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Child Support in Montana

Child Support in Montana

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

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


  • Domestic violence: Call Montana Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-888-404-7794
  • Immediate legal help: Montana Legal Services at 1-800-666-6899
  • Crisis assistance: 211 Montana (dial 2-1-1)
  • Emergency food: Montana Food Bank Network at 406-721-3825

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Call Montana CSSD at 406-444-9855 or 1-800-346-5437
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the Montana Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
  3. Get free legal help: Contact Montana Legal Services Association
  4. Emergency financial assistance: Apply for benefits at Apply.MT.gov

Main Points

✅ Montana uses the Melson Formula – considers both parents’ incomes and allows for basic self-support amounts¹

✅ No application fee for CSSD services – unlike many states, Montana doesn’t charge fees to open child support cases²

✅ Two payment options: U.S. Bank ReliaCard or direct deposit³

✅ 110-day custody threshold – affects shared custody calculations and support amounts⁴

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

✅ Strong enforcement tools – wage withholding, license suspension, asset seizure available⁶

Understanding Montana Child Support in 2025

How Montana’s System Actually Works

Montana’s child support guidelines are effective February 1st, 2025, and are based on a formula in which the income of both parents are considered. Montana uses the Melson Formula to calculate child support, where state courts start by allocating each parent a poverty self-support reserve after reviewing their combined incomes.

What this means for you: Unlike simple percentage-based systems, Montana’s approach ensures both parents can maintain basic living standards while providing adequate support for children.

Who Can Apply for Montana Child Support in 2025

You can apply for child support services if you are:

  • A custodial parent with physical custody of a child under 18
  • A legal guardian or caretaker with custody responsibilities
  • Someone owed back support for a child now over 18 (within statute of limitations)
  • A relative with legal custody of the child

Reality Check: You don’t need to be married to the other parent, and you don’t need a divorce to get child support. The only requirement is establishing paternity if you weren’t married when the child was born.

How Much Montana Child Support Can You Actually Get?

Montana Child Support Guidelines for 2025

Montana’s child support guidelines use specific annual allowances: Personal Allowance per Year for Each Parent is $20,345, and Primary Child Support Allowance Per Year is $6,104.

2025 Montana Child Support Annual Allowances

Based on the current Montana Child Support Guidelines:

Number of Children Annual Allowance for Children Monthly Equivalent
1 child $6,104 $509
2 children $10,173 $848
3 children $14,242 $1,187
4 children $16,276 $1,356
5 children $18,311 $1,526

Important: These are base amounts before considering each parent’s income proportions. Each parent’s share of the overall support obligation is primarily based on their proportionate share of their combined incomes.

How the 110-Day Rule Affects Your Support

To be considered a sole custody case, the nonresidential parent spends 110 days or fewer per year, or less than 30 percent of the time, with the children. To qualify for joint custody, the Montana statutes outline that the nonresidential parent hosts the children for more than 110 days per year.

Real-World Impact:

  • Sole custody (110 days or fewer): No reduction in support amount
  • Shared custody (111+ days): Support amount may be reduced based on time spent

What Counts as Income in Montana

Under Montana’s child support guidelines, a parent’s actual income includes “economic benefits” from wages, tips, Social Security retirement benefits, pension and retirement distributions, alimony, net self-employment or business income, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, and disability benefits.

What’s NOT counted as income:

  • Income earned by a parent’s new spouse, veterans’ and other public assistance benefits that are based on need, such as federal temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), supplemental security income (SSI), and SNAP benefits (food stamps), Social Security benefits received on behalf of a child as a result of disability, and child support payments received from other sources

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

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, 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 (if known)
    • Current and previous addresses
    • Employer information
    • Phone numbers and email addresses
  • Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, custody orders)
  • Medical insurance information for you and your child

Expert Tip: Don’t let missing information stop you from applying. CSSD provides services including locating parents, establishing paternity, establishing financial and medical support orders, enforcing child support orders including medical support orders, and modifying child support orders.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

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

Option 1: Online Application

  • Visit the Montana CSSD website
  • Use their online enrollment form. Enrolling online is the quickest and easiest way to enroll in child support services. We start processing the online application as soon as you submit it

Option 2: Phone Application

  • Call Montana CSSD at 406-444-9855 or toll-free 1-800-346-5437
  • Speak with a caseworker who can help complete your application over the phone

Option 3: In-Person Application

  • Visit your local CSSD office during business hours
  • Find office locations at dphhs.mt.gov
  • Bring all required documents and complete the application with staff assistance

Step 3: No Application Fee Required

Good news: Unlike many states, Montana CSSD does not charge application fees for enrolling in child support services. This makes Montana one of the most accessible states for getting child support help.

Step 4: Work with Your CSSD Caseworker

Once CSSD receives your application, they will:

  1. Review your case and contact you for any additional information needed
  2. Locate the other parent if necessary using state and federal databases
  3. Establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing if needed
  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: 2-4 months
  • Cases requiring parent location: 4-8 months
  • Contested paternity cases: 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 3-9 months depending on cooperation

How You’ll Receive Your Montana Child Support Payments

Montana issues payments electronically by direct deposit to a bank account or to a U.S. Bank ReliaCard Visa prepaid debit card. You can choose direct deposit or ReliaCard. If you do not set up direct deposit payments automatically go to the ReliaCard.

Option 1: U.S. Bank ReliaCard®

You will receive a Visa branded ReliaCard that works like a debit card. The card can be used to make purchases and to request cash back at the time of purchase anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

ReliaCard Benefits:

  • No bank account required
  • Works everywhere Visa is accepted
  • There is no fee for in-network ATM transactions. In-network ATMs are U.S. Bank, MoneyPass and SUM ATMs. There is a $1.25 fee if you use an out-of-network ATM; however, this fee is waived for your first out-of-network ATM withdrawal per month

Option 2: Direct Deposit

Requirements:

  • Open checking or savings account at any U.S. bank or credit union
  • Complete a Direct Deposit Authorization Form

Setup Process:

  • Submit enrollment form to CSSD
  • Allow 5-10 business days for processing
  • CSSD coordinates with your bank for setup

Payment Processing Timeline

CSSD processes your payments as efficiently and quickly as possible. Payments made through the online payment portal are sent to CSSD for processing after the funds have cleared your bank or are guaranteed by your credit card company.

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

What Montana CSSD Can Do to Collect Support

Most child support in Montana is collected via income withholding from a parent’s wages. When income withholding is not available the CSSD does have other enforcement actions available.

Enforcement Method How It Works Timeline Effectiveness
Income Withholding Money taken directly from paychecks Immediate once employer notified Most effective method
State Tax Intercept State tax refunds seized During tax season High success rate
Federal Tax Intercept Federal tax refunds seized Annual during tax season Very effective
License Suspension Driver’s, professional, recreational licenses suspended 30-60 days notice High compliance rate
Credit Bureau Reporting Reports to all major credit bureaus Monthly reporting Long-term pressure
Asset Seizure Bank accounts frozen/seized After other methods attempted Very effective when assets located
Property Liens Liens placed on real estate, vehicles When significant debt exists Prevents property sales

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

  1. Keep detailed records of all missed payments with dates and amounts
  2. Report changes immediately in the other parent’s employment, address, or assets to your caseworker
  3. Stay in regular contact with your caseworker, especially if payments become irregular
  4. Document any lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay but show wealth
  5. Use available tools to track your case status and payments

Reality Check: Enforcement takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. CSSD has powerful tools, but they must follow legal procedures that can take several months.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Montana

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

Same-sex couples: If both parents are listed on the birth certificate or adoption papers, both may have support obligations under Montana 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

Support Resources:

  • Montana LGBTQ+ resources: Contact Montana Legal Services for discrimination issues
  • PFLAG Montana chapters: Support groups in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Missoula

Montana Tribal Connections and Resources

Montana has strong tribal communities, and several tribal nations operate their own child support programs:

Montana Tribal Child Support Programs:

  • Blackfeet Nation: Blackfeet Manpower One Stop Center, (406) 338-3822
  • Chippewa Cree Tribe: Child Enforcement Project, (406) 395-4176
  • Confederated Tribes of Salish and Kootenai: (406) 675-2700 x. 1234
  • Fort Belknap Indian Community: (406) 353-4230

Interstate tribal cases: If the other parent lives on tribal land in another state, CSSD works with tribal child support agencies and federal Office of Child Support Enforcement.

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) considerations: Montana has state-level protections through the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act (MICWA) that provides enhanced protections for American Indian children and codifies the federal Indian Child Welfare Act principles into state law.

Rural Montana Families with Limited Access

Geographic challenges in Montana:

  • Phone consultations available: Most CSSD services can be handled by phone
  • Video conferencing: Some offices offer virtual meetings for rural families
  • Mobile services: CSSD occasionally visits rural communities
  • Mail/fax options: Most paperwork can be submitted remotely

Internet access limitations:

  • Public libraries: Free internet and computer access for online services
  • CSSD phone support: 1-800-346-5437 for assistance with applications
  • Local county offices: Many provide internet access and assistance

Transportation assistance:

  • Legal clinics: Montana Legal Services provides rural outreach
  • Community action agencies: May provide transportation assistance
  • Telehealth options: Some family planning and health services available remotely

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under Montana child support law, though they may face unique challenges:

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

Specific resources for single fathers:

  • Montana Legal Services: 1-800-666-6899 – same services regardless of gender
  • Single fathers support groups: Available through community centers in larger cities
  • Court self-help programs: Available in Helena, Missoula, Great Falls, Kalispell, Billings, and Bozeman

Montana Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Montana Child Support Services Division (CSSD)

What they do: CSSD is a division within the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services that works with federal agencies to establish and enforce court-ordered financial and medical support. CSSD provides the following child support services: locating parents; establishing paternity, establishing financial and medical support orders, enforcing child support orders including medical support orders, modifying child support orders.

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 various tools, distribute collected support payments, and provide comprehensive case management.

How to contact: Main line 406-444-9855 or toll-free 1-800-346-5437, with regional offices across Montana providing services statewide.

Application process: Enroll online using their online enrollment form at dphhs.mt.gov/cssd. Enrolling online is the quickest and easiest way to enroll in child support services.

Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA)

What they do: Montana Legal Services Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in 1967 that empowers low-income people by providing legal information, advice, and other services free of charge. MLSA works both on individual cases and under a systemic approach to help low-income people escape domestic violence, keep their housing, preserve their public benefits, protect their finances, and much more.

Services provided: 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 extensive online self-help resources.

Who qualifies: Low-income Montana residents with civil legal issues. Call their Helpline at 1-800-666-6899 Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

How to apply: Fill out MLSA’s online application form at mtlsa.org/apply-for-services or call their Helpline at 1-800-666-6899.

Montana Family Transition Project

What they do: The Montana Family Transition Project is a partnership between MLSA and the Office of the Court Administrator, and is a free family mediation program for separating couples with children. The program offers mediation, child support calculation, and legal advice for parents needing a parenting plan as part of their family law case.

Services provided: Free mediation services, child support calculations, legal advice for parenting plans, and assistance with out-of-court dispute resolution.

Who qualifies: Separating couples with children who need help creating parenting plans or resolving custody disputes.

Application process: Learn more and apply at montanalawhelp.org or contact Montana Legal Services.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)

What they do: Montana DPHHS administers multiple assistance programs for families, including automatic child support referrals when families receive certain benefits. They provide comprehensive family support services including food assistance, cash aid, medical coverage, and childcare assistance.

Services provided: SNAP food assistance for eligible families, TANF cash assistance, Medicaid health coverage, WIC nutrition assistance, LIHEAP energy assistance up to $3,765, childcare assistance for working parents, and various other support programs.

Who qualifies: Eligibility varies by program based on income, family size, and specific circumstances.

How to apply: Apply online at apply.mt.gov or call the Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About Montana Child Support

About Montana’s Specific System

Q: How is Montana’s child support calculation different from other states? A: Montana uses the Melson Formula, where state courts start by allocating each parent a poverty self-support reserve after reviewing their combined incomes. The formula then determines the child support amount from the total remaining combined parental income and the number of children. This ensures both parents maintain basic living standards while supporting children.

Q: What is the 110-day rule and how does it affect my support? A: To be considered a sole custody case, the nonresidential parent spends 110 days or fewer per year with the children. No parenting time credit is applied toward child support. To qualify for joint custody, the nonresidential parent hosts the children for more than 110 days per year. The higher the parenting time total, the lower the child support amount.

Q: Does Montana charge fees for child support services? A: No. Unlike many states, Montana CSSD does not charge application fees or service fees for opening and maintaining child support cases.

Q: How long does it take to get a child support order in Montana? A: Timeline varies: cooperative cases typically take 2-4 months, cases requiring parent location take 4-8 months, and contested paternity cases can take 6-12 months.

About Income and Calculations

Q: What if the other parent is self-employed or pays under the table? A: Montana includes net self-employment or business income in child support calculations. CSSD can investigate hidden income through tax returns, bank records, and lifestyle analysis. Courts can also impute income based on earning capacity.

Q: Does my new spouse’s income affect child support? A: Montana’s guidelines specifically exclude a new spouse’s income from the amount of income a parent has available for child support. However, remarriage might affect modification requests in complex situations.

Q: Can I get support for medical expenses beyond insurance? A: Yes. Montana law requires that every child support order include a provision for medical support, normally in the form of health insurance coverage. When a parent can provide reasonable cost employer-based health insurance coverage, they may be required to do so.

About Payment and Enforcement

Q: What if I don’t want the ReliaCard and prefer direct deposit? A: You can choose direct deposit or ReliaCard. Complete a Direct Deposit Authorization Form and submit it to CSSD. Allow 5-10 business days for processing.

Q: How quickly can CSSD take enforcement action? A: Support is delinquent if it is 8 days late. Income can be withheld if the Child Support is usually paid in a different way but a payment is delinquent. Other enforcement actions typically begin after 30-60 days of non-payment.

Q: What happens if the other parent moves out of state? A: Montana works with all 50 states under interstate agreements. Your Montana order remains valid and enforceable in other states.

About Modifications and Changes

Q: How do I modify my child support if my income changes? A: You may request a review of your current child support order from the Montana CSSD to see if you qualify for a modification. If it’s been less than three years since the order was issued or last reviewed, you’ll need to demonstrate that there’s been a substantial change of circumstances, such as a 30% change in a parent’s income or a custody change.

Q: When does child support end in Montana? A: Child support typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later, but no later than age 19.

Q: Can I get retroactive support for time before I applied? A: Yes, Montana courts can order retroactive support. The amount and time period depend on when you filed and your specific circumstances.

Complete Montana Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Montana CSSD Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

  • Main CSSD Line: 406-444-9855 or 1-800-346-5437
  • Payment Lookup: Available through phone system or online
  • Main Website: dphhs.mt.gov/cssd
  • Online Enrollment: Available at CSSD website
  • Mailing Address: CSSD, PO Box 202943, Helena, MT 59620-2943

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Domestic Violence Support:

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Utility and Housing Assistance:

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

  • Montana Crisis Network: 1-877-688-3377
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Child Services:

Online Tools and Resources

Official Montana Resources:

Benefits Screening:

  • Montana Benefits Application: apply.mt.gov
  • WIC Prescreening Tool: Available through USDA website

Tribal Resources

Montana Tribal Child Support Programs:

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

Information compiled from official Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Child Support Services Division, Montana courts, Montana Legal Services Association, 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 Montana 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 Montana Child Support Services Division at 406-444-9855
  • 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 CSSD 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 Montana child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Montana CSSD directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Montana CSSD at 406-444-9855 or visit dphhs.mt.gov/cssd.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Montana Court Records – Montana Child Support Overview (2025)
² Montana DPHHS Child Support Services Division Fee Policy (2025)
³ Montana DPHHS Payment Information (2025)
⁴ CustodyXChange.com Montana Child Support Calculator (2025)
⁵ FindLaw Montana Child Support Guidelines (March 2025)
⁶ Montana DPHHS

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