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Child Support in Kentucky

Child Support in Kentucky

Last Updated on August 13, 2025 by Rachel

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

Last updated: August 2025


If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:

  • Domestic violence: Call Kentucky Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233
  • Immediate legal help: Legal Aid of the Bluegrass at 1-859-431-8200
  • Crisis assistance: Kentucky 211 (dial 2-1-1)
  • Emergency food: Kentucky Association of Food Banks at kentuckyfoodbank.org

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Call Kentucky Child Support at 1-800-248-1163
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the Kentucky Child Support Calculator
  3. Get free legal help: Contact Kentucky Legal Aid
  4. Emergency financial assistance: Apply for K-TAP benefits

Main Points

✅ Kentucky changed its guidelines on March 31, 2023 – now includes parenting time adjustments that can significantly reduce support payments¹

✅ Application fee is $35 – required for non-welfare recipients, waived for those receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or K-TAP²

✅ Minimum support is $60 per month – unless a judge finds this would be unfair³

✅ Two payment options: Kentucky Way2Go Card or direct deposit⁴

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

✅ Parenting time credits available – shared custody of 73+ days per year can reduce support obligations⁶

Understanding Kentucky’s 2023 Child Support Changes

What Changed on March 31, 2023 and Why It Matters

Kentucky implemented major changes to its child support system on March 31, 2023, when Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 501 into law. The biggest change is that child support obligations are now adjusted based on each parent’s parenting time.

Before March 2023: Child support was based only on income percentages
Since March 2023: Parenting time credits can reduce support obligations by up to 50%

The new system includes a parenting time adjustment percentage that reduces a parent’s child support obligation based on the number of days they have custody in a calendar year.

Reality Check for Single Mothers: These changes can significantly impact what you receive. If the other parent has your child for 92 days per year (about 25% of the time), they get a 12% reduction in their support obligation. If they have 182 days (50% time), they get a 50% reduction. This means you could receive hundreds of dollars less per month than under the old system.

Parenting Time Credit Chart (2023 Guidelines)

Based on Kentucky Revised Statute 403.2121(4), here’s how parenting time affects support payments:

Days Per Year with Other Parent Parenting Time Credit Reduction in Support
0-72 days 0% No reduction
73-91 days 8% Small reduction
92-127 days 12% Moderate reduction
128-145 days 20% Significant reduction
146-163 days 27% Large reduction
164-181 days 35% Very large reduction
182+ days 50% Maximum reduction

Important: Parenting time credit does not apply if your child receives public assistance including KCHIP, K-TAP, SNAP, or Medicaid.

Who Can Apply for Kentucky Child Support in 2025

You can apply for child support services if you are:

  • A parent with physical custody of a child under 18 (or 19 if still in high school)
  • A legal guardian or relative caretaker with custody
  • Someone owed back support for a child now over 18 (within certain time limits)
  • A foster parent with legal custody

You don’t need to:

  • Be married to the other parent
  • Live in Kentucky (though you may need to travel here for court)
  • Know where the other parent lives (Kentucky can help locate them)

Warning: Don’t expect this process to be quick or easy. Simple cases take 60-90 days, but complex cases involving location services or paternity disputes can take 6-12 months or longer.

How Much Kentucky Child Support Can You Actually Get?

Understanding the Income Shares Model

Kentucky uses an income shares model where both parents’ incomes are combined to determine the total support needed, then each parent pays their proportional share.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Both parents’ gross monthly incomes are added together
  2. The court looks up the total support amount on Kentucky’s chart
  3. Each parent’s percentage of the combined income determines their share
  4. The non-custodial parent pays their share to the custodial parent

2025 Kentucky Child Support Amounts (Before Parenting Time Adjustments)

Based on current Kentucky guidelines, here are base support amounts before considering each parent’s income share:

Combined Monthly Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children 4 Children
$2,000 $380 $534 $607 $663
$3,000 $570 $801 $910 $995
$4,000 $760 $1,068 $1,214 $1,327
$5,000 $950 $1,335 $1,517 $1,659
$6,000 $1,140 $1,602 $1,820 $1,991
$7,500 $1,425 $2,003 $2,275 $2,489

Real-World Example:

  • Combined income: $5,000/month with 2 children
  • Total support needed: $1,335/month
  • If you earn $2,000 (40%) and other parent earns $3,000 (60%):
    • Other parent’s base obligation: $801/month
    • Your contribution: $534/month (through direct child care)
    • But: If other parent has child 92 days per year, they get 12% reduction
    • You actually receive: $705 instead of $801

Use the Official Kentucky Child Support Calculator

The most accurate way to estimate your support is using the Kentucky Child Support Calculator provided by Kentucky Child Support Enforcement.

What You’ll Need:

  • Both parents’ gross monthly income (before taxes)
  • Number of days per year the other parent has the child
  • Monthly childcare costs
  • Monthly health insurance costs for children
  • Any existing child support or alimony payments

Warning: The online calculator may not work for certain parents with shared parenting time. If both parents have the children for at least 73 days per year, contact your local child support office for help with calculations.

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

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

For Your Child:

  • Certified birth certificate
  • Social Security card
  • Medical insurance information

For Yourself:

  • Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
  • Proof of income (3 recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefits statements)
  • Bank account information (for direct deposit)

For the Other Parent:

  • Full legal name and any aliases
  • Date of birth and Social Security number
  • Current and previous addresses
  • Employer name and address
  • Phone numbers and email addresses

Tip: The more complete information you provide about the other parent, the faster the process moves. Even old information can be valuable for location services.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Option 1: Online Application

Option 2: In-Person Application

  • Visit your local child support office
  • Find office locations at kentuckychildsupport.ky.gov
  • Bring all required documents and the $35 fee
  • Complete application with staff assistance

Option 3: Phone Application

  • Call 1-800-248-1163
  • Complete application over the phone
  • Mail required documents
  • Send $35 money order or cashier’s check

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee (If Required)

Kentucky charges a $35 application fee for child support services².

You DON’T pay this fee if you receive:

  • SNAP (food stamps)
  • Medicaid or Kentucky Health Insurance
  • K-TAP (cash assistance)
  • Foster care payments

Important: You need a separate application and $35 fee for each non-custodial parent.

Step 4: What Happens Next

Timeline expectations:

  • Simple cases: 60-90 days (other parent cooperative, paternity established)
  • Location needed: 3-6 months
  • Paternity disputes: 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 3-9 months

Your caseworker will:

  1. Review your case and request additional information if needed
  2. Locate the other parent using databases and skip-tracing
  3. Establish paternity if necessary (voluntary or court-ordered)
  4. Work with the court to establish a support order
  5. Begin enforcement once the order is in place

Understanding Kentucky Child Support Fees and Costs in 2025

Complete Fee Breakdown

Fee Type Amount When Charged Who Pays Can Be Waived?
Application Fee $35 One-time when applying Custodial parent Yes (assistance recipients)
Collection Fee Varies by county When payments processed Deducted from support Varies
Legal Action Fee Court costs vary When court action needed Usually non-custodial parent No
Genetic Testing $100-200 When paternity testing required Non-custodial parent initially No

Service Fee Reality

Unlike some states, Kentucky doesn’t charge a standard percentage-based service fee on all payments. However, some counties may charge processing fees.

Example: Jefferson County (Louisville area) may charge small processing fees for certain payment methods, while rural counties may not charge any fees.

Important: Always ask your caseworker about any fees that may be deducted from your payments.

How You’ll Receive Your Kentucky Child Support Payments

Kentucky offers two main payment methods:

Option 1: Kentucky Way2Go Card

The Kentucky Way2Go Card is a prepaid debit card that allows access to child support payments without needing a bank account.

How it works:

  • No bank account or credit check required
  • Payments are loaded directly onto the card
  • Can be used anywhere Visa is accepted
  • Access to ATMs statewide

Services typically with NO fees:

  • Making purchases anywhere Visa is accepted
  • Most ATM withdrawals at major banks
  • Customer service calls
  • Balance inquiries

Potential fees for:

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

Option 2: Direct Deposit

Requirements:

  • Active checking or savings account at any U.S. bank or credit union
  • Completed direct deposit authorization form

Setup process:

  • Submit enrollment form to your caseworker
  • Allow 5-10 business days for processing
  • Payments typically arrive within 1-2 business days

Important: If your direct deposit is rejected (account closed, frozen, etc.), you’ll automatically receive a Kentucky Way2Go Card.

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

What Kentucky Can Do to Collect Support

Kentucky child support enforcement has various tools available to collect unpaid support:

Enforcement Method How It Works Requirements Effectiveness
Income Withholding Money taken directly from paychecks Employment known Most effective
Tax Intercept State and federal tax refunds seized Past due support Seasonal effectiveness
License Suspension Driver’s, professional, hunting/fishing licenses suspended Past due support High compliance rate
Credit Bureau Reporting Reports to major credit bureaus Past due support Long-term impact
Bank Account Seizure Funds frozen/taken from bank accounts Significant arrears Very effective
Property Liens Legal claims on real estate, vehicles $500+ owed Prevents sales/transfers
Contempt of Court Possible jail time up to 6 months Administrative remedies exhausted Last resort

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

  1. Keep detailed records of all missed or partial payments
  2. Report changes immediately – new jobs, addresses, or assets
  3. Stay in contact with your caseworker (monthly check-ins recommended)
  4. Use online services – monitor your case at kentuckychildsupport.ky.gov
  5. Document inconsistencies – if they claim poverty but show wealth on social media

Reality Check: Enforcement is not automatic or immediate. The Kentucky Child Support Enforcement Program typically starts with letters before taking stronger action. Be patient but persistent.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Kentucky

Kentucky child support laws apply equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, though the state’s legal climate can be challenging.

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

Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered, which may require:

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

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

Legal support:

  • Legal Aid of the Bluegrass: Equal services regardless of sexual orientation
  • Kentucky Equal Justice Center: kentuckyjustice.org

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges:

  • Phone consultations: Most child support offices offer phone appointments
  • Mobile services: Some counties offer periodic mobile office visits
  • Document submission: Most paperwork can be submitted by mail or fax

Internet access limitations:

  • Public libraries: Free internet and computer access in most counties
  • Local health departments: Often have computers available for public use
  • County clerk offices: May assist with online applications

Additional rural resources:

  • Kentucky Extension Service: Family resource information at county offices
  • Community Action Agencies: Transportation and utility assistance
  • Rural Health Clinics: Medical assistance programs

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

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

Statistics to know: Custodial fathers are less likely to receive consistent child support payments, making enforcement particularly important.

Resources for single fathers:

  • Kentucky Fathers’ Rights Movement: Support and advocacy
  • Single Fathers Network: Online community and resources
  • Legal Aid: Same services available regardless of gender

Kentucky Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Kentucky Child Support Enforcement

What they do: Kentucky Child Support Enforcement is part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. They establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, establish court orders for financial and medical support, collect and distribute payments, and enforce support orders when payments aren’t made. The program works with federal agencies and other states to track down parents who move or hide.

Services provided: Parent location using state and federal databases, paternity establishment through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, creation and modification of child support orders, income withholding and other enforcement tools, payment processing and distribution, and coordination with other states for interstate cases.

How to contact: Main line 1-800-248-1163 with offices in all 120 Kentucky counties. You can also apply online at kentuckychildsupport.ky.gov or visit local offices during business hours.

Application process: Apply online, by phone, or in person with required documents and $35 fee (waived for assistance recipients). Most applications are processed within 30 days of receipt.

Legal Aid of the Bluegrass

What they do: Legal Aid of the Bluegrass provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in central and northern Kentucky, covering 32 counties. They offer comprehensive family law representation including child support, custody, domestic relations, and protection from abuse cases. Their attorneys handle both simple and complex cases, providing full representation in court.

Services provided: Full 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 self-help resources including forms and legal guides.

Who qualifies: Households at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines (approximately $41,625 annually for a family of three in 2025), with priority given to domestic violence survivors, elderly clients, and cases involving children.

How to apply: Call 1-859-431-8200 for intake screening, or visit offices in Lexington, Frankfort, and other locations throughout their service area. Online application available at lablaw.org.

Kentucky Legal Aid

What they do: Kentucky Legal Aid serves low-income residents in western Kentucky, providing free civil legal services with a focus on family law, housing, public benefits, and consumer issues. They work to ensure equal access to justice regardless of a person’s ability to pay for an attorney, handling cases that affect basic human needs like shelter, safety, and family stability.

Services provided: Legal representation in child support and custody cases, advice and brief services for family law matters, assistance with public benefits appeals, housing law representation, domestic violence advocacy, and community education programs about legal rights.

Who qualifies: Income at or below 125% of federal poverty level, with exceptions for domestic violence cases and other emergency situations. Priority given to cases involving children, elderly clients, and survivors of domestic violence.

How to apply: Call the intake line at 1-800-782-1924, complete online intake at kylegaid.org, or visit offices in Bowling Green, Paducah, and other western Kentucky locations.

AppalReD Legal Aid

What they do: AppalReD Legal Aid provides free legal assistance to eligible low-income people in 37 counties of eastern and south-central Kentucky, serving more than 220,000 people living in poverty. They focus on legal problems affecting basic needs including food, shelter, income, personal safety from abuse, and stability for children and elderly clients.

Services provided: Legal representation in family law matters including child support and custody, public benefits advocacy, housing law assistance, domestic violence representation, disability law services, and elder law representation. They also provide community education and self-help resources.

Who qualifies: Low-income residents in their 37-county service area with household income at or below federal poverty guidelines. Priority given to vulnerable populations including domestic violence survivors, elderly clients, people with disabilities, and families with children.

How to apply: Call 1-866-277-5733 for new client intake, or visit their website at ardfky.org for online application. Offices located in Prestonsburg, Hazard, and other eastern Kentucky communities.

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

About the 2023 Changes and Calculations

Q: How do the 2023 parenting time changes affect what I’ll actually receive? A: The new parenting time credits can significantly reduce your child support. If the other parent has your child for 92 days per year (25% time), their support obligation drops by 12%. If they have 50% time (182 days), it drops by 50%. This means you could receive hundreds less per month than under the old system.

Q: What counts as a “parenting day” under the new rules? A: A parenting day is more than 12 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period under the care, control, or supervision of a parent. This usually means overnight visits, but could include very long day visits that span two calendar days.

Q: Can the other parent get parenting time credit if our child receives Medicaid or food stamps? A: No. Parenting time credit does not apply if the child receives public assistance including KCHIP, K-TAP, SNAP, or Medicaid. This protects families receiving assistance from further reductions in support.

Q: What happens if the other parent claims more parenting time than they actually have? A: You need to document actual parenting time carefully. Keep a calendar showing when your child is actually with each parent. If there’s a dispute, the court will need evidence of the real schedule, not just what’s written in a custody order.

About Income and Calculations

Q: What if the other parent claims they’re unemployed or can’t work? A: Kentucky courts can “impute income” based on earning capacity. When a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the judge may calculate child support based on the parent’s potential income. This considers education, work history, age, health, and available jobs in the area.

Q: How does my income affect what the other parent pays? A: Kentucky uses an income shares model where both incomes matter. If your combined income is $5,000 and you earn $2,000 (40%), you’re responsible for 40% of the total support need. The other parent pays their 60% share to you.

Q: Can I get child support if we were never married? A: Yes. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. If paternity hasn’t been established, the child support office will first file a paternity petition because parents cannot be ordered to pay support until their legal status is established.

Q: What’s the minimum amount of child support in Kentucky? A: The minimum guideline amount is generally $60 per month, unless a judge finds that would be unfair or inappropriate.

About Applications and Timeline

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

  • Cooperative cases with employment known: 2-4 months
  • Cases requiring parent location: 4-8 months
  • Contested paternity cases: 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 3-9 months depending on cooperation

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: Kentucky has extensive tools to locate parents including employment databases, tax records, credit reports, utility records, and motor vehicle registrations. Provide any information you have, even if it’s years old.

Q: Do I have to be a Kentucky resident to apply? A: No, you don’t need to be a Kentucky resident, but you might need to travel to Kentucky for court hearings. Kentucky can work with other states if the non-custodial parent lives elsewhere.

About Payments and Problems

Q: What should I do if payments stop coming? A: Contact your caseworker immediately and document all missed payments. Kentucky can use various enforcement tools including income withholding, tax intercepts, license suspension, credit reporting, bank account seizure, property liens, and contempt of court.

Q: Can I switch between the Way2Go card and direct deposit? A: Yes, contact your caseworker to change payment methods. Allow 5-10 business days for the change to take effect.

Q: What if I receive a payment that seems wrong? A: Contact Kentucky Child Support immediately at 1-800-248-1163. While they work to post payments correctly, errors can occur. If you receive money you’re not entitled to, you may be required to return it.

About Modifications and Appeals

Q: How can I increase my child support if circumstances change? A: You can request modification if there’s a “material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing.” This is presumed if the proposed change would result in at least a 15% change in monthly support.

Q: When does child support automatically end? A: Child support continues until the child turns 18, or until the end of the school year when they turn 19 if still in high school. If you have multiple children, support doesn’t automatically end when one child ages out unless the order specifically states this.

Q: What if the other parent goes to jail? A: Incarceration doesn’t automatically terminate child support obligations. The obligation continues to accrue, though the incarcerated parent may petition for a temporary modification based on inability to pay.

Complete Kentucky Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Kentucky Child Support Enforcement Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

LGBTQ+ Legal Support:

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Educational Assistance:

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

  • Kentucky Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Kentucky Crisis and Information Center: 1-800-221-0446
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Child Services:

Online Tools and Calculators

Official Kentucky Resources:

Benefits and Assistance:

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 Kentucky guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Kentucky Child Support Enforcement, Kentucky Legal Aid, USDA, and HHS to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Kentucky Child Support Enforcement, Kentucky Court System, Kentucky Legal Aid organizations, 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky Child Support Enforcement at 1-800-248-1163
  • 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 your caseworker promptly
  • Review your case regularly through Kentucky Child Support Interactive 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 Kentucky child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Kentucky Child Support Enforcement directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Kentucky Child Support Enforcement at 1-800-248-1163 or visit kentuckychildsupport.ky.gov.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Kentucky Revised Statute 403.2121, effective March 31, 2023
² Kentucky Child Support Enforcement Application Requirements
³ Kentucky Revised Statute 403.212(6) (2024)
⁴ Kentucky Child Support Payment Options
⁵ Kentucky Revised Statute 403.213(3) (2024)
⁶ Kentucky Revised Statute 403.2121(4) parenting time adjustment chart

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