Menu
Child Support in Maryland

Child Support in Maryland

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

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


  • Domestic violence: Call Maryland Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-MD-HELPS
  • Immediate legal help: Maryland Legal Aid at 1-888-465-2468
  • Crisis assistance: Maryland 211 (dial 2-1-1)
  • Emergency food: Maryland Food Bank at mdfoodbank.org

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Call Maryland CSA at 1-800-332-6347
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the Maryland Child Support Calculator
  3. Get free legal help: Contact Maryland Legal Aid or call 1-888-465-2468
  4. Emergency financial assistance: Apply for Maryland Benefits

Main Points

✅ Maryland uses the Income Shares Model – both parents’ incomes determine child support amounts¹

✅ Application fee is $15 – waived if you receive Temporary Cash Assistance or Medical Assistance²

✅ Annual $15 fee after $3,500 collected – only applies to cases that meet certain conditions³

✅ Three payment options: Way2Go Prepaid MasterCard, direct deposit, or checks (limited conditions)⁴

✅ Guidelines apply up to $30,000 combined monthly income – court has discretion above this amount⁵

✅ Self-support reserve protects paying parent – ensures they maintain at least 110% of federal poverty level⁶

✅ Support continues until age 18 – or until high school graduation if child turns 19 while in school⁷

Understanding Maryland Child Support in 2025

What You Need to Know About Maryland’s Current System

Maryland uses an “Income Shares Model” for calculating child support, which means both parents’ incomes are considered when determining the support amount. This approach is designed to provide children with the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the family had remained together.

Reality Check: The Income Shares Model can sometimes result in higher support amounts than you might expect because it considers both parents’ total income. However, it also protects lower-income paying parents through the self-support reserve.

The court will usually order child support based on the guidelines unless someone can show that the guidelines would be unjust and inappropriate in a particular case. As of July 1, 2022, parents who have combined monthly incomes ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 are subject to the Guidelines, an increase from the previous $15,000 limit.

Who Can Apply for Maryland 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 grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other relative providing care⁸

Important: You don’t have to be a Maryland resident to apply for services if the other parent lives in Maryland or has ties to the state.

How Much Maryland Child Support Can You Actually Get?

Maryland Income Shares Model Calculation

The amount you’ll receive depends on several factors under Maryland Code, Family Law § 12-201:

Factor How It’s Used Example Impact
Each parent’s actual monthly income Combined to determine total available Parent A: $3,000 + Parent B: $2,000 = $5,000 total
Number of children More children = higher total obligation 1 child vs. 2 children significantly affects amount
Self-support reserve Protects paying parent from poverty Ensures paying parent keeps 110% of federal poverty level
Additional expenses Childcare, health insurance, extraordinary medical Added to base support amount

2025 Maryland Child Support Calculation Example

Example: Two parents with combined monthly income of $5,000 and one child

  • Basic child support obligation from guidelines: Approximately $1,081
  • If Parent A earns $3,000 (60%) and Parent B earns $2,000 (40%):
    • Parent A’s share: $648 (60% of $1,081)
    • Parent B’s share: $433 (40% of $1,081)
  • If Parent B has primary custody, Parent A pays: $648/month to Parent B

Reality Check: These are estimates based on basic calculations. The actual amount can vary significantly based on additional expenses like health insurance, childcare costs, and extraordinary medical expenses.

Understanding the Self-Support Reserve

The “self-support reserve” is an adjustment ensuring that the parent paying child support maintains at least 110% of the 2019 Federal poverty level for an individual. This protection means that very low-income parents won’t be ordered to pay amounts that would push them into extreme poverty.

Use the Official Maryland Child Support Calculator

The most accurate way to estimate your support is using the official calculator provided by the Maryland Department of Human Services. Maryland updates its child support guidelines regularly, and you usually can’t tell whether any unofficial websites have kept up with the latest changes.

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 alimony being paid or received
  • Any existing child support obligations for other children

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

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents⁹:

  • 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 name and address
    • Phone numbers and email addresses
  • Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, custody orders, paternity orders)
  • Medical insurance information for you and your child

Expert Tip: The more complete information you provide about the other parent, the faster CSA can locate them and establish support. Even old addresses or employer information can be valuable.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

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

Option 1: Online Application (Recommended)

  • Visit the Maryland DHS Child Support Services website
  • Applying online is the fastest and most secure method, with a $1.50 convenience fee if you’re required to pay the $15 application fee
  • Upload required documents
  • Pay the $15 fee online (if applicable)

Option 2: In-Person Application

  • Visit your local Child Support Administration office during business hours
  • Find office locations at dhs.maryland.gov
  • Bring all required documents and the $15 fee
  • Complete the application with staff assistance

Option 3: Mail Application

  • The Child Support Enforcement Administration discourages customers from mailing child support applications, but it’s still an option
  • Download forms from the website and mail to your local office

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee (If Required)

There is a one-time, $15 fee to apply for child support services. You may be exempt from the application fee if you currently or previously received Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Medical Assistance.

You DON’T pay this fee if you receive:

  • Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
  • Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
  • Have previously received these benefits for a related case

Important: A separate application is required for each noncustodial party, meaning you’ll need to pay the $15 fee for each different person you’re seeking support from.

Step 4: Work with Your CSA Caseworker

Once CSA receives your application, your caseworker will:

  1. Review your case within 20 business days 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 and medical support
  5. Begin enforcement once an order is in place

Timeline Expectations:

  • Cooperative cases (other parent responds, paternity established): 3-6 months
  • Complex cases (location needed, paternity disputed): 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 4-9 months depending on other state’s cooperation

Reality Check: A person must be personally served with the notice of the proceedings to establish child support. Current and accurate information about the non-custodial party’s residence and mailing address is essential. If the other parent is difficult to locate, this process can take significantly longer.

Understanding Maryland Child Support Fees and Costs in 2025

Complete Fee Breakdown

Based on Maryland Department of Human Services fee schedule:

Fee Type Amount When Charged Who Pays Can Be Waived?
Application Fee $15 One-time when applying Custodial parent Yes (assistance recipients)
Annual Collection Fee $15 After receiving $3,500 in a year Custodial parent No
Genetic Testing Varies When paternity testing required Initially non-custodial parent No
Convenience Fee $1.50 Online application only Custodial parent No

Annual Collection Fee Details

Maryland law requires customers who have never received Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) for a related child support case to pay a $15 annual collection fee. Your case will be charged an annual $15, charged after you receive $3,500 in child support collections for that year, assuming your case meets certain conditions.

When the annual fee applies:

  • You’ve received at least $3,500 in child support collections within a 12-month period beginning October 1st
  • You have never received TCA for this child support case
  • Your case meets other specific conditions

How You’ll Receive Your Maryland Child Support Payments

Maryland offers three payment methods through the Child Support Administration:

Option 1: Way2Go Prepaid MasterCard (Default)

The Maryland Child Support Administration (CSA) offers customers a fast, safe, and convenient way to receive their payments through the Way2Go Prepaid MasterCard.

How it works:

  • Enrollment in Way2Go is automatic if you do not opt for direct deposit
  • Approximately 30-45 days after receiving your first payment by check, you will receive your new Way2Go Prepaid MasterCard
  • You must activate your card before using it
  • You will continue to receive checks until you activate your card

Services with NO fees:

  • Making purchases anywhere MasterCard is accepted
  • ATM withdrawals at certain networks
  • Online balance checking
  • Customer service calls

To activate your card:

Important Note: All EPiC cards have been deactivated as of February 2024. If you had an old EPiC card, you should have received a new Way2Go card automatically.

Option 2: Direct Deposit

Requirements:

  • Open checking or savings account at any U.S. bank or credit union
  • Complete direct deposit enrollment online at Maryland Benefits or through CSA

Setup process:

  • Applying for direct deposit online ensures that your direct deposit application will be quickly processed by the Child Support Administration
  • Allow 5-10 business days for processing
  • Contact your bank to learn when funds become available

Option 3: Check Payments (Limited Conditions)

Check payments are available under certain conditions. However, checks are less secure, and their delivery can be slower. CSA generally encourages customers to use either the Way2Go card or direct deposit for faster, more secure access to funds.

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

What Maryland CSA Can Do to Collect Support

If the noncustodial parent does not pay on time, or does not pay in full, the CSA has various tools to enforce payment:

Enforcement Method How It Works Effectiveness Timeline
Income Withholding Withhold child support from wages and unemployment benefits, Workers’ Compensation claims Most effective Immediate when employed
Tax Refund Intercept Intercept federal and state tax refunds to pay child support arrears Very effective Annual (tax season)
Credit Bureau Reporting Report parents owing past-due support to credit bureaus Long-term impact Monthly reporting
Driver’s License Suspension The CSA refers parents who owe child support for 60 days or more to the Motor Vehicle Administration for license suspension High compliance rate After 60 days arrears
Professional License Suspension Parents who have not complied with child support order payments in at least 120 days receive a license suspension from the licensing authority Very effective for professionals After 120 days
Lottery Intercept Intercept Maryland lottery winnings to pay child support arrears Occasional As winnings occur
Passport Denial Administrative passport denial: if a parent owes $2500 or more in child support, the parent’s passport will be denied or suspended Effective for travel When $2,500+ owed

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 (at least monthly if payments are inconsistent)
  4. Use online case management to check payment status and case updates
  5. Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay but show wealth

When Enforcement Isn’t Working

If standard enforcement tools aren’t effective, you may need to consider:

  • Contempt of court proceedings for willful non-payment
  • Asset seizure through bank account levies
  • Property liens on real estate or vehicles
  • Federal criminal prosecution for willful non-payment across state lines (owing $5,000+ or 1+ year behind)

Reality Check: Enforcement can be frustrating and slow. The Child Support Administration is required to use all available enforcement tools to collect support payments that are due, but some non-custodial parents become very skilled at avoiding payment.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Maryland

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

Same-sex couples who were married: Both parents listed on the birth certificate or adoption papers may have support obligations under Maryland 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 Maryland 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, CSA 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: Maryland CSA at 1-800-332-6347 can coordinate with federal tribal services.

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges to CSA offices:

  • Phone consultations available: Call your local office to arrange
  • Online services: Most applications and forms can be completed online
  • Documents by mail/fax: Most paperwork can be submitted remotely

Internet access limitations:

  • Public libraries: Free internet and computer access for online services
  • CSA phone support: 1-800-332-6347 for assistance with online applications
  • Local Department of Social Services offices: Can help with applications

Language accessibility:

  • Spanish interpretation: Available by request for CSA appointments
  • Other languages: Federal law requires interpretation services
  • TTY services: 1-800-735-2258 for hearing-impaired customers

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

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

Specific resources for single fathers:

  • Single Parent Resource Center: Information and support groups
  • Maryland Men’s Resource Center: Support and advocacy
  • Legal Aid: Same services available regardless of gender

Maryland Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Maryland Child Support Administration (CSA)

What they do: The Maryland Child Support Administration (CSA) works with both parents to provide the financial, medical and emotional support their children need to grow and thrive. CSA is a division within the Maryland Department of Human Services that provides comprehensive child support services including parent location, paternity establishment, court order creation, payment processing, and enforcement.

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 wage withholding and other tools, distribute collected support payments, and provide payment processing services.

How to contact: Main Customer Care Center at 1-800-332-6347 | TTY 1-800-735-2258, with local offices throughout Maryland providing in-person services.

Application process: Apply online at dhs.maryland.gov, by phone, or in person with required documents and $15 fee (waived for assistance recipients).

Maryland Legal Aid

What they do: Maryland Legal Aid provides a full range of free civil legal services to financially eligible individuals from 12 office locations. Our legal work helps to protect peoples’ basic needs and human rights. They offer comprehensive family law representation for child support, custody, domestic relations, and protective order cases.

Services provided: We advise and represent parents seeking to obtain physical and legal custody of their children, or to establish regular access schedule. There are different types of child custody, which includes visitation, and we can provide brief advice and/or representation for parents seeking custody of their children.

Who qualifies: Maryland Legal Aid’s services are free for financially eligible individuals which is based on income and assets available to the household. Household income must be below 125% of the federal poverty income guidelines.

How to apply: You can apply online; call us at 1-888-465-2468 Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.; attend a free legal clinic; or visit a Maryland Legal Aid office.

Maryland Family Court Help Centers

What they do: Most circuit courts have walk-in centers where you can get free legal help from lawyers, paralegals, or court staff. Only lawyers give legal advice. These centers help with family law cases including child custody, child support, child access, divorce, name change, domestic violence and paternity.

Services provided: Center staff CAN explain family law processes, answer questions, help with court forms, and help you open, answer, or move forward your family case. They CAN NOT represent you in court, file paperwork for you, or help you if you have a lawyer.

How to access: Visit walk-in centers at most circuit courts. Find locations at mdcourts.gov.

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS)

What they do: Providing pro bono representation can make all the difference for someone who would otherwise face their legal issue alone. MVLS provides free legal help through volunteer lawyers for those with limited income facing civil legal issues.

Services provided: Pro bono legal representation, legal clinics, and self-help resources for family law cases including child support.

How to qualify: Income-based eligibility requirements. Check eligibility at mvlslaw.org.

Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS)

What they do: Maryland DHS administers multiple assistance programs for families, coordinating closely with CSA for automatic child support referrals when families receive certain benefits. They provide comprehensive family support services.

Services provided: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), SNAP food assistance, Medical Assistance (Medicaid), childcare assistance, and energy assistance programs.

How to apply: Online applications at Maryland Benefits provide streamlined access to multiple programs, or visit local DHS offices.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About Maryland Child Support

About Applying and Eligibility

Q: Do I have to be a Maryland resident to get child support through Maryland CSA? A: No, you don’t have to be a Maryland resident to apply for services if the other parent lives in Maryland or has connections to the state. However, you might need to travel to Maryland for court hearings, or your state can file an interstate case on your behalf.

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: CSA has extensive tools to locate parents including employment databases, tax records, credit reports, and motor vehicle registrations. If the location of the non-custodial party is unknown, the child support office will conduct a search. To do this successfully, we need as much information about that parent as possible.

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. CSA 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: A parent cannot avoid child support obligations by not making enough money on purpose. This is called voluntary impoverishment. Prior to the statutory change, the large body of case law in Maryland was used by the court to determine what constitutes “voluntary impoverishment” when determining whether to impute (assign a value to) income to a parent who opted to work in a job below their earning potential.

About Calculations and Amounts

Q: How does my income affect what the other parent pays? A: Under Maryland’s Income Shares Model, both incomes are combined to determine total support needed, then each parent pays their percentage. If you earn more, the other parent’s share might be smaller, but they’re still responsible for their portion.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support for years before I applied? A: Yes, Maryland courts can order retroactive support. The specifics depend on your case circumstances, when you filed, and when paternity was established.

Q: What counts as “income” for Maryland child support calculations? A: Each Parent’s Actual Income: This means all sources of income, such as salaries, wages, bonuses, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, etc. Certain means-tested benefits (like temporary cash assistance, food stamps, SSI) are not counted as income for child support.

Q: Is there a maximum amount of child support in Maryland? A: If the combined amount of both parents’ incomes is greater than $30,000 per month, then the court does not need to use the Guidelines formula. Instead, the court can set the amount of child support based on the needs of the children.

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: “Shared physical custody” means each parent keeps the children overnight for more than 25% of the year (92 overnights). For situations where a parent keeps a child or children overnight for more than 25%, but less than 30% of the year, there are specific formulas based on the percentage. This change in custody time may qualify for a modification.

Q: How do I switch from Way2Go card to direct deposit? A: If you have a checking account, you also have the option of signing up for Direct Deposit. Applying for direct deposit online ensures that your direct deposit application will be quickly processed by the Child Support Administration.

Q: What should I do if I receive a child support payment that seems wrong? A: Contact the CSA Customer Care Center at 1-800-332-6347 immediately. Keep detailed records of all payments and discrepancies.

Q: How long does it typically take to receive my first child support payment? A: Timeline varies significantly based on case complexity, cooperation level, and whether paternity needs to be established. Simple cases may see payments in 3-6 months, while complex cases can take 6-12 months or longer.

About Enforcement and Legal Issues

Q: What if the other parent quits their job or moves to avoid paying child support? A: The Child Support Administration is required to use all available enforcement tools to collect support payments that are due. CSEA uses the following automated processes income withholding, federal and state tax refund intercepts, lottery winnings intercept, credit bureau reporting, garnishment of bank accounts, passport denial/suspension, driver’s license suspension, and occupational license suspension.

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

Q: What happens to child support if the other parent moves to another state? A: CSA can work with child support agencies in all 50 states under interstate cooperation agreements. The Maryland 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. The obligation continues to accrue, though the incarcerated parent may petition for a modification based on inability to pay.

About Modifications and Changes

Q: How do I modify my child support order if circumstances change? A: You can request a modification if there’s been a material change in circumstances, such as significant income changes, custody arrangement changes, or changes in childcare/health insurance costs. Contact CSA or file a petition with the court.

Q: What if I disagree with the child support amount the court ordered? A: You have the right to appeal court decisions. Contact Maryland Legal Aid or consult with a private family law attorney for assistance with appeals.

Q: Can child support be forgiven if the other parent can’t pay? A: Child support debt generally cannot be forgiven without court approval. Only the court can modify future payments with proper legal grounds. Past-due support typically cannot be waived, even by agreement.

Complete Maryland Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Maryland CSA 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:

Child Services:

Online Tools and Calculators

Official Maryland Resources:

Accessibility Services

Language Support:

  • Maryland Language Line: Available through CSA offices for interpretation services
  • Spanish-speaking CSA Staff: Available at most regional offices

Disability Accommodations:

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

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

Information compiled from official Maryland Department of Human Services, Maryland Child Support Administration, Maryland Courts, Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland Child Support Administration at 1-800-332-6347
  • 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 CSA promptly
  • Review your case regularly 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 Maryland child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Maryland CSA directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Maryland CSA at 1-800-332-6347 or visit dhs.maryland.gov/child-support-services.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Maryland Code, Family Law § 12-201 and Maryland Rule 9-206
² Maryland Department of Human Services Child Support Services Fee Schedule
³ Maryland Child Support Administration Annual Collection Fee Policy
⁴ Maryland Department of Human Services Ways to Receive Child Support Payments
⁵ Maryland Code, Family Law § 12-202 – Guidelines income threshold
⁶ Maryland Child Support Guidelines – Self-support reserve provision
⁷ Maryland Code, Family Law § 12-103 – Duration of support obligation
⁸ Maryland Department of Human Services Child Support Eligibility Requirements
⁹ Maryland Child Support Administration Application Requirements and Documentation

🏛️More Maryland Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Maryland

Related Posts