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Child Support in Delaware

Child Support in Delaware

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

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


  • Domestic violence: Call Delaware Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-701-0456
  • Immediate legal help: Community Legal Aid Society at 302-575-0660
  • Crisis assistance: Call 2-1-1 Delaware
  • Emergency food: Delaware Food Bank at 302-292-1305

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Visit DCSS online portal or call 302-577-7171
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the Delaware Child Support Calculator
  3. Get free legal help: Contact Community Legal Aid Society
  4. Emergency financial assistance: Apply for Delaware benefits

Main Points

✅ Delaware uses the unique Melson Formula – balances parent and child needs with self-support allowance¹

✅ Application fee is $25 – waived if you receive TANF or other public assistance²

✅ $35 annual service fee – charged after $550 received (waived for assistance recipients)³

✅ Two payment options: U.S. Bank ReliaCard or direct deposit⁴

✅ Support continues until age 18 – or 19 if still in high school⁵

✅ Mediation required first – before any court hearings⁶

Understanding Delaware’s Unique Child Support System in 2025

Why Delaware is Different: The Melson Formula

Delaware is one of only three states that uses the Melson Formula, a more complex version of child support calculation that considers both parents’ basic needs alongside the children’s needs⁷. Here’s what makes it special:

Standard Income Shares Model: Combines incomes, calculates child costs, splits between parents

Delaware’s Melson Formula: Adds these steps:

  • Self-support allowance: $1,510 for 2024 – minimum income each parent needs to survive
  • Standard of living adjustment (SOLA): Increases support when parents earn above basic needs
  • Shared custody credits: Reduces support based on overnight stays

Reality Check: This means if the other parent claims they can’t afford to pay because they need money to live, Delaware law already accounts for that. The self-support allowance ensures they keep enough for basic needs before child support is calculated.

Who Can Apply for Delaware Child Support

You can request child support services if you are:

  • A parent with physical custody of a child under 18 (or 19 if in high school)
  • A legal guardian caring for the child
  • A relative with custody through court order
  • Someone owed back support (within statute of limitations)

Important: You don’t have to be a Delaware resident, but the other parent or child must have Delaware connections for Delaware courts to have jurisdiction.

How Much Delaware Child Support Can You Actually Get?

Understanding the Melson Formula Calculation

Delaware’s calculation follows specific steps under Family Court Rules 500-510:

Calculation Step What It Means How It Affects You
Combined gross income Both parents’ total monthly income Higher combined income = higher support amount
Self-support allowance $1,510/month each parent keeps for basic needs Protected income that can’t be used for support
Net available income Income left after self-support allowance This is what’s available for child support
Primary support obligation Basic amount needed for child’s care Based on combined net available income
Parenting time credit Adjustment for overnight visits 80-163 overnights = credit, 164+ = shared custody

Custody Arrangements and Support Amounts

Delaware treats custody arrangements differently for support calculations:

Custody Type Overnight Range Support Impact Example
Sole Custody 0-79 overnights No parenting time credit Full support amount
Sole with Credit 80-163 overnights Graduated credit up to 30% Support reduced based on time
Shared Custody 164+ overnights Different formula applies Either parent may pay the other

Real Example: Combined income of $6,000/month with one child

  • Sole custody (0 overnights): Non-custodial parent pays approximately $950/month
  • 110 overnights: Same parent pays approximately $750/month
  • 180 overnights (shared): Support based on income difference – could be $200-400/month

Use the Official Delaware Calculator

The most accurate estimate comes from the Delaware Child Support Calculator – an Excel worksheet provided by the courts⁸.

What you’ll need:

  • Both parents’ gross monthly income
  • Monthly childcare costs
  • Monthly health insurance costs for children
  • Number of children needing support
  • Parenting time schedule (overnights per year)

Warning: The judge has final authority on support amounts. The calculator provides estimates, but evidence presented in court determines the actual order.

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

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents⁹:

About your child:

  • Child’s certified birth certificate
  • Social Security card for child
  • Any existing court orders (custody, support, paternity)

About you:

  • Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
  • Social Security card
  • Three recent pay stubs
  • Last year’s tax return
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Childcare receipts or costs

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
  • Photos if available

Tip: Even old information about the other parent helps. DCSS uses state and federal databases to locate parents.

Step 2: Choose How to Apply

Option 1: Online Application (Recommended)

  • Visit DCSS Customer Portal
  • Create a myDelaware account
  • Complete the application online
  • Upload required documents
  • Pay $25 fee online (if required)

Option 2: In-Person Application

  • Visit your county DCSS office during business hours
  • New Castle County: 302-577-7171, Kent County: 302-739-8299, Sussex County: 302-856-5386
  • Bring all documents and $25 fee
  • Complete application with staff assistance

Option 3: Mail Application

  • Download application from DCSS website
  • Complete all sections, include documents
  • Mail with $25 money order to your county office

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee (If Required)

Delaware charges a $25 fee to file for child support¹⁰.

You DON’T pay this fee if you receive:

  • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
  • Medicaid
  • SNAP benefits
  • Other public assistance

The court may also charge a $10 civil court security assessment fee.

Step 4: Attend Mandatory Mediation

After filing a petition for child support, you must attend a mediation conference first¹¹. This happens before any court hearings.

What to expect:

  • Family court mediator reviews both parents’ financial information
  • Mediator uses Delaware Child Support Formula to calculate amounts
  • Attempt to reach agreement on support amount
  • If no agreement, temporary order may be issued and hearing scheduled

Required documentation for mediation:

  • Most recent tax return and W-2
  • Three most recent pay stubs
  • Documentation of any Social Security, unemployment, or workers’ compensation
  • Receipts for childcare payments
  • Health insurance information

Understanding Delaware Child Support Fees and Costs in 2025

Complete Fee Breakdown

Fee Type Amount When Charged Who Pays Can Be Waived?
Application Fee $25 One-time when applying Custodial parent Yes (assistance recipients)
Court Security Fee $10 When court case filed Custodial parent Varies
Annual Service Fee $35 per child After $550 received Deducted from support Yes (assistance recipients)
Genetic Testing $75-150 When paternity disputed Initially non-custodial parent No

Annual Service Fee Details

Delaware charges a mandatory annual fee of $35 per child when the state has collected and disbursed at least $550 of support¹².

How it works:

  • Fee automatically deducted from your child support payments
  • Only applies after you receive $550 in a federal fiscal year (October 1 – September 30)
  • Not assessed on TANF or former TANF cases
  • Applied to each child support case separately

Example: You receive $600 in child support in one year

  • First $550: No fee deducted
  • Remaining $50: You receive full amount
  • Following year: $35 fee deducted from first payments

How You’ll Receive Your Delaware Child Support Payments

Delaware offers two electronic payment methods through DCSS:

Option 1: U.S. Bank ReliaCard®

The U.S. Bank ReliaCard is a pre-paid debit card that is credited whenever a payment is posted to your child support case¹³.

How it works:

  • Money available within three business days after DCSS applies payment
  • No bank account required
  • No credit check required
  • Use anywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted

Services with NO fees:

  • Making purchases where Visa debit cards accepted
  • Getting cash back with purchases
  • Customer service calls
  • Monthly account maintenance

Potential fees apply for:

  • Out-of-network ATM withdrawals
  • Paper statements
  • Expedited card replacement

Option 2: Direct Deposit

Requirements:

Setup process:

  • Mail completed form with voided check to DCSS, PO Box 12327, Wilmington, DE 19850
  • All banking information is confidential
  • Processing time varies by bank

Important: You must choose either ReliaCard or Direct Deposit – you cannot have both.

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

What Delaware DCSS Can Do to Collect Support

DCSS has a range of enforcement tools including income withholding, tax offset, property lien, license suspension, passport denial, and civil contempt¹⁴:

Enforcement Method How It Works Effectiveness Timeline
Income Withholding Money automatically deducted from paychecks Most effective Immediate upon employment
Tax Intercept State and federal refunds seized Seasonal effectiveness Annual
License Suspension Driver’s, professional, recreational licenses suspended High compliance rate 30-60 days
Credit Reporting Debt reported to credit agencies Long-term impact Monthly
Bank Account Seizure Funds frozen/seized from accounts Very effective When accounts located
Property Liens Liens placed on real estate, vehicles Prevents asset sales When assets identified
Passport Denial Passports denied for $2,500+ arrears International travel blocked Federal program

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

  1. Keep detailed records of missed payments with dates and amounts
  2. Report changes immediately – new employment, addresses, assets
  3. Use the DCSS Customer Portal to track payments and communicate with caseworkers
  4. Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim poverty but show wealth
  5. Stay in regular contact with your caseworker

When Standard Enforcement Isn’t Working

For persistent non-payment, DCSS may pursue:

  • Contempt of court proceedings (possible jail time)
  • Federal criminal prosecution for willful non-payment across state lines
  • Unemployment benefit seizure
  • Lottery intercept for winnings

Reality Check: Enforcement takes time. Delaware child support arrears don’t go away and may accrue interest. Patience and persistence are necessary.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Delaware

Delaware child support laws apply equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Key considerations:

Same-sex couples who were married: Both parents listed on birth certificates or adoption papers may have support obligations under Delaware law.

Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered through:

  • Voluntary acknowledgment of parentage
  • Court determination of parental rights
  • Review of donor agreements

Resources for LGBTQ+ families:

  • PFLAG Delaware: Support groups and community resources
  • Community Legal Aid Society: Free legal services for qualifying families
  • Delaware Equality: Advocacy and legal support

Tribal Connections and Native American Families

While Delaware has no federally recognized tribal reservations, many families have tribal connections affecting child support:

Interstate tribal cases: If the other parent lives on tribal land, DCSS coordinates with:

  • Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement tribal services
  • Tribal child support agencies with state agreements
  • Tribal courts with jurisdiction over child support

For families with tribal connections: Contact DCSS at 302-577-7171 to discuss jurisdictional issues and coordination with tribal authorities.

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges:

  • Phone consultations: Available by calling your county DCSS office
  • Virtual meetings: Some offices offer video conferencing
  • Document submission: Most paperwork accepted by mail or fax
  • Mobile services: Occasional outreach to rural communities

Technology barriers:

  • Public libraries: Free internet and computer access
  • DCSS phone support: Staff assistance with online applications
  • Community centers: Many offer public computer access
  • Local assistance: Family Court self-help resources available

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights and access to Delaware’s child support system. The application process, fees, and enforcement methods are the same regardless of gender.

Resources for single fathers:

  • Same DCSS services and legal aid availability
  • Community Legal Aid Society serves all qualifying parents
  • Support groups through local community organizations

Delaware Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Delaware Division of Child Support Services (DCSS)

What they do: DCSS is the state agency responsible for establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders in Delaware. Their mission is to promote family independence by reducing dependency of single parent households through collection of monetary child support and medical support from non-custodial parents. They provide comprehensive services including parent location, paternity establishment, support order creation, payment processing, and enforcement of existing orders.

Services provided: Locate non-custodial parents using state and federal databases, establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or court-ordered genetic testing, create and modify child support orders, enforce payment through various collection methods, distribute payments to custodial parents, and provide online case management tools for customers.

How to contact: New Castle County: 302-577-7171, Kent County: 302-739-8299, Sussex County: 302-856-5386. Customer portal available at dhss.delaware.gov/dcss for online case management and applications.

Application process: Apply online through the DCSS customer portal, by phone, or in person at county offices. Required documents include child’s birth certificate, photo ID, income documentation, and information about the other parent. $25 application fee required unless receiving public assistance.

Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI)

What they do: CLASI provides free civil legal services to vulnerable and underserved Delawareans, including people with disabilities, older citizens (60 and over), victims of housing discrimination, people living in poverty, victims of domestic violence, and immigrant victims of crime. They’ve been advocating for justice for over 75 years and have been recognized as a Delaware “Top Workplace” for seven of the last eight years.

Services provided: Legal representation in family court matters including child support, custody, and protective orders; advice and consultation on family law issues; assistance with government benefits applications; housing and consumer protection advocacy; and disability rights protection. They help clients access essential services and support for healthy, safe, stable, and independent lives.

Who qualifies: People with disabilities (as Delaware’s Protection and Advocacy System), older citizens 60 and over, victims of housing discrimination, people living in poverty, victims of domestic violence, and immigrant victims of crime. Income and asset guidelines apply for most services.

How to apply: New Castle County (Wilmington): 302-575-0660, Kent County (Dover): 302-674-8500, Sussex County (Georgetown): 302-856-0038. Intake available Monday-Friday during business hours. Initial screening determines eligibility and service availability.

Delaware Volunteer Legal Services (DVLS)

What they do: DVLS is an organization of primarily volunteer attorneys that provides legal assistance to community members with low incomes or victims of domestic violence with problems in civil areas. They coordinate pro bono legal services throughout Delaware to ensure access to justice for vulnerable populations.

Services provided: Free legal representation through volunteer attorneys in family law, housing, consumer, and other civil matters; legal clinics and workshops; brief advice and consultation services; and referrals to appropriate legal and social services.

Who qualifies: Low-income Delaware residents and domestic violence victims regardless of income. Financial eligibility guidelines similar to other legal aid organizations.

How to apply: Contact at 302-478-8680 or 1-888-225-0582 for intake screening and service coordination. Also provides Thursday family law clinic from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. by appointment.

Legal Services Corporation of Delaware (LSCD)

What they do: LSCD is a non-profit organization that offers legal advice and assistance to people who cannot afford a private attorney, emphasizing protection of rights crucial to stable families. They focus on legal issues that threaten the economic independence of low-income Delawareans.

Services provided: Legal representation and advice in housing, consumer protection, family law, and benefits cases; assistance with landlord-tenant disputes; consumer debt and bankruptcy advice; and help accessing government benefits and services.

Who qualifies: Low-income Delaware families meeting financial eligibility guidelines based on federal poverty levels. Priority given to cases involving basic necessities like housing, safety, and family stability.

How to apply: Contact through the Delaware Legal Help Link for intake screening, or contact offices directly: New Castle County: 302-575-0408, Kent County: 302-734-8820. Free forms and resources available on their website.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About Delaware Child Support

About Applying and Getting Started

Q: Do I need to be a Delaware resident to get child support through Delaware DCSS? A: No, you don’t have to be a Delaware resident, but there must be some Delaware connection for the state to have jurisdiction. This could be the other parent living in Delaware, the child living in Delaware, or an existing Delaware court order.

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

Q: Can I apply if I was never married to the father? A: Absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. DCSS can help establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing if paternity is disputed.

Q: What if he claims he can’t afford to pay because he’s unemployed? A: Delaware courts can “impute income” based on earning capacity. If someone is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, support can be based on what they could reasonably earn given their education, training, and work history.

About Delaware’s Unique Melson Formula

Q: How does the Melson Formula help me compared to other states? A: The Melson Formula provides additional protections by ensuring each parent’s basic needs are met (through the self-support allowance) and includes a standard of living adjustment that can increase support when parents earn above basic needs. This often results in more appropriate support amounts.

Q: What is the self-support allowance and how does it affect my case? A: The self-support allowance is $1,510 for 2024 – the minimum amount each parent needs to remain productive in the workplace. This amount is protected from child support calculations, but any income above this can be used for support calculations.

Q: Can I get retroactive support for time before I filed? A: Yes, Delaware courts can order retroactive support, typically back to when you filed your petition. In some cases, support can be ordered back to the child’s birth, especially if there was an informal support arrangement or if paternity was recently established.

Q: How do shared overnights affect the support calculation? A: If the non-custodial parent has 80-163 overnights per year, they receive a parenting time credit that reduces their support obligation. If they have 164 or more overnights, it’s considered shared custody and uses a different calculation method.

About Payments and Problems

Q: Why am I getting a ReliaCard instead of direct deposit? A: DCSS automatically issues ReliaCards unless you specifically request direct deposit. You must choose either ReliaCard or direct deposit – you cannot have both. Contact your county DCSS office to switch payment methods.

Q: What should I do if I receive a payment that seems wrong? A: Contact your county DCSS office immediately. While DCSS works to correctly post payments, errors can occur. Keep detailed records of all payments received and don’t spend money you believe was sent in error.

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

  • Cooperative cases with immediate wage withholding: 4-6 weeks
  • Cases requiring parent location: 3-6 months
  • Contested paternity cases: 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 4-8 months depending on cooperation

Q: What happens to support if the other parent moves to another state? A: Delaware can work with child support agencies in all 50 states under federal law. Your Delaware order remains enforceable, and the other state will assist with collection and enforcement.

About Enforcement and Legal Issues

Q: What if the other parent quits their job to avoid paying? A: This rarely works. DCSS can report job changes to the New Hire Registry, pursue contempt charges, use other enforcement tools like license suspension and tax intercepts, and courts can impute income based on earning capacity even if someone is voluntarily unemployed.

Q: Can DCSS help with custody or visitation issues? A: No. DCSS only handles financial support and medical support. For custody, visitation, or parenting time issues, you need to contact Community Legal Aid Society, Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, or file directly with Family Court.

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

Q: What if I disagree with the support amount the court ordered? A: You can appeal the decision or request a modification if circumstances have changed substantially. Contact Community Legal Aid Society at 302-575-0660 for assistance with appeals or modifications.

About Modifications and Changes

Q: How do I modify my child support order if circumstances change? A: You can request a modification through DCSS or Family Court if there’s been a substantial change in circumstances such as significant income changes, changes in custody arrangements, or changes in childcare or health insurance costs.

Q: What counts as a “substantial change” for modification purposes? A: Generally, a change that would result in a 15% or $25 per month difference in the support calculation, whichever is greater. This could include job loss, significant pay increases, changes in parenting time, or changes in childcare costs.

Q: Can child support be forgiven if the other parent can’t pay due to disability or hardship? A: Child support debt generally cannot be forgiven without court approval. Only the court can modify future payments based on changed circumstances. Past-due support (arrears) typically cannot be waived, even by agreement between parents.

Complete Delaware Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Delaware DCSS Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

  • New Castle County: 302-577-7171 (serves Wilmington area)
  • Kent County: 302-739-8299 (serves Dover area)
  • Sussex County: 302-856-5386 (serves Georgetown area)
  • DCSS Customer Portal: dhss.delaware.gov/dcss
  • Mailing Address: Division of Child Support Services, PO Box 12327, Wilmington, DE 19850

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Family Court Self-Help:

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Emergency Support:

  • Delaware LIHEAP (Energy Assistance): Contact local DHSS office
  • Delaware Housing Authority: [delawarestatehousings authority.com](http://delawarestatehousings authority.com/)
  • Emergency rental assistance: Available through local nonprofits

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

Child Safety:

Online Tools and Calculators

Official Delaware Resources:

Accessibility Services

Language Support:

  • Spanish interpretation: Available through DCSS offices
  • Other language interpretation: Available by request for court proceedings

Disability Accommodations:

  • Delaware Relay Service (TDD/TTY): 711
  • Community Legal Aid Society Disabilities Program: 302-575-0660
  • Court accommodations: Contact Family Court clerk for ADA accommodations

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 Delaware guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including Delaware Division of Child Support Services, Delaware Family Court, Community Legal Aid Society, USDA, and HHS to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Delaware Division of Child Support Services, Delaware Family Court, Delaware Health and Social Services, Community Legal Aid Society, 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 Delaware 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 Delaware Division of Child Support Services at 302-577-7171
  • 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 DCSS promptly
  • Review your case regularly through the DCSS Customer Portal 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 Delaware child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Delaware DCSS directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Delaware DCSS at 302-577-7171 or visit dhss.delaware.gov/dcss.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Delaware Family Court Rules 500-510, Delaware Child Support Formula
² Delaware Division of Child Support Services Fee Schedule
³ Federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, $35 annual fee requirement
⁴ Delaware DCSS Payment Options, U.S. Bank ReliaCard Program
⁵ Delaware Code Title 13, Chapter 5, Child Support Obligations
⁶ Delaware Family Court Mediation Requirements
⁷ Delaware Courts Child Support Guidelines, Melson Formula Implementation
⁸ Delaware Child Support Calculator, Family Court Forms
⁹ Delaware DCSS Application Requirements and Documentation
¹⁰ Delaware DCSS Application Fee Structure
¹¹ Delaware Family Court Mediation Conference Requirements
¹² Federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Annual Fee Assessment
¹³ U.S. Bank ReliaCard Program, Delaware Implementation
¹⁴ Delaware Child Support Enforcement Methods, DCSS Regulations

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