Child Support in Mississippi

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

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:

Domestic violence: Call Mississippi Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-898-3234
Immediate legal help: Mississippi Center for Legal Services at 1-800-498-1804
Crisis assistance: 211 Mississippi (dial 2-1-1)
Emergency food: Mississippi Food Network at 601-973-7085

Quick Action Steps:

Apply for child support today: Call Mississippi DCSE at 601-359-4861 or 877-882-4916
Emergency financial assistance: Apply for TANF benefits
Get free legal help: Contact Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project at 601-960-9577
Find single mother resources: Visit MAMA.MS.GOV for comprehensive assistance

Main Points

✅ Mississippi uses the Percentage of Income Model – only the non-custodial parent’s income matters for calculations¹

✅ Application fee is $25 – waived if you receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid²

✅ No ongoing service fees – unlike many states, Mississippi doesn’t charge monthly fees³

✅ Two payment options: Way2Go Debit Card or direct depositâ´

✅ Support continues until age 21 – Mississippi’s age is higher than most statesâµ

✅ Support percentages: 14% for 1 child, 20% for 2, 22% for 3, 24% for 4, 26% for 5+â¶

Understanding Mississippi Child Support in 2025

What Makes Mississippi Different

Mississippi uses one of the simplest child support calculation methods in the United States. Unlike many states that consider both parents’ incomes, Mississippi only considers the income of the non-custodial parent. This can work in your favor if you have little or no income.

Key Advantages for Single Mothers:

Simple calculation based only on the other parent’s income
Support continues until age 21, longer than most states
No monthly service fees for receiving payments
Strong enforcement tools available

Reality Check: While the percentages may seem low compared to other states, Mississippi has one of the highest rates of single parent families in the nation, and the system is designed to be practical for the state’s economic conditions.

Who Can Apply for Mississippi Child Support in 2025

You can apply for child support services if you are:

A parent with physical custody of a child under 21
A legal guardian or relative caretaker
Someone owed back support for a child who is now over 21 (within certain time limits)
Automatically referred if you receive TANF, SNAP, or Medicaid

Important: As of 2023, Mississippi no longer requires mothers to pursue child support enforcement to qualify for child care assistance, removing a major barrier that prevented many single mothers from accessing help.

How Much Mississippi Child Support Can You Actually Get?

Mississippi Child Support Percentages

Mississippi calculates child support obligations based on the noncustodial parent’s adjusted gross income using set percentages: 14% for one child, 20% for two children, 22% for three children, 24% for four children, and 26% for five or more children.

2025 Mississippi Child Support Amounts by Income

Based on current Mississippi guidelines, here’s what you can expect:

Non-Custodial Parent’s Monthly Income	1 Child (14%)	2 Children (20%)	3 Children (22%)	4 Children (24%)
$2,000	$280	$400	$440	$480
$3,000	$420	$600	$660	$720
$4,000	$560	$800	$880	$960
$5,000	$700	$1,000	$1,100	$1,200
$6,000	$840	$1,200	$1,320	$1,440

Reality Check: If the non-custodial parent’s income falls below $10,000 or exceeds $100,000, the court may evaluate individual circumstances to determine an appropriate amount.

What Counts as “Adjusted Gross Income”

Mississippi law defines adjusted gross income as total income minus specific deductions:

Included in Income:

Wages, salary, and overtime
Commissions and bonuses
Self-employment income
Unemployment benefits
Social Security benefits
Retirement income
Military pay and benefits

Deductions Allowed:

Federal, state, and local taxes
Social Security contributions
Court-ordered child support for other children
Health insurance premiums for the child

Real-World Example

Maria’s situation: Her ex-husband earns $3,500 monthly. After taxes and deductions, his adjusted gross income is $3,000. With two children:

Support amount: $3,000 × 20% = $600 per month
Annual support: $7,200

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

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents:

Child’s certified birth certificate
Your Social Security card and photo ID
Information about the other parent:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth and Social Security number
- Current and previous addresses
- Employer information
- Phone numbers and email addresses
Proof of your income (if any)
Any existing court orders

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Option 1: Online Application

Visit the Mississippi DCSE website
Complete the electronic application
Upload required documents
Pay the $25 fee online (if applicable)

Option 2: In-Person Application

Visit your local MDHS office
Find office locations at mdhs.ms.gov
Bring all required documents and the $25 fee
Complete the application with staff assistance

Option 3: Mail Application

Download the application form from the MDHS website
Complete all sections and include required documents
Mail with $25 money order to your local DCSE office

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee (If Required)

The Mississippi Department of Human Services charges a $25 application fee unless the applicant is on state benefits.

You DON’T pay this fee if you receive:

SNAP (food stamps)
TANF (cash assistance)
Medicaid
Your child receives CHIP coverage

Step 4: Work with Your DCSE Caseworker

Once DCSE receives your application, a caseworker will:

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

Timeline Expectations:

Simple cases: 60-90 days
Cases requiring parent location: 3-6 months
Paternity establishment needed: 4-8 months
Interstate cases: 3-9 months

How You’ll Receive Your Mississippi Child Support Payments

Mississippi offers two electronic payment methods:

Option 1: Way2Go Debit Card

Parents can receive child support through direct deposit into a bank account or through a Way2Go Debit MasterCard.

How it works:

After your case opens, a Way2Go debit card will be sent to your address automatically once the first payment is applied to your case
No bank account required
Funds are loaded directly onto the card when payments are received
No monthly maintenance fees

Services with NO fees:

Making purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted
Balance inquiries (first 5 calls per month)
Online account management

Potential fees for:

ATM withdrawals at out-of-network machines
Replacement cards
Paper statements

Contact for Way2Go Card issues: 855-709-1079 (available 24/7)

Option 2: Direct Deposit

Requirements:

Open checking or savings account at any U.S. bank
Complete direct deposit enrollment form

Setup process:

Submit enrollment form to DCSE
Allow 5-7 business days for processing
Funds deposited directly to your account when received

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

What Mississippi DCSE Can Do to Collect Support

The Division of Child Support Enforcement collects and enforces orders through wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and license suspension.

Enforcement Method	How It Works	Effectiveness
Income Withholding	Money taken directly from paychecks	Most effective
State Tax Intercept	State tax refunds seized	Seasonal effectiveness
Federal Tax Intercept	Federal tax refunds seized	Annual collection
License Suspension	Driver’s, professional licenses suspended	High compliance rate
Credit Bureau Reporting	Reports to all three major credit bureaus	Long-term impact
Asset Seizure	Bank accounts frozen/seized	Very effective
Property Liens	Liens placed on real estate, vehicles	Prevents sales
Contempt of Court	Possible jail time	Last resort

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

Keep detailed records of all missed payments with dates and amounts
Report changes immediately in the other parent’s employment or address
Stay in contact with your caseworker
Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay

When to Contact DCSE for Enforcement

If you have not received child support payments, you can call the Child Support Call Center at 877-882-4916 and ask to speak with a case worker about the status of your case.

Warning: All child support payments should be made directly to MDHS. Otherwise, the parent who pays child support may not receive credit for making the payment and may face penalties or owe back child support.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Mississippi

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

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

Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered through:

Voluntary acknowledgment of parentage
Court determination of parental rights

Discrimination concerns: If you face discrimination, contact:

ACLU of Mississippi: 601-354-3408
Lambda Legal: 1-866-542-8336

Native American Families and Tribal Connections

Mississippi doesn’t have federally recognized tribal reservations, but families with tribal connections may face unique circumstances:

Choctaw Nation connections: Choctaw Legal Defense serves Native Americans living on the Choctaw Indian Reservation in counties including Jones, Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Scott and Winston.

Interstate tribal cases: If the other parent lives on tribal land in another state, DCSE works with tribal child support agencies.

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges:

Phone consultations available: Call your local DCSE office
Mobile services: Some offices visit rural communities
Documents by mail/fax: Most paperwork can be submitted remotely

Internet access limitations:

Public libraries: Free internet access for online applications
Local MDHS offices: Can help with applications
DCSE phone support: 877-882-4916

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

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

Mississippi Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) – Division of Child Support Enforcement

What they do: The Division of Child Support Enforcement serves children and families that need help with financial, medical and emotional support. They provide comprehensive services including parent location, paternity establishment, court order creation, payment processing, and enforcement.

Services provided: Locate non-custodial parents, establish paternity, create and modify child support orders, enforce payment through various tools, and distribute collected support payments.

How to contact: Main line 601-359-4861 or Call Center 877-882-4916.

Application process: Apply online at mdhs.ms.gov, by phone, or in person with required documents and $25 fee (waived for assistance recipients).

Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project (MVLP)

What they do: The Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project provides equal access to justice for Mississippians of limited means through high quality pro bono legal assistance. They operate family law clinics, provide courtroom representation, and help with self-representation.

Services provided: Free legal assistance to qualified low-income residents concerning child support, custody or guardianship for school enrollment, visitation, divorces, emancipations, expungements, name changes and domestic violence protection orders.

How to contact: 601-960-9577 or visit mvlp.org.

Who qualifies: Low-income residents who meet income eligibility requirements.

Mississippi Center for Legal Services

What they do: Mississippi Center for Legal Services (MCLSC) is a law firm for low income persons providing high quality free civil legal assistance to the most needy of Mississippi’s low income population within their forty three county service area.

Services provided: Free civil legal assistance with family law, housing, public benefits, and other legal issues.

How to contact: 1-800-498-1804 or visit mscenterforlegalservices.org.

Service area: 43 counties in central and southern Mississippi.

Mississippi Access to Maternal Assistance (MAMA)

What they do: Mississippi Access to Maternal Assistance (MAMA) is a website that connects women and families to the countless public and private resources available in the state. Whether you’re a mother-to-be or a mother of three, MAMA can help you access healthcare, financial assistance, childcare, jobs, education, and legal aid.

Services provided: Health care services, infant essentials, clothing, food, shelter, financial assistance, child care, jobs, education, legal aid, adoption services and more.

How to access: Visit MAMA.MS.GOV or download the MAMA app from Apple Store or Google Play Store.

Mississippi Low Income Child Care Initiative (MLICCI)

What they do: MLICCI is a statewide non-profit public policy advocacy organization working to strengthen women’s economic security in Mississippi by making child care affordable for low-income working moms, achieving gender and racial equity in the workforce and making the safety net work for women.

Services provided: Advocacy for child care assistance policies, employment equity programs for single mothers, and workforce development support.

How to contact: Visit mschildcare.org.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

About Applying and Eligibility

Q: Do I have to live in Mississippi to get child support through Mississippi DCSE? A: You don’t have to be a Mississippi resident to apply, but you may need to travel to Mississippi for court hearings. DCSE can work with other states if the non-custodial parent lives elsewhere.

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: The Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) offers a state parent locator service using all appropriate local, state, federal, and interstate sources to locate the missing parent. Provide any information you have, even if it’s old.

Q: Can I apply for child support if I was never married to the father? A: Absolutely. If an unmarried couple does not complete A Simple Acknowledgement of Paternity (ASAP), a court will have to establish paternity. DCSE can help with this process.

Q: What if the father claims he can’t afford to pay? A: Mississippi courts can “impute income” based on earning capacity. If someone is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, support can be based on what they could reasonably earn.

About Calculations and Amounts

Q: Can I get retroactive child support for years before I applied? A: A parent who wishes to file for child support payments must establish paternity before the child turns 21 years old. Courts may order retroactive support, but this varies by case.

Q: How often can I request a review of the child support amount? A: Parents have the right to request a review of the child support amount every three (3) years from the date the order was entered or modified by the court. However, either parent may request a review of their case at any time should circumstances warrant.

Q: What if my child now spends more time with the other parent? A: You’ll need to petition the court for modification. Significant changes in custody arrangements can affect support obligations.

About Payments and Problems

Q: What if I receive a child support payment that seems wrong? A: Contact the Way2Go Card Services Center at 855-709-1079 immediately. DCSE works to correctly post payments, but errors can occur.

Q: How long does it take to receive my first child support payment? A: Timeline varies significantly based on case complexity. Simple cases with wage withholding may see payments in 4-8 weeks, while cases requiring parent location can take 3-6 months.

About Enforcement and Legal Issues

Q: What if the other parent moves to another state? A: DCSE can work with child support agencies in all 50 states. The Mississippi order remains enforceable, and other states 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 modification.

Q: Can DCSE help with custody or visitation issues? A: No. DCSE only handles financial and medical support. For custody or visitation issues, contact a private attorney or legal aid.

Complete Mississippi Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Mississippi DCSE Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Main DCSE Line: 601-359-4861
Child Support Call Center: 877-882-4916
Way2Go Card Services: 855-709-1079
Main Website: mdhs.ms.gov/childsupport
Mailing Address: 750 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39202

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project: 601-960-9577 | mvlp.org
Mississippi Center for Legal Services: 1-800-498-1804 | mscenterforlegalservices.org
North Mississippi Rural Legal Services: 1-800-498-1804 | nmrls.com

LGBTQ+ Legal Support:

ACLU of Mississippi: 601-354-3408
Lambda Legal: 1-866-542-8336

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

ACCESS Mississippi (Multiple Benefits): access.ms.gov | 800-948-3050
Mississippi 211 (Local Resources): Dial 2-1-1
MAMA (Maternal Assistance): mama.ms.gov
Mississippi Low Income Child Care Initiative: mschildcare.org

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

Mississippi Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-898-3234
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Child Services:

Mississippi Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-222-8000
Mississippi Department of Human Services: mdhs.ms.gov

Accessibility Services

Language Support:

Language interpretation services: Available through DCSE offices by request

Disability Accommodations:

Disability Rights Mississippi: 601-968-0600 | drms.ms

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 Mississippi guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including Mississippi Department of Human Services, Mississippi Division of Child Support Enforcement, Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project, and federal sources to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Mississippi Department of Human Services, Mississippi Division of Child Support Enforcement, Mississippi judiciary, 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi DCSE at 877-882-4916
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 DCSE promptly
Review your case regularly 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 Mississippi child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Mississippi DCSE directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Mississippi DCSE at 877-882-4916 or visit mdhs.ms.gov/childsupport.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Cordell & Cordell Mississippi Child Support Laws FAQ (January 2025)
² Mississippi DCSE Application Requirements
³ Mississippi DCSE Fee Structure
⁴ Mississippi Department of Human Services Way2Go Card Information
⁵ Roberts, Bridges & Boydston Child Support Information (October 2020)
⁶ World Population Review Child Support Percentage by State (2025)

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