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Child Support in Indiana

Child Support in Indiana

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

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


  • Domestic violence: Call National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233
  • Immediate legal help: Indiana Legal Services at 1-844-243-5342
  • Crisis assistance: 211 Indiana (dial 2-1-1)
  • Emergency food: Feeding Indiana’s Hungry Food Finder at feedingindianashungry.org

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Call DCS Kidsline at 1-800-840-8757
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the Official Indiana Child Support Calculator
  3. Get free legal help: Contact Indiana Legal Services
  4. Emergency financial assistance: Apply for Emergency SNAP benefits

Main Points

✅ Major 2024 guidelines overhaul – Indiana replaced 1970s economic data with the Rothbarth methodology using 2013-2019 consumer data

✅ Support continues until age 19 – Children are considered emancipated at age 19 instead of 21 since July 1, 2012

✅ No application fees – Signing up for Indiana child support services is free

✅ Income Shares Model – Both parents’ incomes matter in calculating support amounts

✅ 6% rule eliminated – Uninsured healthcare expenses are now shared proportionally by income

✅ Stricter deviation requirements – Courts must include material explanations for any deviation from guideline amounts

Understanding Indiana’s Revolutionary 2024 Child Support Changes

What Changed and Why It Matters to You

Indiana made the most substantial revision to child support guidelines since they were first established, with changes effective January 1, 2024. Here’s what this means for single mothers:

Before 2024: Guidelines used economic theories and consumer data from the 1970s
Since January 2024: New guidelines use the Rothbarth methodology based on consumer expenditure data from 2013 to 2019

Reality Check: The Indiana Supreme Court expects the new guidelines to result in an overall increase in payments. This generally means more money for single mothers, but the exact impact depends on both parents’ income levels.

Key Changes That Affect Single Mothers

What Changed Old Way New Way (2024) Impact for You
Healthcare costs 6% rule – custodial parent paid first 6% before sharing costs All uninsured healthcare expenses shared proportionally by income Less out-of-pocket for you
Multiple children schedules Difficult calculations New three-step methodology for different overnight schedules More accurate support amounts
Court deviations Courts accepted agreements with little explanation Must include material explanation for deviations Harder for other parent to reduce support unfairly
Childbirth expenses Limited coverage Father responsible for 50% of prenatal, delivery, and postnatal costs Better support during pregnancy

Important: The new Indiana Child Support Guidelines will not result in automatic changes to existing court orders or agreements. You’ll need to request a modification if you want to benefit from the new rules.

How Much Indiana Child Support Can You Actually Get?

Understanding the Income Shares Model

The guidelines employ a methodology designed to calculate child support as the share of each parent’s income estimated to have been spent on the child if the parents and child were living in an intact household.

Example: If combined income is $1,200 weekly with one child:

  • Total support needed: About $247 weekly
  • If you earn $400 (33%) and other parent earns $800 (67%):
    • Other parent pays: $165 weekly to you
    • Your contribution: $82 weekly (through direct child care)

2025 Indiana Child Support Amounts (Weekly Base Support)

Based on current guidelines after the 2024 overhaul:

Parents’ Combined Weekly Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children 4 Children
$600 $134 $184 $209 $227
$800 $178 $245 $279 $303
$1,000 $223 $306 $348 $378
$1,200 $267 $367 $418 $454
$1,500 $334 $459 $522 $567
$1,800 $400 $550 $626 $680

Reality Check: Support payments have either been increased or decreased, depending on adjusted income and number of children being supported. Generally, higher-income families see increases while some lower-income ranges see decreases.

Real-World Example: How It Works

Sarah’s situation: Combined weekly income $1,000, two children

  • Total weekly support needed: $306
  • Sarah earns $300 (30%), Ex earns $700 (70%)
  • Ex pays Sarah: $214 weekly ($917 monthly)
  • Sarah’s contribution: $92 weekly (through direct care)

Use the Official Indiana Child Support Calculator

The most accurate way to estimate support is using Indiana’s official child support calculator, which generates printable forms that you must file with your court when you open a case.

Access: Indiana Child Support Calculator

What You’ll Need:

  • Both parents’ gross weekly income
  • Number of children needing support
  • Weekly childcare costs
  • Weekly health insurance costs for children
  • Current parenting time schedule (overnights per year)
  • Any existing support obligations

Warning: Watch out for other websites with so-called child support calculators for Indiana. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that these calculators are accurate and up-to-date.

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

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before contacting Indiana DCS, 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 known 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: The more complete information you provide about the other parent, the faster DCS can locate them and establish support.

Step 2: Contact Indiana Child Support Services

In Indiana, Child Support services are provided in each county by elected Prosecutors operating in cooperative agreement with the Child Support Bureau.

Primary Contact Options:

  • Kidsline (Customer Service): 1-800-840-8757 or 317-233-5437
  • Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed on state holidays
  • Languages: Assistance is available in 170 different languages for live support calls

Application Process:

  1. Call Kidsline to start your application
  2. Complete enrollment form – can be done over phone or in person
  3. Submit required documents to your local county prosecutor’s office
  4. Case opened and referred to appropriate local office

No Fees: Signing up for services is free. Unlike many states, Indiana doesn’t charge application or service fees.

Step 3: Work with Your County Prosecutor’s Office

Once you submit the enrollment form, a child support case is opened in your local county Prosecutor’s office. The local county Prosecutor’s office determines services needed for your specific case.

What They’ll Do:

  1. Locate the other parent using state and federal databases
  2. Establish paternity if needed through voluntary acknowledgment or court order
  3. File court motions to establish support and medical support orders
  4. Begin enforcement once an order is in place

Timeline Expectations:

  • Cooperative cases: 60-90 days for initial order
  • Contested cases: 4-6 months
  • Cases requiring parent location: 3-9 months
  • Interstate cases: 6-12 months depending on cooperation

Indiana Child Support Payment and Collection

How You’ll Receive Your Support

All child support payments in Indiana go through the Indiana State Central Collection Unit (INSCCU).

Payment Methods Available:

  • Direct deposit to your bank account
  • Debit card through state-issued payment cards
  • Paper checks (if other methods unavailable)

Income Withholding (Most Common): If an Income Withholding Order (IWO) was sent to the other parent’s employer, they will forward the support withheld from earnings to INSCCU.

When Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement Tools

Indiana has powerful enforcement tools available when the other parent doesn’t pay:

Enforcement Method How It Works When Used Effectiveness
Income Withholding Money taken directly from paychecks First step when employed Most effective
Tax Intercept State and federal tax refunds seized Past due support Seasonal but effective
License Suspension Driver’s, professional licenses suspended Significant arrears High compliance rate
Credit Reporting Reported to credit bureaus Monthly for arrears Long-term pressure
Bank Account Seizure Accounts frozen and funds taken Substantial debts Very effective
Property Liens Liens on real estate, vehicles $500+ owed Prevents asset sales
Passport Denial Prevents international travel $2,500+ arrears Effective for some
Contempt of Court Possible jail time Last resort Variable

Your Role in Enforcement:

  • Keep detailed records of missed payments
  • Report any changes in the other parent’s employment or address immediately
  • Stay in contact with your caseworker
  • Document any signs of hidden income or assets

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Indiana

Indiana child support laws apply equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, though you may face unique challenges:

Same-sex marriages: If both parents are listed on the birth certificate or adoption papers, both have potential support obligations under Indiana law.

Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered. This may require court determination if the non-biological parent isn’t legally recognized.

Resources for LGBTQ+ families:

Discrimination concerns: If you face discrimination in the child support process, document everything and contact Indiana Legal Services at 1-844-243-5342.

Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access

Transportation barriers:

  • Phone consultations: Most county offices offer phone appointments
  • Document submission: Many forms can be faxed or mailed
  • Kidsline support: 1-800-840-8757 for remote assistance

Internet access limitations:

  • Public libraries: Free internet and computer access
  • Community centers: Many rural areas have public computer access
  • Mobile hotspots: Some counties offer lending programs

Additional rural resources:

  • Purdue Extension: Family resource programs in all counties
  • Rural Health Network: Medical assistance programs
  • Community Action Programs: Various support services

Native American Families

While Indiana doesn’t have federal reservations, many families have tribal connections:

Tribal jurisdiction issues: If the other parent lives on tribal land, child support may involve:

  • Coordination between state and tribal courts
  • Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement assistance
  • Potential exclusive tribal jurisdiction depending on circumstances

ICWA considerations: May apply if children are enrolled tribal members or eligible for enrollment.

Contact: Indiana DCS can coordinate with federal tribal services when needed.

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under Indiana law, though statistics show unique challenges:

Same process: Application, calculation, and enforcement methods are identical Equal treatment: Indiana law doesn’t favor mothers over fathers in support decisions Support resources: All programs and services apply equally to custodial fathers

Indiana Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) – Child Support Bureau

What they do: DCS Child Support Bureau coordinates with county prosecutors to provide comprehensive child support services including parent location, paternity establishment, order creation, payment processing, and enforcement throughout Indiana’s 92 counties.

Services provided: Locate non-custodial parents using state and federal databases, establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, work with courts to establish and modify support orders, enforce payment through income withholding and other collection tools, process and distribute support payments through INSCCU, and provide ongoing case management.

How to contact: Kidsline at 1-800-840-8757 or 317-233-5437, Monday-Friday 7am-5pm with 170 language assistance available. County offices located in all 92 counties.

Who qualifies: Any custodial parent, legal guardian, or caretaker with custody of a child under 19. Services are free with no income restrictions.

Indiana Legal Services

What they do: Indiana Legal Services is a statewide nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income residents, including comprehensive family law representation for child support, custody, and domestic relations cases.

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

Who qualifies: Households generally at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines, with priority given to domestic violence survivors and cases involving children.

How to apply: Call 1-844-243-5342 for intake screening, use online application at indianalegalservices.org, or visit offices in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Gary, and other locations.

Indianapolis Legal Aid Society

What they do: Indianapolis Legal Aid Society provides free civil legal aid specifically to low-income residents of Marion County and surrounding areas, with specialized family law services including child support, custody, and divorce representation.

Services provided: Complete divorce and family law representation, child support establishment and modification assistance, custody and parenting time cases, domestic violence protective orders, and adoption services.

Who qualifies: Low-income residents of central Indiana who meet income guidelines.

How to contact: 317-635-9538 or visit indylas.org to complete initial questionnaire before scheduling attorney consultation.

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA)

What they do: FSSA administers multiple assistance programs for families, providing comprehensive support services that work alongside child support to help single mothers achieve stability and self-sufficiency.

Services provided: SNAP food assistance for eligible families, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid and Healthy Indiana Plan coverage, childcare assistance through CCDF vouchers, housing assistance programs, and energy assistance through LIHEAP.

Who qualifies: Eligibility varies by program based on income, family size, and specific circumstances, with most programs serving families at or below 130-138% of federal poverty level.

How to apply: Online applications at in.gov/fssa/families provide streamlined access to multiple programs, or visit local Family and Social Services offices in all counties.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About Indiana Child Support

About the 2024 Changes and Applications

Q: Do the new 2024 guidelines automatically increase my existing child support order? A: No, the new Indiana Child Support Guidelines will not result in automatic changes to existing court orders or agreements. You must petition the court for a modification to benefit from the new guidelines. However, the change in guidelines may constitute grounds for modification.

Q: I don’t know where my child’s father is. Can Indiana still help me get child support? A: Yes. Child support services include locating parents using a variety of tools exclusively available through the child support program. DCS has access to employment databases, tax records, credit reports, and other location tools. Provide any information you have, even if it’s years old.

Q: What if the father denies he’s the parent? A: Child support services include establishing paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or court-ordered genetic testing. If he won’t voluntarily acknowledge paternity, the court can order DNA testing at his expense.

Q: Can I apply if I live in another state but my child’s father is in Indiana? A: Yes, even if the other parent is living in another state, you can enroll for services in Indiana. Interstate child support enforcement works through cooperation between states.

About Calculations and Amounts Under New Guidelines

Q: How does the elimination of the 6% rule help me? A: Previously, you had to pay the first 6% of uninsured healthcare expenses before the other parent contributed. Now, all reasonable and medically necessary expenses are divided between parents based on their income percentages. This means less out-of-pocket costs for you.

Q: My children stay different amounts of time with their father. How does that affect support? A: The 2024 updates include a new three-step methodology for calculating parenting time credit when a parent spends different numbers of overnights with different children. This should result in more accurate calculations that reflect the actual time spent.

Q: What if my ex tries to quit his job to avoid paying support? A: The court may impute income to a parent if they find the parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. This would be the case if the parent quit their job or is capable of earning a higher income and chooses not to. The court can base support on earning capacity rather than actual income.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support for time before I applied? A: Yes, Indiana allows retroactive support, but the specific time period depends on your circumstances and when you file. The court has discretion to order past support based on the child’s needs and both parents’ circumstances during that time.

About Payments and Problems

Q: What happens if my child support payments come through the INSCCU but seem wrong? A: Contact the Kidsline immediately at 1-800-840-8757 if you have questions about payments. Keep detailed records and report discrepancies promptly. INSCCU can investigate payment posting errors.

Q: How long does it usually take to get my first payment? A: Timeline varies significantly based on your case:

  • Income withholding established: 2-4 weeks after order
  • Contested paternity: 4-8 months
  • Parent location needed: 3-6 months
  • Interstate enforcement: Variable depending on other state cooperation

Q: What if the other parent moves to another state? A: Indiana can work with child support agencies in all 50 states through interstate enforcement. The Indiana order remains enforceable, and the other state assists with collection.

Q: My ex pays sometimes but not consistently. What can I do? A: Document every missed or partial payment with dates and amounts. Report the inconsistency to your caseworker immediately. Enforcement tools include garnishing wages, intercepting tax refunds, suspending licenses, and placing liens on property.

About Modifications and Legal Issues

Q: When can I ask for more child support? A: You can request modification when there’s been a significant and continuing change in circumstances, or when it’s been at least a year since the existing order and recalculation would result in at least a 20% change.

Q: Does child support automatically stop when my child turns 19? A: Children are considered emancipated at age 19 in Indiana, but when parents have multiple children together, payments can change after each child turns 19 — but not automatically. Parents must request a modified order.

Q: Can the court order college support? A: Indiana allows ongoing support for older children’s college expenses. The court has discretion to order post-secondary education support based on both parents’ ability to pay and the child’s educational needs.

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 Indiana Legal Services at 1-844-243-5342 for assistance with appeals, or consult with a private family law attorney.

Complete Indiana Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Indiana DCS Child Support Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Specialized Legal Support:

  • Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy: Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 1-800-332-7385
  • LGBTQ+ Legal Support: Lambda Legal at 1-866-542-8336

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Housing and Utilities:

  • Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: ihcda.in.gov | 317-232-7777
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Contact local community action agency
  • Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher: Contact local housing authority

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Indiana Domestic Violence Network: 1-800-332-7385
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Child Safety:

Online Tools and Calculators

Official Indiana Resources:

Benefits Screening:

Regional Legal Aid Organizations

Northern Indiana:

  • Legal Aid Society of Northwest Indiana: 219-853-3600 | Serving Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, and Jasper counties
  • Legal Aid of East Central Indiana: 765-593-1760 | Serving Delaware, Henry, Madison, and surrounding counties

Central Indiana:

  • Indianapolis Legal Aid Society: 317-635-9538 | Marion County and surrounding areas
  • Kids’ Voice of Indiana: 317-558-2870 | Statewide children’s legal advocacy

Southern Indiana:

  • Legal Aid of Southern Indiana: Contact Indiana Legal Services main line for referral

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

Information compiled from official Indiana Department of Child Services, Indiana Judicial Branch, Indiana Legal Services, 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 Indiana 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 Indiana DCS Kidsline at 1-800-840-8757
  • 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 DCS promptly
  • Use the official Indiana Child Support Calculator for current estimates

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 Indiana child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Indiana DCS directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Indiana DCS Kidsline at 1-800-840-8757 or visit in.gov/dcs/child-support.

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