Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
In New Hampshire, child support can help cover a child’s basic needs, health care, and other court-ordered support. The New Hampshire Bureau of Child Support Services, often called BCSS, can help locate the other parent, establish parentage, set up a support order, collect payments, and enforce an order. You can start with Child Support Services through NH DHHS, or you can file through the Family Division of the court.
This guide is for general information only. It is not legal advice. Child support can affect custody, safety, public assistance, taxes, and court orders. If your case involves abuse, threats, hiding your location, or a complicated court order, talk with legal aid or a family law attorney before taking steps that could affect your safety or your case.
If you need help today
If you are not safe, call 911. If abuse, stalking, coercion, or threats are part of your situation, contact NH crisis centers or call the statewide 24-hour helpline at 1-866-644-3574. You can ask about safe ways to handle court papers, child support contact, and address privacy.
If the issue is food, rent, utility shutoff, child care, or transportation while child support is pending, call or search 211 NH for local help. You can also use NH Easy to apply for state benefits such as SNAP, cash assistance, medical help, and child care assistance.
For legal help, 603 Legal Aid may be able to give advice, referrals, or representation for family law, domestic violence, public benefits, and other civil legal problems.
Where to start
Start with the safest path for your situation. If you just need help opening a child support case, BCSS is usually the first stop. If you already have a court case about divorce or parenting, the court may be the right path. If you are worried about violence, talk with an advocate first.
I do not have an order
Apply through BCSS or file a parenting or divorce case in Family Division. The court says child support can start through a divorce or parenting action, or through DHHS BCSS help on the court child support page.
I already have an order
Use BCSS if the order is payable through the state and you need collection or enforcement help. Keep your case number, payment history, and court order ready.
I need the order changed
Use the court’s modify a court order page or ask BCSS about review if your case is handled through the agency.
ASMOM also has broader guides on the child support hub and how to file child support if you need a national overview before using New Hampshire forms.
Quick reference table
| Need | Where to start | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Open a child support case | Complete the BCSS apply for services step. | BCSS needs enough information to identify and contact the other parent. |
| Get a court order | Use Family Division or BCSS, depending on your case. | A worksheet and financial information are usually needed. |
| Estimate support | Use the official state calculator. | The result is an estimate, not a promise of what the court will order. |
| Track payments | Register for the customer portal. | You may need a BCSS case number ending in “C.” |
| Get legal advice | Contact 603 Legal Aid or a private lawyer. | BCSS staff and state attorneys do not represent you personally. |
Who can apply for New Hampshire child support services
BCSS says a parent or caretaker of a minor child can receive services when the other parent is not living in the household. The child does not have to be born to married parents. A caretaker may need to apply if the child lives with them and a parent outside the home should help support the child.
BCSS can help with financial support and medical support. The agency may also help with parent location, parentage, support order establishment, modification, collection, and enforcement. If parentage has not been legally established, start with the state’s paternity help page so you understand the next step.
Important legal warning
BCSS can help move a child support case, but its lawyers and staff represent the State of New Hampshire, not either parent. If you need advice about what is best for you, your child, your custody case, or your safety, ask 603 Legal Aid, a domestic violence advocate, or a private attorney.
If you need wider help while support is being set up, ASMOM’s New Hampshire help page can point you to state and local assistance paths, while the legal help page focuses on court and legal-aid options.
How child support is calculated in New Hampshire
New Hampshire uses child support guidelines in state law. The official law is in RSA 458-C. The guidelines look at income, number of children, health care, child care costs, and other details. The guidelines page from NH DHHS links to the guideline table, worksheet, instructions, and calculator.
The official calculator says its estimate is not a guarantee. The court may order a different amount if the law allows it and the facts support it. Do not plan your rent, car payment, or child care bill around an online estimate until there is a signed order.
| Factor | Why it matters | What to gather |
|---|---|---|
| Gross income | Wages, self-employment, benefits, and other income may count. | Pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters, and business records. |
| Adjusted gross income | Some deductions may apply before the formula is used. | Proof of required deductions and other support paid. |
| Number of children | The guideline percentage changes by number of children. | Names, birth dates, and household details for each child. |
| Medical support | Orders must address health care coverage or medical support. | Insurance premiums, Medicaid details, and uncovered costs. |
| Child care costs | Work-related child care can affect the worksheet. | Provider name, weekly cost, receipts, and subsidy notices. |
| Parenting schedule | Shared time may affect whether a guideline adjustment is considered. | Parenting plan, school calendar, and actual time records. |
New Hampshire’s worksheet also includes medical support. State materials describe reasonable medical support as connected to 4 percent of a parent’s gross income, unless a different finding is made. Ask BCSS or a lawyer how that applies to your case, especially if your child has special health needs or one parent has employer coverage.
Parenting time and the 2025 New Hampshire changes
New Hampshire changed parts of its child support law effective January 1, 2025. The law now defines “substantially shared” parenting time as more than 35 percent of the annual parenting schedule, and “approximately equal” parenting time as more than 40 percent. It also defines “substantially similar incomes” as gross monthly incomes that differ by no more than 10 percent.
These rules do not mean support is always zero in shared-time cases. The law uses rebuttable presumptions and asks the court to look at the best interests of the child. It also says abuse, significant health issues, long distance between homes, unusual work schedules, and other special facts may matter.
Watch out for paper schedules
A written parenting plan may not match real life. Keep calm records of the actual schedule, missed time, school pickups, medical appointments, child care payments, and major expenses. Do not secretly record or track someone in a way that could break the law or put you in danger.
How to apply for child support in New Hampshire
You can apply for BCSS services by using the state’s application process. NH DHHS also provides an application packet if you need the form. If you want an application mailed or need to ask a case question, the state lists the Central Information Unit as the BCSS contact point.
You can also use the court process. The court’s Family Division forms page lists forms by case type. If you file a parenting action, divorce action, or request to change an order, check the current court instructions before you file.
Tip before you apply
Write down what you know about the other parent before you start: full legal name, past names, date of birth, Social Security number if known, last address, employer, phone number, email, relatives, and any out-of-state information. Old details can still help the agency locate a parent.
Documents and information checklist
You do not need every item to ask for help. Bring what you have, and ask the office what is still needed. Keep copies of anything you submit.
| Item | Why it helps | If you do not have it |
|---|---|---|
| Child’s birth certificate | Shows the child’s name and parent information. | Ask how to get a certified copy or submit later. |
| Your photo ID | Confirms your identity for forms and case access. | Ask what alternate ID the office accepts. |
| Existing court orders | Shows what has already been ordered. | Ask the court clerk how to get copies. |
| Income proof | Needed for the worksheet and court review. | Use pay stubs, benefit letters, tax returns, or employer notes. |
| Child care receipts | Can affect the support calculation. | Ask the provider for a signed statement. |
| Health insurance costs | Medical support must be addressed. | Ask your employer, Medicaid office, or plan for proof. |
| Other parent details | Helps with location, service, and enforcement. | Give any last known information and update the case later. |
Payments, direct deposit, and the customer portal
Once support is collected through the state, payments may be sent by direct deposit or by a New Hampshire Debit MasterCard, also called the Way2Go Card. The state explains these payment options for parents who receive support. If you want direct deposit, read the direct deposit form carefully before mailing it.
If you have a BCSS case, the DCSS online portal may let you see case information, payment history, and messages. Online records are useful, but they may not show every case activity right away. Keep your own payment notes too.
If you are the parent ordered to pay, the state lists payment instructions for mailed payments, cash payments, and other methods. Include the case or member ID when required so money is credited correctly.
If child support payments do not come
Do not rely only on texts or informal promises. If there is a support order and payments are late, contact BCSS, check your payment history, and keep records. The state’s enforcement page explains that BCSS can act on behalf of the Department to establish, enforce, and modify child and medical support orders.
Possible enforcement tools may include income withholding, tax refund intercepts, liens, license actions, credit reporting, and working with another state if the paying parent lives elsewhere. The exact tool depends on the order, payment history, location of the parent, employment, and federal or state rules.
Do not block parenting time over payment
Child support and parenting time are connected in family life, but they are not the same order. Refusing court-ordered parenting time because support is unpaid can cause legal problems. Get advice before changing exchanges, schedules, or contact, especially if safety is involved.
If unpaid support leaves you short on basics, see ASMOM’s emergency assistance, SNAP help, TANF help, and utility help guides for short-term support paths.
Changing a child support order
A child support order does not usually change just because income, child care, health insurance, or parenting time changed. You normally need a new court or agency order. Under New Hampshire law, a parent may apply for a modification after three years without needing to show a substantial change. A parent may also ask sooner if there is a substantial change in circumstances.
For self-help, 603 Legal Aid has a modification kit that explains basic forms used when asking to change child support. The court will still decide whether the change is allowed.
Past-due support is different
A modification usually affects future support after proper notice and filing. It may not erase past-due support. Ask for advice quickly if you lost a job, became disabled, had a major income change, or the child’s living arrangement changed.
Other help while your case moves
Child support can take time. If your budget is already short, do not wait for an order before asking for help with basic needs. New Hampshire families may need food, child care, medical care, housing, or safety support while the case is pending.
- For child care costs, start with ASMOM’s child care help guide and ask DHHS about current child care assistance.
- For rent or shelter risk, use ASMOM’s housing help guide and contact 211 for local programs.
- For medical coverage, clinics, or children’s coverage, see ASMOM’s healthcare help guide.
- For abuse, stalking, or safe housing needs, use ASMOM’s domestic violence support guide and contact an advocate.
- For local food, clothing, rides, or family support, check ASMOM’s community resources guide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying on a verbal deal. A text message is not the same as a signed court order.
- Ignoring court papers. If you miss a hearing, an order may still be entered.
- Using old income numbers. Bring current pay stubs, benefit notices, and child care costs.
- Assuming the calculator is final. The calculator is a tool, not a court order.
- Waiting too long to ask for a change. If your income or schedule changed, get advice quickly.
- Sharing unsafe contact details. If there is abuse or stalking, ask an advocate about safe filing steps.
Phone scripts
Calling BCSS to start a case
“Hi, I need to apply for child support services in New Hampshire. I am the parent or caretaker of a minor child, and the other parent does not live in my home. Can you tell me how to submit the application and what documents I should send first?”
Calling about missing payments
“Hi, I have a child support case. I want to check my payment history and ask what enforcement steps may be available. My case number is ready. What information do you need from me today?”
Calling 603 Legal Aid
“Hi, I need advice about a New Hampshire child support issue. It may involve custody, safety, or a change in income. Can you screen me for legal help or refer me to the right place?”
Calling a domestic violence advocate
“Hi, I am thinking about child support, but I am worried about safety, contact, or my address being shared. Can I talk with an advocate about safe options before I file?”
Resumen en español
En New Hampshire, la manutención de menores puede ayudar con gastos básicos, cuidado médico y otros gastos del niño. Puede empezar con BCSS, la oficina estatal de manutención de menores, o con la Corte de Familia si ya tiene un caso de crianza o divorcio.
Si hay violencia doméstica, acoso o amenazas, hable primero con una defensora de violencia doméstica. Para ayuda legal, comuníquese con 603 Legal Aid. Para comida, renta, servicios públicos o cuidado infantil, llame al 211 o use NH Easy para solicitar beneficios.
Guarde copias de órdenes, pagos, recibos de cuidado infantil, seguro médico y mensajes importantes. Una calculadora puede dar una idea, pero solo una orden firmada dice la cantidad final.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for child support if we were never married?
Yes. Marriage is not required. If parentage has not been legally established, BCSS or the court may need to handle parentage before support can be ordered.
How long does child support last in New Hampshire?
603 Legal Aid says children are generally entitled to support until age 18 or the end of high school, whichever happens later. Some orders may include other terms, so check your order or ask a lawyer.
Does shared parenting time mean no child support?
Not always. New Hampshire law has rules for substantially shared and approximately equal parenting schedules, but those rules use rebuttable presumptions and the child’s best interests still matter.
Can BCSS help if the other parent lives in another state?
Yes. Child support agencies can work across state lines. Give BCSS as much identifying and location information as you can.
Can I change the amount without going to court?
Do not rely on a private agreement alone. A support amount usually needs a new court or agency order to be safely changed and enforced.
What if I cannot afford a lawyer?
Contact 603 Legal Aid to see if you qualify for free legal advice, representation, or a referral. You can also use court self-help forms, but legal advice is helpful when safety, custody, or income disputes are involved.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last updated May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.