Child Support in Connecticut

Connecticut Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Your Complete 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:

Domestic violence: Call Connecticut Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-888-774-2900
Immediate legal help: Connecticut Legal Aid at 1-800-413-7796
Crisis assistance: 211 Connecticut (dial 2-1-1)
Emergency food: Connecticut Food Bank at 203-469-5000

Quick Action Steps:

Apply for child support today: Call Connecticut OCSS at 1-888-233-7223
Calculate your potential support: Use the Connecticut Child Support Worksheet
Get free legal help: Contact Connecticut Legal Aid
Emergency financial assistance: Apply for TFA benefits

Main Points

✅ Connecticut uses the Income Shares Model – both parents’ incomes are combined to determine support amounts¹

✅ No application fee – Connecticut OCSS services are free to apply for²

✅ $35 annual service fee – deducted from payments if you’ve never received public assistance³

✅ Two payment options: Direct deposit or Connecticut Child Support Visa® Debit Card⁴

✅ Support continues until age 18 or high school graduation – whichever comes later, but not beyond age 19⁵

✅ Educational support possible – courts can order support for college students up to age 23⁶

Understanding Connecticut Child Support in 2025

How Connecticut Calculates Child Support

Connecticut uses the Income Shares Model under Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines⁷. This system estimates how much parents would spend on their children if the family were still together, then divides that amount between parents based on their incomes.

Key Components:

Combined net weekly income of both parents
Number of children needing support
Additional expenses like childcare, health insurance, and medical costs
Custody arrangement (impacts calculation if parent has child 141+ overnights annually)

Reality Check: The Income Shares Model means that even if your income is lower, it still affects the final calculation. If you earn more, the other parent may pay less in direct support, but the total support for your child should remain adequate.

Current Connecticut Child Support Amounts (2025)

Based on the Connecticut Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations, here are weekly support amounts before splitting between parents:

Combined Net Weekly Income	1 Child	2 Children	3 Children	4 Children
$600	$137	$199	$228	$251
$800	$183	$266	$305	$336
$1,000	$229	$333	$381	$420
$1,500	$343	$499	$572	$630
$2,000	$457	$664	$762	$840
$3,000	$686	$997	$1,143	$1,259
$4,000	$915	$1,329	$1,523	$1,679

Real-World Example:

Combined income: $1,000 weekly ($52,000 annually)
Children: 2
Total support needed: $333 weekly
If you earn $300 (30%) and other parent earns $700 (70%):
- Other parent pays you: $233 weekly ($12,116 annually)
- Your contribution: $100 weekly (through direct care)

Who Can Apply for Connecticut Child Support

You can apply if you are:

A custodial parent with physical custody of a child under 18
A legal guardian or relative caretaker
Someone owed back support (within statute of limitations)
A pregnant woman seeking to establish paternity and future support

Important: You don’t need to be a Connecticut resident to apply for services, but the case may need to be filed where the child or non-custodial parent lives⁸.

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

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents⁹:

Child’s certified birth certificate
Your photo identification (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
- Current and previous addresses
- Employer information
- Phone numbers and email addresses
Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, custody orders)
Medical insurance information for you and your child

Expert Tip: Even incomplete information about the other parent is helpful. Connecticut OCSS has powerful location tools and can often find parents with minimal information.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Option 1: Online Application

Visit the Connecticut OCSS website
Complete the online application form
Upload required documents electronically
No fee required

Option 2: By Appointment

Call your local OCSS office to schedule an appointment
Find office locations at Connecticut OCSS Contact Page
Complete forms in person with staff assistance
Bring all required documents

Option 3: Email Application

Download forms from the OCSS website
Complete and email to your local office
Include scanned copies of required documents

Step 3: Work with Your OCSS Caseworker

Once your application is received, OCSS will:

Assign your case to a local office within 20 business days
Contact you for any additional information needed
Locate the other parent using state and federal databases
Establish paternity if necessary through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing
Work to establish a support order through court or administrative process
Begin collection and distribution once an order is in place

Timeline Expectations:

Cooperative cases: 2-4 months from application to first payment
Complex cases: 6-12 months if paternity is disputed or parent location is needed
Interstate cases: 3-8 months depending on other state’s cooperation

Connecticut Child Support Fees and Payment Methods

Fee Structure

Fee Type	Amount	When Charged	Who Pays	Can Be Waived?
Application Fee	$0	Never	N/A	N/A
Annual Service Fee	$35	If $550+ collected annually	Deducted from payments	Yes (assistance recipients)
Genetic Testing	$75-150	When paternity testing needed	Non-custodial parent initially	No

Annual Service Fee Details

Connecticut OCSS deducts a $35 annual fee from payments sent to custodial parents who have never received Temporary Family Assistance (TFA). This fee is only collected if:

At least $550 in child support is collected in a year
You have never received public assistance

You won’t pay this fee if you receive:

Temporary Family Assistance (TFA)
SNAP benefits
Medicaid or HUSKY Health coverage

How You’ll Receive Your Payments

Connecticut offers two electronic payment methods through the Connecticut Child Support Payment Resource Center:

Option 1: Direct Deposit

Requires active checking or savings account
Funds deposited within 2-3 business days
No fees for this service
Must complete authorization form

Option 2: Connecticut Child Support Visa® Debit Card

No bank account required
Prepaid card loaded with your payments
Allow 7-10 business days for initial card setup
No fees for purchases, U.S. Bank ATM withdrawals, or customer service

Contact for payment issues: 1-888-233-7223

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

What Connecticut Can Do to Collect Support

Connecticut has extensive enforcement powers under state and federal law¹⁰:

Enforcement Method	How It Works	Effectiveness	Requirements
Income Withholding	Money taken directly from paychecks	Most effective (90%+ success)	Employment known
Asset Seizure	Bank accounts, investments frozen	Very effective	Assets located
Tax Intercept	State and federal tax refunds seized	Seasonal but effective	Past due support
License Suspension	Driver’s, professional, recreational licenses	High compliance rate	Notice period required
Credit Bureau Reporting	Reports monthly to all major bureaus	Long-term pressure	Past due support
Property Liens	Liens on real estate, vehicles	Prevents sales/transfers	$500+ owed
Contempt of Court	Possible jail time	Last resort	Court hearings required

Support Enforcement Services (SES)

The Connecticut Judicial Branch Support Enforcement Services works alongside OCSS to enforce orders¹¹. SES handles:

Court-based enforcement actions
Income withholding orders
Contempt proceedings
Interstate enforcement cases

Contact SES: 1-800-228-KIDS (5437)

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

Keep detailed records of missed or partial payments
Report changes immediately in the other parent’s employment or address
Stay in contact with your caseworker – update them monthly if payments are inconsistent
Use online resources to track your case at Connecticut Child Support Payment Center
Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay but show wealth

Reality Check: Enforcement isn’t instant. Even with Connecticut’s strong tools, it can take several months to see results, especially if the other parent is self-employed or frequently changes jobs.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Connecticut

Connecticut has strong protections for LGBTQ+ families, but child support can still present unique challenges:

Legal Parentage for Same-Sex Couples:

Both spouses listed on birth certificates have support obligations
Assisted reproduction cases may require establishing legal parentage first
Sperm/egg donor agreements need legal review

Resources for LGBTQ+ Parents:

Triangle Community Center: 203-853-0600 | ctpridecenter.org
Equality Connecticut: Legal advocacy at eqct.org
Connecticut LGBTQIA+ Justice and Opportunity Network: Policy support through portal.ct.gov

Discrimination Concerns: If you face discrimination in the child support process, contact Connecticut Legal Aid at 1-800-413-7796 or the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

Rural Families with Limited Access

Connecticut’s rural areas in Litchfield, Windham, and New London counties may face access challenges:

Transportation Solutions:

Phone consultations: Most OCSS offices offer phone appointments
Email communication: Preferred method for document submission
Regional offices: OCSS has offices in major towns throughout Connecticut
Legal aid mobile services: Some organizations provide outreach services

Technology Access:

Public libraries: Free internet and computer access
Community centers: Many offer computer assistance
OCSS phone support: 1-888-233-7223 for help with online applications

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under Connecticut law. However, studies show custodial fathers may face different challenges:

Same Services Available:

Application process identical
Enforcement tools the same
No fee differences based on gender

Additional Support:

Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative: Resources for fathers
Men’s advocacy groups: Support and information sharing
Legal Aid: Same services regardless of gender

Connecticut Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Connecticut Office of Child Support Services (OCSS)

What they do: OCSS is a division within the Connecticut Department of Social Services that provides comprehensive child support services including parent location, paternity establishment, support order creation, payment processing, and enforcement activities. They work in partnership with federal agencies and Support Enforcement Services to ensure children receive financial support from both parents.

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, collect and distribute support payments, enforce payment through various legal tools, and provide case management services for ongoing support issues.

How to contact: Main line 1-888-233-7223, with regional offices throughout Connecticut. Online services available at portal.ct.gov/dss/child-support.

Application process: Apply online, by phone, or in person. No application fee required. Services available to all custodial parents regardless of income or assistance status.

Connecticut Legal Aid

What they do: Connecticut Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income Connecticut residents, including comprehensive family law representation for child support, custody, domestic relations, and protective order cases. They offer direct representation, advice, and extensive self-help resources to ensure equal access to justice for families in need.

Services provided: Legal representation in family court matters, assistance with child support establishment and modification, help with enforcement problems, domestic violence legal advocacy, assistance with paternity issues, and online self-help resources including forms and legal guides.

Who qualifies: Households at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines (approximately $3,496 monthly for a family of three in 2025), with priority given to domestic violence survivors, cases involving children, and elderly clients.

How to apply: Call 1-800-413-7796 for screening, use online application at ctlegalaid.org, or visit offices in Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Stamford, and other locations.

Connecticut 211

What they do: Connecticut 211 is a comprehensive information and referral service that connects residents with local resources for basic needs, emergency assistance, and family support services. They maintain an extensive database of community resources and provide 24/7 phone support to help families navigate available programs and services.

Services provided: Information and referrals for housing assistance, food programs, utility assistance, child care resources, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, employment services, and emergency financial assistance programs.

How to contact: Dial 2-1-1 for free 24/7 phone support, visit 211ct.org for online resource database, or text your zip code to 898211 for local resources.

Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)

What they do: Connecticut DSS administers multiple assistance programs for families, including Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), SNAP food assistance, HUSKY Health coverage, and childcare assistance. They coordinate closely with OCSS for automatic child support referrals when families receive certain benefits, providing comprehensive support to help families achieve self-sufficiency.

Services provided: TFA cash assistance, SNAP food benefits, HUSKY Health medical coverage, Care 4 Kids childcare assistance, energy assistance programs, and housing support services.

Who qualifies: Eligibility varies by program, generally serving families at or below 130-185% of federal poverty level depending on the specific program.

How to apply: Online applications at portal.ct.gov/dss, by phone at 1-855-626-6632, or at local DSS offices in all major Connecticut cities.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About Connecticut Child Support (FAQs)

About Applying and Getting Started

Q: Do I need to live in Connecticut to get child support through Connecticut OCSS? A: No, you don’t need to be a Connecticut resident, but either the child or the non-custodial parent should have connections to Connecticut. OCSS can work with other states if the non-custodial parent lives elsewhere¹².

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: Connecticut OCSS has extensive location tools including employment databases, tax records, motor vehicle registrations, and social media searches. Provide any information you have, even if it’s years old – previous addresses, employers, relatives’ names, or social media profiles can all help.

Q: Can I get child support if we were never married? A: Absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations in Connecticut. OCSS can help establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing if needed.

Q: What if he says he can’t afford to pay or is unemployed? A: Connecticut courts can “impute income” based on earning capacity. Under Connecticut law, if someone is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, support can be based on what they could earn with their education, training, and work history.

About Connecticut’s Income Shares Model and Calculations

Q: How does my income affect what the other parent pays? A: Under Connecticut’s Income Shares Model, both incomes are combined to determine total support needed, then each parent pays their percentage. Example: Combined income $2,000 weekly, support needed $457 for 1 child. If you earn $600 (30%) and other parent earns $1,400 (70%), they pay $320 to you while you contribute $137 through direct care.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support for time before I applied? A: Yes, Connecticut courts can order retroactive support, but policies vary by case. Generally, support can be ordered back to the date of filing or when the child was born, depending on circumstances.

Q: What counts as “income” for Connecticut child support calculations? A: Connecticut includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, overtime, tips, self-employment income, rental income, retirement benefits, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, and any other regular income sources.

Q: Is there a maximum amount of child support in Connecticut? A: Connecticut guidelines cover combined net weekly incomes up to $4,000. For higher incomes, support is determined case-by-case with minimum amounts set at the $4,000 level.

About Payments and Problems

Q: What if my child spends more time with the other parent now? A: If either parent has the child for 141 or more overnights per year, this may qualify for shared custody calculations under Connecticut guidelines, which can reduce the support obligation. You’ll need to petition the court for modification.

Q: How do I switch between direct deposit and the debit card? A: Contact the Connecticut Child Support Payment Resource Center at 1-888-233-7223 to change your payment method. Allow 5-10 business days for the change to take effect.

Q: What should I do if I receive a payment that seems wrong? A: Contact the payment center immediately at 1-888-233-7223. Keep detailed records of all payments. If you receive money you’re not entitled to, you’ll be asked to return it, but they’ll work with you on repayment options.

Q: How long does it typically take to receive my first payment? A: Timeline varies:

Cooperative cases with income withholding: 6-10 weeks after order
Cases requiring parent location: 4-8 months
Contested paternity cases: 8-18 months
Interstate cases: 4-12 months depending on cooperation

About Enforcement and Legal Issues

Q: What happens if the other parent quits their job to avoid paying? A: Connecticut has multiple enforcement tools beyond wage withholding. OCSS can seize bank accounts, intercept tax refunds, suspend licenses, report to credit bureaus, and pursue contempt of court. Job changes must be reported to Connecticut’s New Hire Registry within 20 days.

Q: Can OCSS help with custody or visitation issues? A: No. OCSS only handles financial and medical support. For custody or visitation, contact Connecticut Legal Aid at 1-800-413-7796 or consult with a private family law attorney.

Q: What happens to child support if the other parent moves to another state? A: Connecticut can work with child support agencies in all 50 states under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. Your Connecticut order remains enforceable, and the other state will assist with collection.

Q: Does child support automatically stop if the other parent goes to jail? A: No. Incarceration doesn’t automatically terminate child support obligations. The support continues to accrue, though the incarcerated parent may petition for a temporary modification based on inability to pay.

About Modifications and Changes

Q: How do I modify my child support order if circumstances change? A: You can request modification if there’s been a substantial change in circumstances. Connecticut uses a 15% change threshold – if applying current guidelines would result in a 15% or greater change in the support amount, modification may be appropriate. Contact OCSS or file directly with the court.

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 Connecticut Legal Aid for assistance with appeals, or consult with a private family law attorney to understand your options.

Q: Can child support be forgiven if the other parent can’t pay? A: Child support debt generally cannot be forgiven without court approval. Only the court can modify future payments, and only with proper legal grounds. Past-due support (arrears) typically cannot be waived, even by agreement between parents.

Complete Connecticut Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Connecticut OCSS Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Payment Processing: 1-888-233-7223
Support Enforcement Services: 1-800-228-KIDS (5437)
Main OCSS Website: portal.ct.gov/dss/child-support
Payment Resource Center: ct.smartchildsupport.com
Child Support Guidelines: jud.ct.gov/Publications/ChildSupport/CSguidelines.pdf

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Connecticut Legal Aid: 1-800-413-7796 | ctlegalaid.org
Connecticut Bar Association Lawyer Referral: 860-223-4400
Connecticut Judicial Branch Self-Help: jud.ct.gov
Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy: Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 860-282-7899

LGBTQ+ Legal Support:

Equality Connecticut: eqct.org
Triangle Community Center: 203-853-0600 | ctpridecenter.org

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Connecticut 211 (Multiple Resources): Dial 2-1-1 or 211ct.org
Connecticut DSS Benefits: portal.ct.gov/dss | 1-855-626-6632
Connecticut Food Bank: ctfoodbank.org | 203-469-5000
Energy Assistance: Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) at 1-800-842-1132

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

Connecticut Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-888-774-2900
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Child Services:

Connecticut Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-842-2288
Connecticut Department of Children and Families: portal.ct.gov/dcf

Online Tools and Resources

Official Connecticut Resources:

Child Support Worksheet: jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/fm220.pdf
Connecticut Court Forms: jud.ct.gov/webforms
Connecticut Legal Help: ctlawhelp.org

Benefits and Screening:

Connecticut Benefits Application: portal.ct.gov/dss
SNAP Calculator: snap-step1.usda.gov

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 Connecticut guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Office of Child Support Services, Connecticut Judicial Branch, Connecticut Legal Aid, USDA, and HHS to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Office of Child Support Services, Connecticut Judicial Branch, Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut Office of Child Support Services at 1-888-233-7223
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 OCSS promptly
Review your case regularly through Connecticut Child Support Payment Center 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 Connecticut child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Connecticut OCSS directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Connecticut OCSS at 1-888-233-7223 or visit portal.ct.gov/dss/child-support.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines, Connecticut Judicial Branch (2025)
² Connecticut OCSS Application Information, portal.ct.gov/dss/child-support
³ Connecticut OCSS Fee Schedule, Connecticut Department of Social Services
⁴ Connecticut Child Support Payment Resource Center, ct.smartchildsupport.com
⁵ Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-84
⁶ Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-84, Educational Support Provisions
⁷ Connecticut Agencies Regulations § 46b-215a-2c (2023)
⁸ Connecticut OCSS Interstate Services Policy
⁹ Connecticut OCSS Application Requirements
¹⁰ Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-84, Enforcement Provisions
¹¹ Connecticut Judicial Branch Support Enforcement Services
¹² Connecticut OCSS Non-Resident Services Policy

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