	$1,536
$5,000	$876	$1,350	$1,629	$1,829
$6,000	$1,009	$1,556	$1,879	$2,109
$8,000	$1,261	$1,944	$2,348	$2,635
$10,000	$1,497	$2,309	$2,788	$3,128

Note: These are basic amounts before considering each parent’s income percentage and additional expenses

Additional Costs Added to Basic Support

The total child support obligation shall be determined by adding together the basic child support obligation amount, the net child care costs, the cost of health insurance premiums, extraordinary medical expenses, and other extraordinary expenses.

What gets added:

Childcare costs (after federal tax credits)
Health insurance premiums for the child
Extraordinary medical expenses over $250 per year per child
Other necessary expenses (school activities, special needs)

Use Louisiana’s Official Child Support Estimator

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) launched its Child Support Estimator, an online tool designed to provide parents with insights into potential child support obligations.

Access the estimator at: Louisiana Child Support Estimator

What you’ll need:

Both parents’ gross monthly income
Number of children
Monthly childcare costs
Monthly health insurance costs for children
Custody arrangement details

Reality Check: These are estimates only. The judge may order a different amount in your case based on special circumstances or your child’s specific needs.

How to Apply for Louisiana Child Support Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents:

Child’s certified birth certificate
Your 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 known aliases
- Date of birth and Social Security number (if known)
- Current and previous addresses
- Employer information
- Phone numbers and email addresses

Tip: In most situations, the program can only release the last known address and place of employment if you need locate-only services.

Step 2: Choose Your Application Method

Option 1: Apply Online (Recommended)

Visit Louisiana CAFÉ portal
Complete the electronic application
Upload required documents
Pay the $25 fee online (if applicable)

Option 2: Apply by Paper

Download the application form from the DCFS website
Complete all sections thoroughly
Mail with required documents and payment
The fee must be postmarked within 30 days of submitting the application

Option 3: Apply in Person

Visit your local DCFS office
Bring all required documents
Complete application with staff assistance

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

There is a $25 application fee for applicants who do not receive FITAP, KCSP, or Medicaid.

You DON’T pay this fee if you receive:

FITAP (Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program)
KCSP (Kinship Care Subsidy Program)
Medicaid or Louisiana Medicaid

Payment methods:

Credit or debit card (Visa or MasterCard only) for online applications
Cashier’s check or money order made payable to DCFS
Include your name, address, and SSN on the payment instrument

Step 4: Work with Your DCFS Caseworker

Once DCFS receives your application, a caseworker will be assigned to your case. They will:

Review your application and contact you for additional information if needed
Locate the other parent using state and federal databases
Establish paternity if necessary
Request a court order for child and medical support
Begin enforcement once an order is in place

Timeline expectations:

Cooperative cases: 60-90 days for initial order
Location required: 3-6 months
Paternity disputed: 6-12 months

Understanding Louisiana Child Support Fees in 2025

Complete Fee Breakdown

Fee Type	Amount	When Charged	Who Pays	Can Be Waived?
Application Fee	$25.00	One-time at application	Custodial parent	Yes (assistance recipients)
Annual Service Fee	$35.00	When state collects $550+ yearly	Custodial parent	Yes (never received FITAP)
Locate Services	$10 (with SSN) or $14 (without SSN)	When using locate-only services	Applying parent	No
Genetic Testing	Varies	When paternity testing needed	Initially non-custodial parent	No

Important Fee Details

Federal law requires CSE to charge an annual $35.00 fee when the state collects $550 during a federal fiscal year. CSE only charges this fee if the individual has never received FITAP. The payment will be paid from the first payment after it becomes due.

Reality Check: Unlike some states, Louisiana doesn’t charge a percentage of each payment you receive. The fees are minimal compared to the financial support you’ll gain for your child.

How You’ll Receive Your Louisiana Child Support Payments

Payment Processing

The DCFS, Centralized Collection Unit (CCU) collects all payments for child support, medical support, and fees. The CCU processes payments from Monday through Friday. The amounts are sent out the next day.

Your Payment Options

Option 1: Direct Deposit to Your Bank Account

Fastest and most reliable method
Requires checking or savings account
Complete the direct deposit authorization form
Funds typically available next business day

Option 2: Direct Payment Card

DCFS sends all payments by direct deposit into a checking account, savings account, or Direct Payment Card account
No bank account required
Functions like a debit card
To check the balance on your Direct Payment Card, please visit http://www.usbankreliacard.com or download the U.S. Bank ReliaCard Mobile app

For card issues: To report a lost, stolen, or damaged Direct Payment Card, contact U.S. Bank Customer Service at 1-855-274-0374

Payment Methods for Paying Parents

Most child support payments are made by income assignment order (automatic paycheck deduction). Other options include:

Online payments through ExpertPay
MoneyGram payments (there is a $3.99 convenience fee for the use of this service)
Mail payments: Child Support Payments should be made by money order or cashier’s check and mailed to: Centralized Collection Unit (CCU) Post Office Box 260222 Baton Rouge, LA 70826

When Louisiana Child Support Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement Tools

What DCFS Can Do to Collect Support

Louisiana has extensive enforcement tools available:

Enforcement Method	How It Works	Effectiveness	Requirements
Income Withholding	Automatic paycheck deduction	Very High	Employment known
Tax Refund Intercept	State and federal tax refunds seized	High	Past due support
License Suspension	Driver’s, professional, recreational licenses suspended	High	90+ days past due
Bank Account Seizure	Financial institutions freeze/seize funds	Very High	Significant arrears
Property Liens	Liens placed on real estate, vehicles	Moderate	Substantial debt
Credit Bureau Reporting	Reports delinquent payments monthly	Long-term	Any past due amount
Passport Denial	Federal passport applications denied	Moderate	$2,500+ in arrears

Louisiana’s “On the Road Again” Program

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) announces the return of its limited-time offer to help noncustodial parents who have lost their driver’s licenses due to unpaid child support get “On the Road Again” for a reduced fee. The promotion runs August 1 through September 30, 2025.

Last year, 131 parents participated in the On the Road Again initiative, resulting in more than $155,000 collected on behalf of 202 children.

Why this matters to you: This program often motivates non-paying parents to catch up on support to get their licenses back.

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

Keep detailed records of missed payments with dates and amounts
Report changes immediately in the other parent’s employment or address
Monitor your case online through the Louisiana CAFÉ system
Stay in contact with your caseworker regularly
Document lifestyle evidence if they claim inability to pay

Reality Check: Over 65% of child support cases in Louisiana are processed this way through income withholding, making it the most effective collection method.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Louisiana

Louisiana child support laws apply equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. However, there are specific considerations:

Same-sex couples who were married:

Both parents may have legal obligations if listed on birth certificates
Court must establish legal parentage before ordering support
Previous marriage dissolution may have included support orders

Assisted reproduction cases:

Sperm/egg donor agreements may affect parental rights
Legal parentage must be clearly established
Consider consulting with an LGBTQ+-friendly family law attorney

Resources for LGBTQ+ families:

Forum for Equality Louisiana: forumforequality.org
PFLAG Louisiana: Local chapters provide support and resources
Lambda Legal: lambdalegal.org for legal advocacy

Native American and Tribal Considerations

While Louisiana doesn’t have federally recognized tribal reservations, many families have tribal connections:

Interstate tribal cases:

If the other parent lives on tribal land, DCFS coordinates with tribal agencies
Tribal courts may have concurrent jurisdiction
Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement assists with tribal cases

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) considerations:

May apply if children are enrolled tribal members
Can affect custody and placement decisions
Tribal notification requirements may apply

For tribal cases, contact: DCFS at 1-888-524-3578 for coordination with federal tribal services.

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges:

Phone consultations available for most appointments
Some offices offer video conferencing
Documents can be submitted by mail or fax
Mobile services occasionally visit rural communities

Internet access limitations:

Public libraries provide free computer and internet access
Local DHS offices can assist with online applications
DCFS phone support available at 1-888-524-3578
Community centers often have public computer access

Language accessibility:

Spanish interpretation available by request
Federal law requires interpretation services for other languages
TDD/TTY services available for hearing-impaired customers

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under Louisiana child support law. The application process, fees, and enforcement methods are the same regardless of gender.

Specific considerations for custodial fathers:

May face different social expectations or judgments
Support groups and resources are available
Legal process is identical to that for mothers

Resources for single fathers:

Local support groups through community centers
Online communities and resources
Same legal aid services available regardless of gender

Louisiana Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS)

What they do: DCFS is the state agency responsible for keeping children safe, helping individuals and families become self-sufficient and providing refuge during disasters. The Child Support Enforcement division works with federal agencies to establish and enforce court-ordered financial and medical support.

Services provided: Parent location services using state and federal databases, paternity establishment through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, creation and modification of child support orders, payment processing and distribution, and comprehensive enforcement services including wage withholding and asset seizure.

How to contact: Main customer service line 1-888-524-3578 (1-888-LAHELP-U), with local offices serving all 64 parishes in Louisiana.

Application process: Apply online through Louisiana CAFÉ, by phone, or in person with required documents and $25 fee (waived for assistance recipients).

LouisianaLawHelp.org

What they do: LouisianaLawHelp.org provides customized legal information, local court forms, referrals to legal aid, and more. This comprehensive resource offers free legal information and connects single mothers with local legal assistance programs.

Services provided: Self-help legal forms and instructions, referrals to free legal aid programs, information about court procedures, assistance with child support modification requests, domestic violence legal resources, and multilingual materials.

Who qualifies: Services are available to all Louisiana residents, with priority given to low-income families and those facing domestic violence.

How to access: Visit louisianalawhelp.org for immediate access to resources, or call local legal aid organizations for direct assistance.

Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)

What they do: The Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) is a public assistance program that provides financial aid for children in their own homes who are in need because they do not have sufficient financial support from parents. This program helps families meet basic needs while working toward self-sufficiency.

Services provided: Monthly cash assistance based on family size and need, job training and education support through the STEP program, automatic referral to child support enforcement services, and coordination with other assistance programs like SNAP and Medicaid.

Who qualifies: Families with children under 18 (or 18 and in school), US citizens or qualified immigrants, those meeting income and asset limits, and those willing to participate in work activities.

How to apply: Applications for FITAP benefits can be done online via LA CAFÉ at the same portal used for child support applications, or visit local DCFS offices.

Louisiana 211

What they do: 211 Louisiana connects callers and website visitors to vital health and human services information in their area. This service helps single mothers find local resources for basic necessities and emergency assistance.

Services provided: Information about local food banks and emergency food assistance, housing assistance and homeless services, utility assistance programs, childcare resources, healthcare services, and emergency financial assistance programs.

Who qualifies: Services are available to all Louisiana residents regardless of income or circumstances.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone for live assistance, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or visit 211la.org for online resource searching.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About Louisiana Child Support

About Applying and Getting Started

Q: Do I need to be divorced to get child support in Louisiana? A: No. Parents who were never married but have a child together can still seek child support. The custodial parent can receive support, as in divorce cases. Child support is based on parentage, not marriage.

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: DCFS has extensive tools to locate parents. To provide services, CSE locates parents using data. The data comes from various sources and creates the Louisiana State Parent Locator Service. Provide any information you have, even if it’s old – previous addresses, employers, relatives’ names, or social media profiles.

Q: Can I get child support if the father isn’t on the birth certificate? A: Yes, but paternity must be established first. Under Louisiana law, the father of a child born outside of marriage is not responsible for child support until they are found to be the father. This can be done through voluntary acknowledgment or court-ordered genetic testing.

Q: How long does it take to get my first payment? A: It varies significantly:

Cooperative cases with known employment: 4-8 weeks after court order
Cases requiring parent location: 3-6 months
Contested paternity cases: 6-12 months
Interstate cases: 3-9 months

About Calculations and Amounts

Q: How does Louisiana calculate child support amounts? A: Louisiana uses a shared income model based on parents’ combined earnings. Each parent contributes proportionally to their income. The court looks at both parents’ gross income, finds the basic support amount from the state schedule, then divides it based on each parent’s income percentage.

Q: Can I get back support for years before I applied? A: Louisiana allows retroactive support in some cases, but it’s limited. Generally, you can seek back support from when you filed your petition or when circumstances changed. The court has discretion to award retroactive support based on the specific situation.

Q: What if the other parent claims they can’t afford to pay? A: Louisiana courts can “impute income” based on earning capacity. If someone is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, support can be calculated based on what they could reasonably earn with their education, skills, and experience.

Q: Do child support amounts automatically increase over time? A: No. The order was set or last changed more than three years ago. The monthly payment amount is at least 25% different from what the guidelines suggest it should be are grounds for modification, but you must request a review. Support amounts don’t increase automatically.

About Problems and Enforcement

Q: What happens if the other parent moves to another state? A: DCFS can work with child support agencies in all 50 states under interstate cooperation agreements. Your Louisiana order remains valid and enforceable. The other state will assist with location and enforcement activities.

Q: Can DCFS help with custody or visitation issues? A: No. DCFS only handles financial and medical support matters. For custody or visitation issues, you’ll need to contact a private attorney, legal aid, or file directly with the family court.

Q: What if the other parent quits their job to avoid paying? A: In Louisiana, a noncustodial parent who falls 90 days behind may lose their driver’s, hunting, fishing, professional, or business licenses. DCFS also uses other enforcement tools like tax intercepts, bank seizures, and credit reporting.

Q: Does child support automatically stop when my child turns 18? A: In Louisiana, child support is owed until a child turns 18 or — as long as they continue to attend high school — up to their 19th birthday. The obligation doesn’t stop automatically – you should verify with DCFS that payments have officially ended.

About Modifications and Changes

Q: How do I change my child support amount if circumstances change? A: If the case is active with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the parent can request a review through DCFS. If the case is not active with DCFS, the parent may need to file a petition directly with the court.

Q: What counts as a “substantial change” for modification? A: Generally, a 25% change in income, significant change in custody time, job loss, or change in the child’s needs (like special medical requirements) can qualify as substantial changes warranting a modification.

Q: Can I agree with the other parent to change the support amount without going to court? A: Any changes to court-ordered child support must be approved by the court to be legally binding. Private agreements between parents aren’t enforceable and don’t protect either party legally.

Complete Louisiana Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Louisiana DCFS Child Support Contacts

Statewide Services:

Main Customer Service: 1-888-524-3578 (1-888-LAHELP-U)
Louisiana CAFÉ Portal: cafe-cp.dcfs.la.gov/selfservice
Main Website: dcfs.louisiana.gov/childsupport
Child Support Calculator: DCFS Child Support Estimator

Payment Information:

Centralized Collection Unit: P.O. Box 260222, Baton Rouge, LA 70826
Direct Payment Card Issues: 1-855-274-0374
ReliaCard Website: usbankreliacard.com

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Louisiana Law Help: louisianalawhelp.org
Louisiana State Bar Association: lsba.org for attorney referrals
Local Legal Aid Offices: Contact through Louisiana Law Help for county-specific services

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

SNAP (Food Assistance): Apply through Louisiana CAFÉ
FITAP (Cash Assistance): Apply through Louisiana CAFÉ
Medicaid: Apply through Louisiana CAFÉ
Louisiana 211: Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211la.org

Utility and Emergency Assistance:

LIHEAP (Energy Assistance): Contact local community action agencies
Emergency Rental Assistance: Check with your parish for local programs
Food Banks: Louisiana Association of Food Banks

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

Louisiana Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-888-411-1333
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Louisiana Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Louisiana Parent Line: 833-522-4453 (833-LA-CHILD)

Child Services:

Louisiana Child Abuse Hotline: 1-855-452-5437 (1-855-4LA-KIDS)
Emergency Social Services: Contact your local DCFS office

Accessibility Services

Language Support:

Spanish interpretation: Available at all DCFS offices by request
Other languages: Federal law requires interpretation services upon request

Disability Accommodations:

Louisiana Relay Service: Dial 711
TDD/TTY Services: Available for all DCFS customer service numbers

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 Louisiana guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Louisiana Legislature, federal agencies, and local legal aid organizations to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Louisiana State Legislature, federal Office of Child Support Enforcement, and local legal aid 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services at 1-888-524-3578
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 DCFS promptly
Review your case regularly through Louisiana CAFÉ 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 Louisiana child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Louisiana DCFS directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Louisiana DCFS at 1-888-524-3578 or visit dcfs.louisiana.gov/childsupport.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Louisiana Child Support Guidelines, Louisiana Revised Statutes 9:315 et seq.
² Louisiana DCFS Application Fee Policy, 2025
³ Federal Child Support Enforcement Requirements, 45 CFR 302.33
⁴ Louisiana DCFS Payment Processing Guidelines
⁵ Louisiana Revised Statutes 9:315 (support termination)
⁶ Louisiana Child Support Schedule, updated January 1, 2021

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