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Child Support in New Jersey

Child Support in New Jersey

New Jersey Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Your Complete 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


  • Domestic violence: Call New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-7233
  • Immediate legal help: Legal Services of New Jersey at 1-888-576-5529
  • Crisis assistance: Dial 2-1-1 for local resources
  • Emergency food: New Jersey Department of Human Services at 1-855-202-0007

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Call NJ Family Support Services at 1-877-655-4371
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the New Jersey Child Support Calculator
  3. Get free legal help: Contact Legal Services of New Jersey
  4. Check your case status: Log into NJ Child Support Case Information

Main Points

✅ New Jersey uses the Income Shares Model – both parents’ incomes are considered for calculations

✅ Application fee is $6 – waived if you receive certain benefits like SNAP or Medicaid

✅ Support typically ends at age 19 – or when the child graduates high school, whichever comes first

✅ Automatic cost-of-living adjustments – orders are reviewed every two years for inflation changes

✅ Strong enforcement tools available – including wage withholding, tax refund intercepts, and license suspension

✅ Online application available – takes about 30 minutes to complete at njchildsupport.gov

Understanding New Jersey Child Support in 2025

How New Jersey’s Income Shares Model Works

New Jersey uses what’s known as the Income Shares Method in calculating child support. This means the amount of support is based on both parents’ income, using a percentage of their total combined income to determine each parent’s share of the child support amount.

Here’s how it works in practice:

Example: If you earn $2,000 monthly and the other parent earns $4,000 monthly:

  • Combined income: $6,000 monthly
  • Your share: 33% ($2,000 ÷ $6,000)
  • Other parent’s share: 67% ($4,000 ÷ $6,000)

The court determines the total cost of raising your child, then the other parent pays their percentage of that amount to you.

Reality Check: New Jersey’s formula may produce lower-than-standard results; for a typical family in 2019, it produced the fourth-lowest payment in the country, according to a study by Custody X Change. This means you may receive less than in some other states.

What Counts as Income for Child Support

The law says that almost all kinds of income must be used to calculate child support; even things like overtime, lottery winnings, and unemployment benefits must be added in. Welfare benefits or other money given to needy or disabled people are about the only money that doesn’t count in figuring out child support.

Income sources that count:

  • Wages, salaries, tips, and commissions
  • Self-employment income
  • Overtime and bonuses
  • Unemployment and disability benefits
  • Social Security benefits
  • Alimony received
  • Investment income and rental income
  • Workers’ compensation

Income that doesn’t count:

  • TANF (Work First New Jersey) benefits
  • SNAP benefits
  • SSI payments
  • Needs-based assistance

When Child Support Ends in New Jersey

In New Jersey, most child support obligations end when the child either turns 19 years old or graduates from high school, whichever happens first. Extensions are possible for continued education or if the adult child suffers from certain physical, mental, or emotional challenges.

Support may continue past age 19 if:

  • The child has severe mental or physical disabilities
  • The child is enrolled full-time in high school or college (up to age 23)
  • The court specifically orders continuation for other reasons

How Much Child Support You Can Expect in New Jersey

Using the Official New Jersey Calculator

The Child Support QuickCalc provides a quick, approximate child support estimate. Important: This Child Support Guidelines Calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of the amount of child support that will be ordered.

You can access the official calculator at quickcalc.njchildsupport.org.

What you’ll need for the calculator:

  • Both parents’ gross weekly income
  • Number of children
  • Custody arrangement (sole or shared)
  • Number of overnight visits the other parent has per year
  • Monthly childcare costs
  • Monthly health insurance costs for the children

Sample Child Support Amounts in New Jersey

Based on New Jersey’s income shares model, here are typical support amounts for different income scenarios:

Combined Weekly Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$1,000 $156-208 $227-303 $260-347
$1,500 $234-312 $341-455 $391-521
$2,000 $312-416 $454-606 $521-695
$2,500 $390-520 $568-757 $651-868

Note: Ranges reflect different custody arrangements and additional expenses. These are estimates only.

Additional Expenses Added to Basic Support

Some costs are added on top of basic support. These may include child care, health insurance and unreimbursed medical expenses. These are usually split between the parents based on their income.

Common add-ons include:

  • Work-related childcare costs
  • Health insurance premiums for the child
  • Unreimbursed medical expenses over $250 per year
  • Extraordinary educational expenses

Shared Custody Adjustments

The New Jersey child support guidelines use a different formula when there’s a shared parenting plan as opposed to when one parent has sole custody.

Shared custody applies when:

  • The other parent has the child for 28% or more of the year (approximately 104 overnights)
  • The other parent provides separate living accommodations for the child

This arrangement typically reduces the support payment because both parents are assumed to pay direct expenses when the child is with them.

How to Apply for New Jersey Child Support Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents:

For yourself:

  • Driver’s license or state ID
  • Social Security card
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefits statements)
  • Bank statements
  • Any existing court orders

For your child:

  • Certified birth certificate
  • Social Security card
  • Medical insurance information
  • School enrollment records

For the other parent (as much as you know):

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

Step 2: Choose Your Application Method

Option 1: Online Application (Recommended)

  • Visit njchildsupport.gov
  • Click “Apply for Services”
  • The application takes about 30 minutes. You will need to provide info about you, the other parent and the child(ren) for whom you are filing.
  • Upload required documents directly
  • Pay the $6 fee online (if applicable)

Option 2: Phone Application

  • Call the New Jersey Family Support Services Center at 1-877-655-4371
  • Available 24/7 with automated system
  • Speak with a representative during business hours
  • They’ll mail you forms to complete

Option 3: In-Person Application

  • Visit your local Child Support office
  • Find locations at njchildsupport.org
  • Bring all required documents
  • Complete application with staff assistance

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

There is a one-time $6 fee for full Title IV-D child support services.

You don’t pay the fee if you receive:

  • SNAP benefits
  • Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare
  • Work First New Jersey (TANF)
  • General Assistance

Payment methods:

  • Online: Credit/debit card
  • Phone: Credit/debit card
  • In-person: Cash, check, or money order
  • Mail: Money order or cashier’s check only

Step 4: What Happens After You Apply

Within 20 business days:

  • You’ll receive a letter confirming your application
  • If additional information is needed, they’ll contact you
  • A caseworker will be assigned to your case

The process includes:

  1. Locate the other parent (if necessary)
  2. Establish paternity (if unmarried parents)
  3. Calculate support amount using state guidelines
  4. Obtain court order for support
  5. Begin collection and distribution of payments

Timeline expectations:

  • Cooperative cases: 2-4 months
  • Location needed: 4-8 months
  • Paternity establishment: 3-6 months
  • Interstate cases: 4-12 months

Understanding New Jersey Child Support Costs and Fees

Complete Fee Structure

Based on New Jersey’s child support program:

Fee Type Amount When Charged Who Pays
Application Fee $6 One-time when applying Custodial parent
No ongoing service fees $0 Monthly No one – NJ doesn’t charge service fees
Genetic Testing $400-600 When paternity testing needed Initially non-custodial parent
Court Filing Fees Varies When court action required Case-specific

Important: Unlike some states, New Jersey does not charge monthly service fees for collecting and distributing child support payments.

Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)

In New Jersey, all child support orders must be adjusted every two years to reflect changes in the cost of living. The cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) will be based on the average change in the Consumer Price Index for the metropolitan areas in New Jersey.

How COLA works:

  • Automatic review every two years
  • Based on Consumer Price Index changes
  • You’ll receive notice of proposed adjustment
  • You have 30 days to object if you disagree
  • Adjustments help maintain purchasing power over time

How You’ll Receive Your Child Support Payments

New Jersey offers several convenient payment methods through the New Jersey Family Support Payment Center:

Direct Deposit

Requirements:

  • Active checking or savings account
  • Complete enrollment form with your caseworker
  • Allow 5-10 business days for setup

Benefits:

  • Faster access to funds
  • No fees
  • Automatic deposits
  • Electronic record keeping

Debit Card Program

If you don’t choose direct deposit, you’ll automatically receive a prepaid debit card.

How it works:

  • Card arrives by mail within 7-10 business days
  • Funds loaded when payments are received
  • Use anywhere Visa/Mastercard is accepted
  • ATM withdrawals available
  • Check card balance online or by phone

Online Payment Tracking

Monitor your case through:

Information available:

  • Payment history
  • Case balance and arrears
  • Court dates and results
  • Contact information updates

When Child Support Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement in New Jersey

New Jersey’s Enforcement Tools

The New Jersey Child Support Enforcement Program helps locate parents, establish paternity, enforce support, and collect payments. They ensure timely, consistent support and take action when payments are overdue.

Enforcement Method How It Works Effectiveness
Income Withholding For child support orders established or changed after Nov. 1, 1990, child support is taken out of the paycheck regardless of whether payments are late Most effective
State Tax Intercept Tax refunds seized to pay support debt Seasonal effectiveness
Federal Tax Intercept IRS intercepts federal tax refunds Very effective
Credit Bureau Reporting Past-due support reported to credit agencies Long-term pressure
License Suspension Driver’s, professional, recreational licenses suspended High compliance rate
Asset Seizure Bank accounts, property can be seized Very effective for those with assets
Contempt of Court Jail time possible for willful non-payment Last resort option

What You Can Do to Help Collection

Stay proactive:

  1. Keep detailed records of missed or partial payments
  2. Report changes immediately – new job, address, or assets of the other parent
  3. Use the online case system to monitor payments regularly
  4. Contact your caseworker if payments are consistently late
  5. Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay

Warning: Don’t take matters into your own hands. Always work through the official child support system or the courts.

Interstate Enforcement

If the other parent moves to another state, New Jersey can still collect support through:

  • Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA)
  • Federal Parent Locator Service
  • Interstate tax refund intercepts
  • Cross-state employment verification

New Jersey’s child support enforcement program could help enforce the order without you having to go to court. You can read more about how the different government agencies work together to enforce child support orders on the New Jersey state government website.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in New Jersey

New Jersey’s 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 under New Jersey 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

Resources for LGBTQ+ families:

Tribal and Native American Considerations

While New Jersey doesn’t have federally recognized tribal lands, many families have tribal connections:

Interstate tribal cases: If the other parent lives on tribal land, the New Jersey child support program works with:

  • Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement
  • Tribal child support agencies
  • Other state agencies under interstate agreements

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA): May apply in cases involving:

  • Children enrolled in federally recognized tribes
  • Children eligible for tribal enrollment
  • Custody or placement decisions

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges:

  • Phone consultations available through local child support offices
  • Video conferencing for some appointments
  • Mail/fax submission for most documents
  • Mobile services occasionally available in remote areas

Internet access limitations:

  • Public libraries offer free computer and internet access
  • County social services offices provide application assistance
  • Community centers often have public computer access

Language accessibility:

  • Spanish interpretation available by request
  • Other language services required by federal law
  • TDD/TTY services for hearing-impaired customers

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

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

Resources for single fathers:

  • New Jersey Father’s Rights: Support and legal information
  • Legal Services of New Jersey: Free legal assistance at 1-888-576-5529
  • Men’s Resource Center: Counseling and support services

New Jersey Child Support Organizations and Programs

New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS)

What they do: DHS administers the state’s child support program in partnership with county agencies and the courts. They provide comprehensive services including parent location, paternity establishment, support order creation, payment collection and distribution, and enforcement of support obligations.

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 collection methods, process and distribute support payments, and provide customer service and case management.

How to contact: Main customer service line 1-877-655-4371 available 24/7 for automated services and business hours for live assistance, or visit njchildsupport.gov for online services.

Application process: Apply online at njchildsupport.gov, by phone, or in person at local offices with required documents and $6 fee (waived for benefit recipients).

Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ)

What they do: LSNJ coordinates the statewide Legal Services system, which provides free legal assistance to low-income New Jerseyans for their civil legal problems. They offer comprehensive family law representation including child support, custody, domestic relations, and protective order cases.

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

Who qualifies: Low-income individuals and families typically at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines, with priority given to domestic violence survivors and cases involving children.

How to apply: Call them at 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529) Monday through Friday from 8am to 5:30pm or apply online. Additional local offices serve specific counties throughout New Jersey.

New Jersey Family Support Services Center

What they do: The centralized customer service center for New Jersey’s child support program, providing 24/7 automated services and live customer support during business hours. They handle case inquiries, complaints, payment information, and general program assistance.

Services provided: Child support case information such as payments, case balance, court dates and results, debit card information, request forms, payment options, and how to apply for child support services.

How to contact: Call 1-877-655-4371 for 24/7 automated services or business hours for live assistance. The automated phone system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

County Child Support Offices

What they do: Local offices in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties provide direct services to residents including application assistance, case management, and in-person support. These offices work closely with county courts, probation departments, and social services agencies.

Services provided: In-person application assistance, document review and collection, local case management, court liaison services, and community outreach and education about child support services.

Find your local office: Visit njchildsupport.org and use the office locator tool, or call the main customer service line for referral to your county office.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About New Jersey Child Support

About Applying and Getting Started

Q: Do I need to be a New Jersey resident to apply for child support services? A: No, you don’t need to be a New Jersey resident to apply for services if the other parent lives in New Jersey or if there’s an existing New Jersey case. However, you might need to travel to New Jersey for court hearings.

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

Q: Can I apply for child support if we were never married? A: Absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. The state can help establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing if needed.

Q: I’m worried about making the father angry. Should I still apply? A: Child support is your child’s legal right, not a favor. If you have safety concerns, inform your caseworker immediately. New Jersey has confidentiality protections and can work with domestic violence programs to ensure your safety.

About Money and Calculations

Q: How does my income affect what the other parent pays? A: Under New Jersey’s Income Shares Model, both incomes are combined to determine total support needed, then each parent pays their percentage. Example: If combined income is $6,000 monthly and you earn $2,000 (33%), the other parent pays approximately 67% of the total support amount.

Q: Will I receive all the child support the other parent pays? A: If you have ever received public assistance like Work First New Jersey, you probably won’t receive all the support the parent sends. From each monthly support payment, you’re entitled to receive $100 if your support order covers one child, or $200 if it covers two or more children. The state will likely keep the rest of the other parent’s support payment as reimbursement for your public assistance.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support for time before I applied? A: Yes, but it’s limited. New Jersey courts can order retroactive support but typically only back to the date you filed your application or up to 3 years, depending on circumstances.

Q: What if the father claims he can’t afford to pay or is unemployed? A: If the obligor chooses to be unemployed or underemployed, support is based on their employment history, education level, last paycheck or unemployment benefits. The court can “impute income” based on earning capacity.

About Payments and Problems

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

  • Cooperative cases with wage withholding: 4-8 weeks after order
  • Cases requiring parent location: 3-6 months
  • Contested paternity cases: 4-8 months
  • Interstate cases: 4-12 months depending on cooperation

Q: What if payments suddenly stop? A: Contact your caseworker immediately and report it through the automated phone system at 1-877-655-4371. New Jersey has strong enforcement tools including wage withholding, tax intercepts, and license suspension.

Q: Can child support be taken from unemployment benefits? A: Yes. New Jersey switches into enforcement mode if an NCP falls into arrears for non-payment of child support. This includes garnishing the NCP’s tax refunds and lottery winnings. Support can be withheld from unemployment, disability, and other benefits.

Q: What if the other parent moves to another state? A: Your New Jersey order remains valid and enforceable. New Jersey works with all other states through interstate agreements to continue collecting support regardless of where the other parent moves.

About Changes and Modifications

Q: Can I increase child support if the other parent gets a better job? A: Yes, you can request a modification if there’s been a substantial change in circumstances. A significant increase in the other parent’s income may qualify for an upward modification.

Q: How often can I request a review of my child support order? A: Every three years, you may ask your local County Board of Social Services Agency for a review of the current child support order. You don’t need to show a change of circumstances for this review. You can also request modifications anytime there’s a substantial change.

Q: What if I need to change my payment method or address? A: Contact your caseworker or call 1-877-655-4371 to update your information. Keep all contact information current to ensure you receive important notices and payments.

Q: Does child support automatically stop when my child turns 18? A: In New Jersey, most child support obligations end when the child either turns 19 years old or graduates from high school, whichever happens first. Extensions are possible for college or special circumstances.

Complete New Jersey Child Support Resources and Contact Information

New Jersey Child Support Contacts

Main Services:

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

LGBTQ+ Legal Support:

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Emergency Assistance:

  • Dial 2-1-1: Connect to local resources and assistance programs
  • New Jersey Emergency Food and Shelter: Contact local 2-1-1 for food bank locations
  • Utility Assistance: nj.gov/humanservices/clients/energy

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

  • New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-572-7233
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Child Services:

Online Tools and Calculators

Official New Jersey Resources:

Benefits Screening:

Accessibility Services

Language Support:

  • Spanish-speaking services: Available through main child support line
  • Other language interpretation: Available by request for appointments
  • TDD/TTY Services: 711 for hearing-impaired access

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

Information compiled from official New Jersey Department of Human Services, New Jersey Courts, New Jersey Child Support Program, Legal Services of New Jersey, 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey Family Support Services Center at 1-877-655-4371
  • 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 NJ Child Support Case Information 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 New Jersey child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact New Jersey child support services directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact the New Jersey Family Support Services Center at 1-877-655-4371 or visit njchildsupport.gov.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ New Jersey Court Rules, Rule 5:6A – Child Support Guidelines (2024)
² New Jersey Child Support Program Application Information (August 2025)
³ New Jersey Family Support Services Center, Fee Schedule (2025)
⁴ New Jersey Court Rules, Rule 5:6A, Appendix IX-A – Income Shares Model
⁵ New Jersey Statutes Annotated § 2A:17-56.67 – Child Support Duration
⁶ New Jersey Court Rules, Rule 5:6A – Cost of Living Adjustments
⁷ Custody X Change Study on State Child Support Amounts (2019)
⁸ New Jersey Child Support Program, Eight Major Steps in Calculating Child Support
⁹ New Jersey Court Rules, Rule 5:6A, Appendix IX-A(4) – Shared Parenting Guidelines
¹⁰ New Jersey Department of Human Services, Child Support Services Overview (2025)
¹¹ New Jersey Child Support QuickCalc Calculator Disclaimer
¹² New Jersey Child Support Program, Timeline and Process Information
¹³ New Jersey Child Support Application Requirements (August 2025)
¹⁴ New Jersey Administrative Code, Title 10, Chapter 129 – Child Support Services
¹⁵ New Jersey Family Support Payment Center, Payment Methods (2025)
¹⁶ New Jersey Court Rules, Rule 5:6B – Cost of Living Adjustments
¹⁷ New Jersey Child Support Enforcement Program, Collection Methods
¹⁸ Legal Services of New Jersey, Service Information (2025)
¹⁹ New Jersey Department of Human Services, Program Directory (August 2025)
²⁰ Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement, Interstate Enforcement Guidelines
²¹ New Jersey Courts, Child Support Collections and Enforcement Information
²² New Jersey Child Support Program, Customer Service Information (2025)
²³ New Jersey Statutes Annotated § 2A:17-56.23a – Support Modification Standards
²⁴ New Jersey Department of Human Services, Public Assistance and Child Support
²⁵ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Child Support Guidelines

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