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Child Support in Illinois

Child Support in Illinois

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

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


  • Domestic violence: Call Illinois Domestic Violence Helpline at 1-877-863-6338
  • Immediate legal help: Illinois Legal Aid Online at 1-855-435-7787
  • Crisis assistance: 211 Illinois (dial 2-1-1)
  • Food assistance: Greater Chicago Food Depository at 773-247-3663

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Call Illinois DCSS at 800-447-4278
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the Illinois Child Support Calculator
  3. Get free legal help: Contact Illinois Legal Aid Online
  4. Check payment status: Access Illinois DCSS Online

Main Points

✅ Illinois uses the Income Shares Model (since July 1, 2017) – both parents’ incomes determine child support amounts¹

✅ Application is free – no fees charged by Illinois DCSS for child support services²

✅ No credit reporting – Illinois stopped reporting child support debt to credit bureaus in 2025³

✅ No automatic interest – past-due support no longer automatically accrues interest as of 2021⁴

✅ Two payment options: Direct deposit or IL Debit MasterCard through State Disbursement Unit⁵

✅ Support continues until age 18 – or age 19 if still in high school⁶

✅ Minimum payment: $40 per month per child for very low-income parents⁷

Understanding Illinois Child Support in 2025

What Changed in 2017 and Why It Matters

Illinois made a major change effective July 1, 2017, when it switched from the old “Percentage of Income” model to the Income Shares Model under Public Act 99-764⁸. Here’s what this means for you:

Before July 2017: Only the non-custodial parent’s income mattered
Since July 2017: Both parents’ incomes are considered

Maria’s Reality Check: “I was scared the new system would hurt me because I work part-time at Target making $1,200 a month. But when we calculated under the Income Shares Model, even though my income counts, the total support amount went UP because it’s based on what our child would actually need if we lived together. My ex now pays $580 monthly instead of the old $450.”

This change generally results in more realistic support amounts. The Illinois Child Support Advisory Committee regularly reviews and updates the guidelines, with the most recent updates effective March 5, 2025⁹.

Recent 2025 Changes That Help Single Mothers

Illinois made several important changes that directly benefit single mothers:

  • No More Credit Reporting: Illinois stopped reporting unpaid child support to credit bureaus¹⁰, making it easier for single mothers to get jobs, housing, and loans
  • No Automatic Interest: Past-due support no longer automatically grows with interest¹¹
  • Stricter Enforcement: Enhanced penalties for non-payment including asset seizure and wage garnishment¹²

How Much Illinois Child Support Can You Actually Get?

Illinois Income Shares Model Explained

The amount you’ll receive depends on several factors under the Income Shares Guidelines:

Factor How It’s Used Example Impact
Combined net income Both parents’ incomes added together $3,000 + $2,000 = $5,000 total
Number of children More children = higher total support 1 child: $1,295; 2 children: $1,831
Parenting time 146+ overnights affects calculation Shared custody reduces obligation
Additional expenses Childcare, health insurance, medical costs Added to base support amount

2025 Illinois Child Support Amounts (Basic Support Obligation)

Based on the current Illinois Income Shares Schedule updated March 5, 2025:

Parents’ Combined Monthly Net Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children 4 Children
$2,000 $439 $621 $712 $784
$3,000 $659 $932 $1,069 $1,177
$4,000 $879 $1,242 $1,425 $1,570
$5,000 $1,098 $1,553 $1,782 $1,963
$6,000 $1,318 $1,863 $2,138 $2,356
$8,000 $1,758 $2,484 $2,851 $3,142

Reality Check: These are total support amounts before considering each parent’s share. If you earn $1,500 monthly and the other parent earns $3,500 monthly, you’re responsible for 30% of the support amount, and they pay 70%.

Real-World Example: How Your Income Affects What You Receive

Example: Combined net income is $5,000/month with 2 children

  • Total support needed: $1,553/month
  • If you earn $1,500 (30%) and other parent earns $3,500 (70%):
    • Other parent pays: $1,087/month to you
    • Your contribution: $466/month (through direct child care)

Use the Official Illinois Child Support Calculator

The most accurate way to estimate your support is using the Illinois Child Support Calculator provided by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services¹³. This calculator:

  • Estimates child support amounts under current 2025 guidelines
  • Accounts for shared parenting adjustments (146+ overnights)
  • Includes additional expenses calculations
  • Provides professional and parent-friendly versions

What You’ll Need:

  • Both parents’ gross monthly income (before taxes)
  • Number of children needing support
  • Monthly childcare costs
  • Monthly health insurance costs for the children
  • Any spousal maintenance being paid or received

Important: The judge has final authority to determine child support amounts. This calculator only provides estimates¹⁴.

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

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents¹⁵:

  • 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 address and previous addresses
    • Employer name and address
    • 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 can help. Illinois DCSS has powerful location tools including employment databases, tax records, and social media searches.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You have three ways to apply for Illinois child support services:

Option 1: Online Application

  • Visit the Illinois HFS website
  • Complete the electronic application
  • Upload required documents
  • No application fee required

Option 2: Phone Application

  • Call Illinois DCSS at 800-447-4278
  • Available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Representatives available in English and Spanish

Option 3: Mail Application

  • Download forms from the Illinois HFS website
  • Complete all sections and include required documents
  • Mail to your local DCSS office

Step 3: Work with Your Illinois DCSS Caseworker

Once Illinois DCSS receives your application, you’ll be assigned a caseworker who will¹⁶:

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

What to Expect Timeline:

  • Simple cases (other parent cooperative, paternity established): 60-90 days
  • Complex cases (location needed, paternity disputed): 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 3-6 months depending on other state’s cooperation

How You’ll Receive Your Illinois Child Support Payments

Illinois offers two electronic payment methods through the Illinois State Disbursement Unit (ILSDU):

Payment Methods Comparison

Method Setup Time Fees Access
Direct Deposit 2-4 weeks None Bank account required
IL Debit MasterCard 2-3 weeks None for basic use No bank account needed

Option 1: Direct Deposit

How it works:

  • Your payments are deposited directly into your checking or savings account
  • Complete the Direct Deposit Authorization Form
  • Setup takes 2-4 weeks to establish
  • No fees for this service

Requirements:

  • Valid checking or savings account at any U.S. bank or credit union
  • Completed authorization form submitted to ILSDU

Option 2: IL Debit MasterCard™

How it works:

  • Prepaid debit card (not a credit card) where your payments are loaded
  • No bank account or credit check required
  • Allow 2-3 weeks for initial card setup
  • Once active, funds available within 1-2 business days

Services with NO fees:

  • Making purchases anywhere MasterCard is accepted
  • Cash withdrawals at certain ATMs
  • Customer service calls
  • Monthly account maintenance

Contact for payment issues: Illinois State Disbursement Unit at 877-225-7077

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

What Illinois DCSS Can Do to Collect Support

Illinois DCSS has various enforcement methods available under Illinois statutes:

Enforcement Method How It Works Effectiveness Timeline
Income Withholding Money taken directly from paychecks Most effective Immediate when employed
Wage Garnishment Up to 50-60% of wages seized¹⁷ Very effective 30-60 days
State Tax Intercept State tax refunds seized Seasonal effectiveness Annual
Federal Tax Intercept Federal tax refunds seized High recovery rate Annual
License Suspension Driver’s, professional licenses suspended High compliance rate 90+ days past due
Asset Seizure Bank accounts, property seized Very effective Significant arrears
Property Liens Liens placed on real estate, vehicles Prevents sales $500+ owed
Contempt of Court Possible jail time up to 6 months Last resort Administrative remedies exhausted

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

  1. Keep detailed records of all missed or partial payments with dates and amounts
  2. Report changes immediately in the other parent’s employment, address, or assets
  3. Stay in regular contact with your caseworker (monthly if payments are inconsistent)
  4. Use Illinois DCSS Online to check payment status and case updates
  5. Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay but show wealth on social media

Federal Criminal Enforcement

For serious cases, the federal government can pursue criminal charges for willful non-payment across state lines¹⁸:

  • Felony charges for owing $10,000+ or being 2+ years behind
  • Passport denial for $2,500+ in arrears
  • Federal contractor exclusion (prevents getting government contracts)

Reality Check: While these tools exist, enforcement can take time. Document everything and stay persistent with your caseworker.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Illinois

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

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

Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered. This may require:

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

Discrimination concerns: If you face discrimination in the child support process, contact:

Additional Resources:

Native American and Tribal Connections

While Illinois doesn’t have federally recognized tribal reservations, many families have tribal connections that can affect child support:

Interstate tribal cases: If the other parent lives on tribal land in another state, Illinois DCSS works with:

  • Office of Tribal Services within the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement
  • Tribal child support agencies that have cooperative agreements with states
  • Tribal courts that may have exclusive or concurrent jurisdiction

Contact for tribal cases: Illinois DCSS at 800-447-4278 can coordinate with federal tribal services.

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges to DCSS offices:

  • Phone consultations available: Call 800-447-4278 to arrange
  • Online services: Most applications and updates can be completed online
  • Mobile services: DCSS occasionally visits rural communities

Internet access limitations:

  • Public libraries: Free internet and computer access for online services
  • DCSS phone support: 800-447-4278 for assistance with online applications
  • Local DHS offices: Can help with applications and provide internet access

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under Illinois child support law. However, studies show custodial fathers face unique challenges:

Statistics for custodial fathers:

  • More likely to never receive any child support payments
  • Less likely to pursue formal support orders
  • More likely to receive non-cash support

Same application process: Application, enforcement methods, and services are identical for fathers

Illinois Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) – Division of Child Support Services (DCSS)

What they do: Illinois DCSS is the state agency responsible for establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders. They provide comprehensive services including parent location, paternity establishment, order creation, payment processing, and enforcement of support obligations. DCSS works 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 through administrative and judicial processes, enforce payment through wage withholding and other collection tools, distribute collected support payments through the State Disbursement Unit, and provide ongoing case management services.

How to contact: Main line 800-447-4278, available Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Online services available 24/7 at online.hfs.illinois.gov.

Application process: Apply online at hfs.illinois.gov, by phone at 800-447-4278, or by mail. No application fees charged.

Illinois Legal Aid Online

What they do: Illinois Legal Aid Online provides free legal information, self-help tools, and attorney referrals to low-income Illinois residents. They offer comprehensive family law assistance including child support, custody, domestic relations, and protective order cases. Their innovative technology platform makes legal help accessible statewide through Easy Forms and step-by-step guidance.

Services provided: Free legal information and forms, online Easy Forms that create court documents, attorney referrals for qualifying cases, self-help guides for common legal issues, domestic violence resources and safety planning, and multilingual support in English, Spanish, and Polish.

Who qualifies: Services are free for all Illinois residents. Legal representation referrals are available for those meeting income guidelines (typically 125% of federal poverty level or below).

How to apply: Visit illinoislegalaid.org for self-help resources, call 1-855-435-7787 for referrals, or text “HELP” to 67467 for quick access to resources.

Legal Aid Chicago

What they do: Legal Aid Chicago provides free civil legal services to people living in poverty in Cook County. They offer direct representation, advice, and advocacy for family law matters including child support enforcement, custody disputes, domestic violence cases, and housing issues. Their experienced attorneys fight for justice and work to break the cycle of poverty for vulnerable families.

Services provided: Direct legal representation in family court, child support enforcement assistance, domestic violence legal advocacy, housing and eviction defense, benefits advocacy, and immigration assistance for qualifying cases.

Who qualifies: Households at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines in Cook County, with priority given to cases involving domestic violence, children, elderly, and disabled individuals.

How to apply: Call 312-341-1070 for intake screening. All clients must be registered by telephone and screened for eligibility. Phone menu and staff communicate in English and Spanish.

Illinois Attorney General’s Office – Child Support Enforcement Division

What they do: The Attorney General’s Child Support Enforcement Division works closely with Illinois HFS and other agencies to ensure families receive needed support. This division of more than 60 attorneys and staff handles child support enforcement in 92 counties across Illinois, providing legal representation in court proceedings and pursuing complex enforcement cases.

Services provided: Legal representation in child support court cases, enforcement of delinquent support cases, interstate child support cooperation, prosecution of criminal non-support cases, and coordination with federal enforcement agencies.

How to contact: Visit illinoisattorneygeneral.gov for information, or contact through local Illinois HFS offices for case-specific assistance.

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

About Applying and Eligibility

Q: Do I have to live in Illinois to get child support through Illinois DCSS? A: No, you don’t have to be an Illinois resident to apply for services. However, if the child support order was entered in Illinois or the non-custodial parent lives in Illinois, you can receive services. You might need to travel to Illinois for court hearings.

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

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

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

About Calculations and Amounts Under the Income Shares Model

Q: How does my income affect what the other parent pays under the Income Shares Model? A: Both incomes are combined to determine total support needed, then each parent pays their percentage. Example: Combined income $5,000, support needed $1,553 for 2 children. If you earn $1,500 (30%) and other parent earns $3,500 (70%), they pay $1,087 to you while you provide $466 through direct care.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support for years before I applied? A: Yes, but it’s limited. Illinois courts can order retroactive support going back up to the date of filing the petition, but typically not before the child’s birth. The amount and time period depend on specific circumstances and the judge’s discretion.

Q: What counts as “income” for Illinois child support calculations? A: Illinois law defines income broadly: wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, overtime, tips, self-employment income, rental income, retirement benefits, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, Social Security benefits, and any other regular income source. Some benefits like SNAP and SSI are excluded.

Q: Is there a maximum amount of child support in Illinois? A: Illinois doesn’t set a specific cap. The Income Shares Schedule goes up to high income levels, and for higher incomes, courts have discretion to order additional support based on the child’s needs and the parents’ lifestyles.

About Payments and Problems

Q: What if my child now spends more time with the other parent than when we got the original order? A: If either parent has the child for 146 or more overnights per year (approximately 40% time), this may qualify as “shared parenting” under Illinois law, which uses a different calculation that can reduce the support obligation. You’ll need to petition the court for modification.

Q: How do I switch from the debit card to direct deposit or vice versa? A: Contact the Illinois State Disbursement Unit at 877-225-7077 to request the appropriate forms. Allow 2-4 weeks for the change to take effect.

Q: What should I do if I receive a child support payment that seems wrong? A: Contact the Illinois State Disbursement Unit at 877-225-7077 immediately. While mistakes are rare, they can occur. Keep detailed records of all payments received.

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

  • Cooperative cases with wage withholding: 4-8 weeks after order is entered
  • Cases requiring parent location: 3-6 months
  • Contested paternity cases: 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 3-9 months depending on other state cooperation

About Enforcement and Legal Issues

Q: What if the other parent quits their job or moves to avoid paying child support? A: Illinois DCSS has multiple enforcement tools beyond wage withholding. They can seize tax refunds, suspend licenses, report to credit bureaus (though this changed in 2025), freeze bank accounts, and even pursue federal criminal charges for willful non-payment. Job changes must be reported to employers.

Q: Can Illinois DCSS help with custody, visitation, or parenting time issues? A: No. Illinois DCSS only handles financial support and medical support. For custody or visitation issues, you’ll need to contact a private attorney, Illinois Legal Aid, or file directly with the family court.

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

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

About Modifications and Recent Changes

Q: How do I modify my child support order if circumstances change? A: You can request a modification through Illinois DCSS if there’s been a substantial change in circumstances, such as:

  • A significant change in either parent’s income (20% or $10+ monthly difference)
  • A change in custody arrangement (146+ overnights)
  • A change in childcare or health insurance costs
  • Every 3 years since the last review (for DCSS cases)

Q: What does it mean that Illinois stopped charging automatic interest on past-due support? A: As of 2021, Illinois no longer automatically adds interest to unpaid child support. This change helps prevent debt from growing out of control, but the full principal amount is still owed, and all enforcement tools remain available.

Q: Why did Illinois stop reporting child support debt to credit bureaus? A: Illinois made this change in 2025 to remove additional barriers for parents seeking better employment or stable housing. Non-payment is still enforced through other methods like wage garnishment and asset seizure.

Complete Illinois Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Illinois DCSS Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

LGBTQ+ Legal Support:

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Utility and Housing Assistance:

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

  • Illinois Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-877-863-6338
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Child Services:

Online Tools and Calculators

Official Illinois Resources:

Benefits Screening:

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 Illinois guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Legal Aid, USDA, and HHS to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Illinois Legal Aid Online, 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 Illinois 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 Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services at 800-447-4278
  • 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 Illinois DCSS promptly
  • Review your case regularly through Illinois DCSS Online 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 Illinois child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Illinois DCSS directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Illinois DCSS at 800-447-4278 or visit hfs.illinois.gov/childsupport.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Illinois Supreme Court Public Act 99-764 (effective July 1, 2017)
² Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Fee Schedule
³ Illinois HFS Policy Change (effective 2025)
⁴ Illinois Interest Policy Change (effective 2021)
⁵ Illinois State Disbursement Unit Payment Options
⁶ Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act § 750 ILCS 5/513
⁷ Illinois Child Support Guidelines § 750 ILCS 5/505(a)(3.3a)
⁸ Public Act 99-764, Illinois Income Shares Model Implementation
⁹ Illinois Child Support Advisory Committee Guidelines Update (March 5, 2025)
¹⁰ Illinois HFS Credit Reporting Policy Change (2025)
¹¹ Illinois Interest Elimination Policy (2021)
¹² Illinois Child Support Enforcement Enhancements (2025)
¹³ Illinois HFS Child Support Calculator
¹⁴ Illinois Child Support Calculator Disclaimer
¹⁵ Illinois DCSS Application Requirements
¹⁶ Illinois DCSS Case Processing Timeline
¹⁷ Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act (15 U.S.C. § 1673)
¹⁸ Federal Criminal Non-Support Guidelines

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