Child Support in Georgia

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

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:

Domestic violence: Call Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-334-2836
Immediate legal help: Atlanta Legal Aid at 404-524-5811 or Georgia Legal Services at 1-800-498-9469
Crisis assistance: Dial 2-1-1 for local resources
Emergency food: Georgia Food Bank Network at 678-553-4831

Quick Action Steps:

Apply for child support today: Call Georgia DCSS at 1-877-423-4746
Calculate your potential support: Use the Georgia Child Support Calculator
Get free legal help: Contact Georgia Legal Aid
Emergency financial assistance: Apply for TANF benefits

Main Points

✅ Georgia uses the Income Shares Model – both parents’ incomes are considered in calculations¹

✅ $25 application fee – waived if you receive TANF, Medicaid, SNAP, or other qualifying benefits²

✅ Major law changes in 2024 – new Basic Child Support Obligation table increased support amounts³

✅ Parenting time adjustments coming January 2026 – will automatically factor in time spent with each parent⁴

✅ Low-income adjustments starting 2026 – special calculations for parents earning $18,600-$47,400 annually⁵

✅ Support until age 18 – or 20 if still in high school⁶

Understanding Georgia’s 2024-2026 Child Support Changes

What Changed in 2024 and What’s Coming in 2026

Georgia made significant updates to its child support laws when Governor Brian Kemp signed SB 454 on May 6, 2024, marking the first major revision to the Child Support Guidelines since 2007. Here’s what this means for you:

Already in Effect (July 2024):

Updated Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) table that generally increases support amounts across all income levels
Income threshold increased from $30,000 to $40,000 per month ($360,000 to $480,000 annually)
Veterans Affairs disability benefits now reduce child support obligations for disabled veterans

Coming January 1, 2026:

Mandatory parenting time adjustment that will calculate support based on how much time a child spends with each parent
Low-income adjustment table for parents earning between $18,600-$47,400 annually

Reality Check: These changes generally mean higher support amounts. If you had an order established before July 2024, you may want to request a review to see if you qualify for increased support under the new guidelines.

Who Can Apply for Georgia Child Support in 2025

You can apply for child support services if you are:

A parent with primary physical custody of a child under 18
A legal guardian with custody
Someone owed back support (within statute of limitations)
Anyone who receives TANF or certain Medicaid benefits automatically gets child support services without applying

Important: You don’t have to be married to the other parent to get child support. Georgia will help establish paternity if needed.

How Much Georgia Child Support Can You Actually Get?

Georgia Income Shares Model Explained

Georgia uses the “Income Shares Model” which considers the total gross income of both parents to determine child support amounts. The court looks at what both parents would have spent on the child if they stayed together, then divides that responsibility based on each parent’s income percentage.

2024 Georgia Child Support Amounts (Basic Child Support Obligation)

Based on Georgia’s updated BCSO table effective July 2024:

Combined Monthly Income	1 Child	2 Children	3 Children	4 Children
$3,000	$665	$966	$1,100	$1,212
$5,000	$1,109	$1,609	$1,833	$2,020
$7,000	$1,553	$2,252	$2,567	$2,829
$10,000	$2,218	$3,217	$3,667	$4,041
$15,000	$3,327	$4,826	$5,500	$6,062
$20,000	$4,436	$6,434	$7,334	$8,082

How it works: These are total support amounts before splitting between parents. If you earn $2,000 monthly and the other parent earns $3,000 monthly (total $5,000), you’re responsible for 40% and they pay 60% of the support amount.

Real-World Example: Income Shares Calculation

Example: Combined income $5,000/month with 1 child

Total support needed: $1,109/month
If you earn $2,000 (40%) and other parent earns $3,000 (60%):
- Other parent pays you: $665/month
- Your contribution: $444/month (through direct child care)

Additional Costs That Increase Support

Beyond basic support, courts add these costs divided by income percentage:

Monthly childcare expenses
Health insurance premiums for the child
Uninsured medical expenses over $250 annually
Extraordinary educational expenses

Use the Official Georgia Child Support Calculator

The most accurate way to estimate your support is the Georgia Child Support Calculator provided by the Georgia Child Support Commission.

What You’ll Need:

Both parents’ gross monthly income
Number of children
Monthly childcare costs
Health insurance costs for children
Any existing child support payments

Warning: The parenting time adjustment formula for January 2026 is available as a preview tool, but actual implementation won’t occur until the effective date.

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

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents:

Child’s certified birth certificate
Your photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
Proof of income (3 recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefits statements)
Information about the other parent:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth and Social Security number
- Current and previous addresses
- Employer information
- Phone numbers and email addresses
Any existing court orders
Insurance information

Expert Tip: The more complete information you provide about the other parent, the faster DCSS can locate them and establish support.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Option 1: Online Application

Visit Georgia DCSS Portal
Complete the electronic application
Upload required documents
Pay the $25 fee online (if applicable)

Option 2: Phone Application

Call 1-877-423-4746
Complete application over the phone
Schedule appointment if needed

Option 3: In-Person Application

Visit your local DCSS office
Find office locations at childsupport.georgia.gov
Bring all required documents and $25 fee

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee (If Required)

DCSS charges a non-refundable $25 processing fee (money order or certified check).

You DON’T pay this fee if you receive:

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Medicaid
SNAP (food stamps)
Certain other qualifying benefits

Step 4: Work with Your DCSS Caseworker

After receiving your application, DCSS has 20 calendar days to establish a case. Your caseworker will:

Review your case and contact you for additional information
Locate the other parent using state and federal databases
Establish paternity if necessary through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing
Work to establish a court order for child and medical support
Begin enforcement once an order is in place

Timeline Expectations:

Simple cases (other parent cooperative, paternity established): 60-90 days
Complex cases (location needed, paternity disputed): 6-12 months
Interstate cases: May cause delays as other states’ systems are involved

Georgia Child Support Payment and Collection Process

How You’ll Receive Your Support Payments

Georgia processes all payments through the Family Support Registry. All payments must go through this system, not directly between parents.

Payment Methods:

Direct deposit to your bank account
Georgia Way2Go debit card (prepaid card option)

Important: You can sign up for direct deposit online, with processing taking about 10 business days.

When Support Payments Don’t Come: Georgia’s Enforcement Tools

When parents don’t pay support as ordered, DCSS has multiple enforcement tools available:

Enforcement Method	How It Works	Effectiveness
Income Withholding	Money taken directly from paychecks	Most effective
Tax Refund Intercept	State and federal tax refunds seized	Seasonal effectiveness
License Suspension	Driver’s, professional, recreational licenses suspended	Process begins after 60-day delinquency
Credit Bureau Reporting	Reports delinquent payments to credit agencies	Long-term impact
Bank Account Seizure	Financial accounts frozen and seized	Very effective
Property Liens	Liens placed on real estate and vehicles	Prevents sales/transfers
Lottery Winnings	Intercepts lottery winnings over $2,500	Occasional
Passport Denial	Denies passports for those owing $2,500+	International travel prevention

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, address, or assets
Stay in contact with your caseworker regularly
Use available online services to check payment status
Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay

Understanding Georgia Child Support Modifications

When You Can Request a Modification

Georgia law allows parents to request child support modifications once every 24 months. You can request a review earlier if there’s been a substantial change, such as:

25% change in either parent’s income
Significant change in parenting time
Change in health insurance or childcare costs
Job loss or disability

The 2024 Law Changes and Modifications

Important: The change in the BCSO table itself is not grounds for modification, but it will impact the amount of any new calculations.

Strategy Tip: If you had an order established before July 2024, you may benefit from requesting a modification to take advantage of the higher support amounts in the new BCSO table, especially if there have been other changes in circumstances.

Preparing for 2026 Changes

As parenting time adjustments become mandatory in January 2026, make sure you exercise all court-ordered parenting time, as the days you spend with your children will directly affect child support amounts.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Georgia

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

Same-sex couples: If both parents are listed on the birth certificate or adoption papers, both may have support obligations under Georgia law.

Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered. This may require court determination of parental rights or review of donor agreements.

Resources:

Georgia Equality: georgiaequality.org
LGBTQ+ legal support: Contact Georgia Legal Aid for referrals

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges:

Phone consultations: Most DCSS offices offer phone services
Online services: Many forms and applications available online
Mobile outreach: Some counties offer traveling services

Internet access:

Public libraries: Free computer and internet access
DCSS phone support: 1-877-423-4746 for help with online applications
Local DFCS offices: Can assist with applications

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

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

Resources for single fathers:

Same DCSS services and support
Georgia Legal Aid provides equal assistance
Local father support groups available in major cities

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

About Applying and Eligibility

Q: Can I get child support if I was never married to my child’s father? A: Absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. DCSS can help establish paternity through a Paternity action if needed.

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: DCSS has tools to locate parents using state and federal databases. Provide any information you have, even if it’s old – previous addresses, employers, relatives’ names, or social media profiles.

Q: How long does it take to get my first payment? A: The first payment typically arrives 4-6 weeks after the employer receives the Income Deduction Order. Cases requiring parent location or paternity establishment take longer.

About the New 2024 Laws

Q: Will the 2024 law changes affect my existing child support order? A: The new BCSO table changes don’t automatically modify existing orders, but they will impact any future calculations. You may want to request a modification if other circumstances have changed.

Q: What happens with the parenting time adjustments in 2026? A: Starting January 1, 2026, the amount of time each parent spends with the child will automatically be factored into support calculations, replacing the current discretionary system.

Q: How do the low-income adjustments work? A: Starting in 2026, parents earning $18,600-$47,400 annually may qualify for adjusted calculations to ensure they can meet basic living expenses while still supporting their children.

About Payments and Problems

Q: What if the other parent quits their job to avoid paying? A: Georgia courts can impute income based on earning capacity. DCSS also has multiple enforcement tools including license suspension, asset seizure, and credit reporting.

Q: Can child support be taken from unemployment benefits? A: Yes, Georgia can withhold child support from unemployment compensation and other benefits.

Q: What if the other parent moves to another state? A: States cooperate with each other to establish and collect child support, though this may cause some delays.

About Modifications and Legal Issues

Q: How often can I request a modification? A: Generally every 24 months, unless there’s been a substantial change in circumstances.

Q: Does child support automatically stop at age 18? A: Support continues until the child reaches 18 or graduates high school with reasonable expectation of graduation before their 20th birthday.

Q: Can I get help if I can’t afford a lawyer? A: Yes. Georgia Legal Aid provides free legal services to qualifying low-income individuals, and you can apply online at georgialegalaid.org.

Georgia Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Georgia Division of Child Support Services (DCSS)

What they do: DCSS is part of the Georgia Department of Human Services and provides comprehensive child support services including parent location, paternity establishment, order creation and modification, payment processing, and enforcement. They work with federal agencies and other states to ensure children receive the financial support they need.

Services provided: Locate non-custodial parents using state and federal databases, establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, create and modify child support orders, enforce payment through multiple methods, process and distribute support payments, and provide customer service through online portals and local offices.

How to contact: Main line 1-877-423-4746, with local offices in all Georgia counties providing in-person services.

Application process: Apply online at services.georgia.gov, by phone, or in person with required documents and $25 fee (waived for qualifying benefit recipients).

Georgia Legal Aid

What they do: Georgia Legal Aid organizations provide free civil legal services to low-income Georgia residents, including comprehensive family law representation for child support, custody, domestic relations, and protective order cases. They serve clients through multiple organizations including Atlanta Legal Aid Society and Georgia Legal Services Program.

Services provided: Legal representation in family court, advice and consultation for child support issues, assistance with modification requests, help with enforcement problems, domestic violence legal advocacy, and extensive online self-help resources including forms and step-by-step guides.

Who qualifies: Low-income individuals who meet certain income guidelines, with eligibility exceptions for seniors and other qualified applicants.

How to apply: Apply online at atlantalegalaid.org/apply, call 404-524-5811 for Atlanta Legal Aid, or 1-800-498-9469 for Georgia Legal Services Program.

Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS)

What they do: DFCS administers multiple assistance programs for families, including TANF cash assistance, SNAP food benefits, Medicaid health coverage, and childcare assistance. They coordinate closely with DCSS for families receiving benefits, as child support cooperation is typically required for assistance programs.

Services provided: TANF cash assistance up to $280 monthly for a family of three, SNAP food assistance, Medicaid health coverage, childcare assistance through CAPS program, and housing assistance referrals.

Who qualifies: Eligibility varies by program, with TANF requiring very low income (under $784 monthly for family of three) and limited resources under $1,000.

How to apply: Apply online through Georgia Gateway, visit local DFCS offices, or call 1-877-423-4746.

Complete Georgia Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Georgia DCSS Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Main DCSS Line: 1-877-423-4746
Online Application: services.georgia.gov
Child Support Calculator: csconlinecalc.georgiacourts.gov
Main Website: childsupport.georgia.gov

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Atlanta Legal Aid: 404-524-5811 | atlantalegalaid.org
Georgia Legal Services: 1-800-498-9469 | georgialegalaid.org
State Bar Lawyer Referral: 404-527-8700

Domestic Violence Support:

Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-334-2836
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Georgia Gateway (Multiple Benefits): dfcs.georgia.gov | 1-877-423-4746
Georgia 211 (Local Resources): Dial 2-1-1 or 211georgia.org
Georgia Food Bank Network: 678-553-4831

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

Georgia Crisis & Access Line: 1-800-715-4225
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Child Services:

Georgia Child Abuse Hotline: 1-855-422-4453

Online Tools and Calculators

Official Georgia Resources:

Child Support Calculator: csconlinecalc.georgiacourts.gov
Georgia Child Support Commission: csc.georgiacourts.gov
Georgia Gateway Benefits: dfcs.georgia.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 Georgia guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including Georgia Department of Human Services, Georgia Division of Child Support Services, Georgia Child Support Commission, Georgia Legal Aid, USDA, and HHS to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Georgia Department of Human Services, Georgia Division of Child Support Services, Georgia Child Support Commission, Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Georgia Division of Child Support Services at 1-877-423-4746
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 available online portals 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 Georgia child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Georgia DCSS directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Georgia DCSS at 1-877-423-4746 or visit childsupport.georgia.gov.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Georgia Code § 19-6-15 (Income Shares Model)
² Georgia DCSS Application Fee Schedule
³ Georgia SB 454 (2024) – Basic Child Support Obligation Table Update
⁴ Georgia SB 454 (2024) – Parenting Time Adjustment (effective 1/1/2026)
⁵ Georgia SB 454 (2024) – Low Income Adjustment (effective 1/1/2026)
⁶ Georgia Code § 19-6-15 – Duration of Support

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