Child Support in New York
New York Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Your Complete 2025 Handbook
Last updated: August 2025
If You Need Help Today
Emergency Situations:
- Domestic violence: Call NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906
- Immediate legal help: Legal Aid Society at 1-800-950-5817
- Crisis assistance: NYC 311 (dial 3-1-1)
- Emergency food: FoodHelpNY.org or call 1-800-342-3009
Quick Action Steps:
- Apply for child support today: Call NYS Child Support Helpline at 1-888-208-4485
- Calculate your potential support: Use the NYC Child Support Calculator
- Get free legal help: Contact Legal Aid Society or Family Legal Care at 212-343-1122
- Emergency financial assistance: Apply for emergency SNAP benefits
Main Points
✅ Current income cap is $183,000 – applies to combined parental income as of March 2025
✅ Child support percentages: 17% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 29% for 3, 31% for 4, at least 35% for 5+
✅ Support continues until age 21 – or until the child becomes self-supporting, marries, or joins the military
✅ No application fee for DCSE services – New York doesn’t charge custodial parents to apply
✅ Two payment options: Way2Go Card (default) or direct deposit to your bank account
✅ Strong enforcement tools: wage withholding, license suspension, bank levies, tax intercepts
Understanding New York Child Support in 2025
How New York Calculates Child Support
New York uses the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) to calculate support payments. Unlike many states that only look at one parent’s income, New York considers both parents’ combined income to determine what children would receive in an intact family.
Here’s how it works:
- Add both parents’ gross incomes together (up to the $183,000 cap)
- Apply the percentage based on number of children
- Split the total support obligation based on each parent’s share of income
- The non-custodial parent pays their share to the custodial parent
Real Example: Maria earns $30,000 yearly and her ex earns $70,000, for a combined income of $100,000. For their 2 children, the total support needed is $25,000 (25% of $100,000). Maria’s share is 30% ($7,500 through direct care), and her ex pays 70% ($17,500 annually or $1,458 monthly) to her.
2025 Income Cap Update
Critical Update: As of March 1, 2025, the income cap increased to $183,000 from the previous $163,000. This means:
- Higher potential support amounts for many families
- Automatic cost-of-living adjustments every two years
- Judicial discretion for income above the cap
Reality Check: Courts can (and often do) apply support percentages to income above $183,000, especially in high-cost areas like NYC. Don’t assume support is capped at this amount.
Who Can Apply for New York Child Support
You can apply for child support services if you are:
- The custodial parent of a child under 21
- A legal guardian with custody
- A caretaker relative with court-appointed custody
- Someone owed back support for a child now over 21 (within statute of limitations)
Important: You don’t need to be a New York resident to use New York’s child support system if the non-custodial parent lives here or has income here.
2025 New York Child Support Amounts
Basic Support Amounts by Combined Income
Based on the current CSSA guidelines, here are estimated monthly support amounts before parent income split:
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | $510 | $750 | $870 | $930 |
| $5,000 | $850 | $1,250 | $1,450 | $1,550 |
| $7,000 | $1,190 | $1,750 | $2,030 | $2,170 |
| $10,000 | $1,700 | $2,500 | $2,900 | $3,100 |
| $15,275 (cap) | $2,597 | $3,819 | $4,430 | $4,735 |
Note: These are the total support amounts. Your actual payment depends on your income share. Use the official NYC calculator for personalized estimates.
Minimum Support Orders
For very low-income non-custodial parents:
- Below federal poverty level ($15,650 in 2025): $25/month minimum
- Below NY Self-Support Reserve ($21,128 in 2025): $50/month minimum
These amounts can still create significant arrears over time, so modification requests are important if circumstances change.
Add-On Expenses Beyond Basic Support
Child support in New York includes mandatory “add-ons” split proportionally between parents:
| Expense Type | How It’s Split | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare costs | Pro-rata by income | Daycare, afterschool, summer camp |
| Health insurance | Pro-rata by income | Monthly premiums for child coverage |
| Unreimbursed medical | Pro-rata by income | Copays, prescriptions, therapy |
| Educational expenses | Court discretion | Private school, tutoring, college |
Reality Check: These add-ons can significantly increase total support. A $500 monthly basic support order might become $800+ with childcare and healthcare costs.
How to Apply for New York Child Support
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before applying, collect these documents:
About you:
- Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Social Security card
- Proof of income (3 recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefits statements)
- Bank statements (if self-employed)
About your child:
- Certified birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Medical insurance information
- School enrollment records
About the other parent:
- Full legal name and any aliases or nicknames
- Date of birth and Social Security number (if known)
- Current and previous addresses
- Employer name and address
- Phone numbers and email addresses
- Photos (helpful for location purposes)
Expert Tip: Even incomplete information about the other parent is valuable. DCSE has powerful location tools and can often find parents with minimal information.
Step 2: Apply Through DCSE
New York doesn’t charge custodial parents to apply for child support services. You can apply:
Online Application:
- Visit ChildSupport.ny.gov
- Complete the online application
- Upload required documents electronically
By Phone:
- Call 1-888-208-4485 (TTY: 1-866-875-9975)
- Available Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM
- Staff can help complete your application
In Person:
- Visit your local DCSE office
- Bring all required documents
- Get immediate help with your application
For NYC Residents:
- Visit HRA Office of Child Support Services
- Walk-in center: 151 West Broadway, 4th Floor, Manhattan
- Borough offices available in all five boroughs
Step 3: Work with Your DCSE Caseworker
Once your application is processed, DCSE will:
- Assign you a caseworker within 30 days
- Locate the other parent using state and federal databases
- Establish paternity if needed (through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing)
- File court papers to establish a support order
- Begin collection once the order is entered
Expected Timeline:
- Cooperative cases: 60-90 days for first payment
- Location needed: 3-6 months
- Contested paternity: 6-12 months
- Interstate cases: 3-9 months
Reality Check: The process can be frustrating and slow. Stay in regular contact with your caseworker and document all communications.
How You’ll Receive Your New York Child Support Payments
New York offers two main payment methods through the Child Support Processing Center:
Way2Go Card® (Default Option)
The Way2Go Card is a prepaid Mastercard debit card provided at no cost.
How it works:
- No bank account or credit check required
- Payments loaded automatically when received
- Card mailed within 7-10 business days of your first payment
- Funds available 2 business days after DCSE disburses payment
Services with NO fees:
- Making purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted
- ATM withdrawals at Allpoint or MoneyPass ATMs
- Balance inquiries at any ATM
- Online account management
- Customer service calls
- Fund transfers to your bank account
Services with fees:
- Out-of-network ATM withdrawals ($2.95)
- Paper statements ($1.50/month)
- Expedited card replacement ($15)
Customer Service: 1-866-320-8699
Direct Deposit
Requirements:
- Active checking or savings account at U.S. financial institution
- Completed Direct Deposit Enrollment Form
Process:
- Submit enrollment form to DCSE
- Allow 5 business days for processing
- Funds typically available same day as disbursement
- Must submit separate form for each child support case
Important: If your direct deposit is rejected (account closed, incorrect information), you’ll automatically receive a Way2Go Card.
Paper Checks (Hardship Only)
Paper checks are available only if using electronic methods creates a hardship. To request:
- Write to: NYS Child Support Processing Center, PO Box 15367, Albany, NY 12212-5367
- Include your SSN, Case ID, and reason for hardship
- Expect longer processing times and potential delivery issues
When New York Child Support Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement Tools
DCSE Enforcement Methods
When support isn’t paid voluntarily, DCSE has numerous enforcement tools:
| Enforcement Action | Requirements | Effectiveness | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wage Withholding | Known employment | Very high (70% of collections) | 30-60 days |
| Bank Account Levy | Account information | High | 21 days after notice |
| Tax Intercept | Past due support | Seasonal effectiveness | 3-6 months |
| License Suspension | 4+ months past due | High compliance rate | 45 days notice |
| Credit Bureau Reporting | Past due support | Long-term impact | Immediate |
| Property Liens | Real estate ownership | Effective for asset protection | 30-90 days |
| Lottery Intercept | NY lottery winnings over $600 | Limited but automatic | Immediate |
| Passport Denial | $2,500+ in arrears | Federal program | 30-60 days |
Driver’s License Suspension Process
Automatic triggers:
- 4+ months past due on support
- Failure to comply with court orders
- Failure to appear for court hearings
Notice process:
- 45-day notice mailed to last known address
- Options to avoid suspension:
- Pay full amount owed
- Enter satisfactory payment arrangement
- Successfully challenge the suspension
Reality Check: License suspension is highly effective. Most parents arrange payment plans quickly when facing loss of driving privileges.
What You Can Do to Help Enforcement
- Keep detailed records – dates, amounts, late payments
- Report changes immediately – new employment, addresses, assets
- Use MyChildSupport portal – monitor payments and case status online
- Stay in contact with your caseworker monthly if payments are inconsistent
- Document lifestyle inconsistencies – social media posts showing wealth while claiming inability to pay
When Standard Enforcement Isn’t Working
Contempt of Court:
- File a violation petition in Family Court
- Possible jail time up to 6 months
- Must prove willful non-payment
Federal Criminal Prosecution:
- For willful non-payment across state lines
- $5,000+ owed OR 1+ year behind
- Felony charges possible
Private Collection Options:
- Hire private attorney
- Use collection agencies (for uncollected support)
- Pursue asset discovery proceedings
Special Situations and Inclusive Support
LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in New York
New York’s child support laws apply equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. New York State recognizes marriage equality and parental rights for all families.
Key considerations:
Same-sex marriages: Both spouses may have parental obligations if both are legal parents through marriage, adoption, or assisted reproduction agreements.
Assisted reproduction: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered. This may require:
- Pre-conception agreements
- Second-parent adoption
- Court determination of parentage
Discrimination protection: New York’s Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination in child support proceedings. If you face discrimination:
- NYC Commission on Human Rights: 1-212-306-7450
- NYS Division of Human Rights: 1-888-392-3644
LGBTQ+ Resources:
- LGBT Community Center: 1-212-620-7310
- Lambda Legal: 1-866-542-8336
- Marriage Equality NY: Legal advocacy and resources
Native American Families and Tribal Connections
While New York has no federally recognized reservations, many families have tribal connections affecting child support:
Interstate tribal cases: When the other parent lives on tribal land, DCSE coordinates with:
- Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement
- Tribal child support agencies with state agreements
- Tribal courts with concurrent jurisdiction
ICWA considerations: The Indian Child Welfare Act may apply if children are:
- Enrolled tribal members
- Eligible for enrollment with biological parents who are members
Resources:
- NYC American Indian Community House: 1-212-598-0100
- Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement Tribal Services: 1-202-401-9369
Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access
Transportation challenges:
- Video court hearings: Many courts now offer virtual options
- Remote DCSE consultations: Available by phone or video
- Mobile outreach: Some counties offer periodic rural visits
- Document submission: Most paperwork can be mailed or faxed
Internet access limitations:
- Public libraries: Free internet and computer access
- DCSE phone support: 1-888-208-4485 for application help
- Local DSS offices: Can assist with online applications
- Community centers: Often provide public computer access
Language accessibility:
- Spanish interpretation: Available for all DCSE services
- Other languages: Required by federal law upon request
- TTY services: 1-866-875-9975 for hearing-impaired
Rural-specific resources:
- Rural Health Network of NY: 1-518-463-7664
- NYS Office of Rural Health: 1-518-402-0871
- USDA Rural Development: 1-315-477-6400
Single Fathers Seeking Child Support
Single fathers have identical rights under New York child support law. Studies show custodial fathers face unique challenges:
Statistics for custodial fathers:
- 31% never receive any child support payments
- More likely to have higher incomes than custodial mothers
- Less likely to seek formal support orders
Same process applies: Applications, calculations, and enforcement methods are identical regardless of gender.
Father-specific resources:
- NYC Fatherhood Program: 1-212-442-2525
- Fathers’ UpLift: Support groups and resources
- Single Father Network: Online community and local chapters
New York Programs and Resources for Single Mothers
New York State Office of Child Support Services (OCSS)
What they do: OCSS is the state agency responsible for child support establishment, enforcement, and collection. They coordinate with local Support Collection Units (SCUs) in each county to provide comprehensive services including parent location, paternity establishment, support order creation, payment processing, and enforcement actions.
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 through administrative or court processes, enforce payment through wage withholding and other collection tools, distribute support payments electronically, and provide customer service through multiple channels.
How to contact: Statewide helpline 1-888-208-4485 (TTY: 1-866-875-9975), available Monday-Friday 8 AM-7 PM. Website: ChildSupport.ny.gov
Application process: Apply online at ChildSupport.ny.gov, by phone at 1-888-208-4485, or visit local SCU offices. No fees for custodial parents applying for services.
NYC Office of Child Support Services (OCSS)
What they do: NYC OCSS serves the five boroughs with specialized services for New York City residents. They put children first by helping both parents provide for the economic and social well-being, health, and stability of their children, serving over 350,000 cases annually and collecting more than $700 million per year.
Services provided: All standard DCSE services plus specialized NYC programs including employment services for non-custodial parents, debt reduction programs, modification assistance, and enhanced customer service through borough offices and a central walk-in center.
How to contact: Main number 1-718-422-4200, customer service walk-in center at 151 West Broadway, 4th Floor, Manhattan (Monday-Friday 8 AM-6 PM). Email: dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us
Special services: Text appointment reminders (text CHILD to 917-694-2952), online case management, and virtual consultations available.
Legal Aid Society
What they do: The Legal Aid Society is the largest provider of legal services to low-income New Yorkers, offering comprehensive representation in family law matters including child support, custody, domestic violence, and divorce cases. They provide both direct representation and community education to ensure equal access to justice.
Services provided: Free legal representation in Family Court and Supreme Court, advice and consultation for child support issues, assistance with modifications and enforcement, domestic violence legal advocacy, immigration-related family law issues, and extensive self-help resources.
Who qualifies: Low-income New York City residents, with priority given to those with the lowest incomes and most urgent legal needs, including domestic violence survivors and families with children.
How to apply: Call main intake at 1-212-577-3300, visit borough offices, or apply online at LegalAidNYC.org. Family law services available at all five borough offices.
Family Legal Care
What they do: Family Legal Care (formerly LIFT) increases access to justice in New York State Family Court by combining legal guidance, easy-to-access technology, and compassionate support to help unrepresented parents and caregivers self-advocate on critical family law issues while working on systemic court reform.
Services provided: Free helpline providing family law information by phone, email, and live chat; one-on-one legal consultations with staff attorneys and pro bono volunteers; preparation assistance for court documents; legal resource guides in multiple languages; digital justice tools including online court forms; and on-site support at NYC Family Courts.
Who qualifies: All services are free and available to anyone with New York family law questions, regardless of income, immigration status, or case complexity.
How to contact: Helpline 212-343-1122 (Monday-Friday 9 AM-1 PM, 2 PM-5 PM), live chat at FamilyLegalCare.org, or visit Legal Information Hubs at NYC Family Courts.
NYS Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
What they do: TANF provides temporary cash assistance and supportive services to help families with dependent children become self-sufficient. In New York, this includes Family Assistance (FA) and Safety Net Assistance (SNA), along with employment services, education support, and work training programs designed to help families transition to economic independence.
Services provided: Monthly cash assistance for basic needs like housing, utilities, and clothing; job search assistance and work training programs; childcare assistance for working parents; transportation assistance for employment and training; educational support including GED and vocational training; and case management services.
Who qualifies: Families with dependent children under 18 (or 19 if in school), U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants, New York residents, and those meeting asset and income limits. Time limits apply: 60 months lifetime limit for most families.
How to apply: Apply online at MyBenefits.ny.gov, visit local Department of Social Services offices, or call 1-800-342-3009. Emergency assistance may be available within 1-2 days.
Common Questions Single Moms Ask About New York Child Support
About Getting Started
Q: Do I have to be married to the father to get child support? A: No. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. If paternity hasn’t been established, DCSE can help establish it through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing. Even one-night stands or brief relationships can result in support obligations.
Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: DCSE has extensive location tools including employment databases, tax records, Social Security records, motor vehicle registrations, utility records, credit reports, and law enforcement databases. Provide any information you have, even if it’s years old – previous addresses, relatives’ names, employers, social media profiles, or nicknames.
Q: Can I get child support if the father lives in another state? A: Yes. DCSE works with child support agencies in all 50 states under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. The process may take longer (3-9 months), but interstate enforcement is routine.
Q: What if the father is in the military? A: Military personnel have the same child support obligations as civilians. DCSE can garnish military pay, including combat pay. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may delay court proceedings but doesn’t eliminate support obligations.
About Calculations and Money
Q: How much child support can I expect to receive? A: It depends on both parents’ incomes. Use the NYC Child Support Calculator for estimates. For example, if you earn $25,000 and the other parent earns $75,000 with 2 children, they would pay approximately $1,875 monthly (75% of $2,500 total support needed).
Q: Does my income affect what the other parent pays? A: Yes. New York uses both parents’ incomes to calculate total support needed, then splits it proportionally. If your income increases, the other parent’s payment may decrease slightly, but the total support usually increases because combined income is higher.
Q: Can I get retroactive (back) child support? A: Yes. Courts can order retroactive support back to:
- Your child’s birth (if filed before child turns 3)
- Up to 3 years before filing (for older children)
- The date paternity was established
Q: What if the father claims he’s unemployed? A: Courts can “impute income” based on earning capacity. Under New York Domestic Relations Law § 240, if someone is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, support can be based on what they could earn given their education, skills, and experience.
About Problems and Enforcement
Q: What happens if child support payments stop coming? A: Contact your caseworker immediately. DCSE will investigate and can use enforcement tools like wage withholding, bank levies, license suspension, and credit reporting. Don’t wait – arrears accrue interest and become harder to collect over time.
Q: Can the father’s driver’s license really be suspended for not paying? A: Yes. After 4 months of non-payment, DCSE can suspend driver’s licenses. The parent gets 45 days notice and can avoid suspension by paying, arranging payment plans, or successfully challenging the action. Professional and recreational licenses can also be suspended.
Q: What if he quits his job to avoid paying support? A: This is considered “voluntary underemployment.” Courts will impute income based on earning capacity, and DCSE can garnish wages from any new employment. Job changes must be reported to the New York State New Hire Directory.
Q: Can DCSE take money from his bank account? A: Yes. Bank levies are a powerful enforcement tool. DCSE can freeze and seize bank accounts after proper notice. Some protections exist for certain funds (Social Security, veterans benefits), but most bank funds are subject to levy.
About Modifications and Changes
Q: How do I change my child support order if circumstances change? A: You can request a modification if there’s been a “substantial change in circumstances,” including:
- 15% or $50 change in monthly support amount
- Significant income change for either parent
- Change in custody arrangement
- Change in health insurance or childcare costs
- 3 years since last review
Contact DCSE or file a petition in Family Court.
Q: What if I remarry – does that affect child support? A: Your new spouse’s income is generally not considered for child support calculations. However, if your living expenses decrease significantly due to remarriage, it might affect modification requests. Child support from your first relationship continues unchanged.
Q: When does child support end in New York? A: Child support typically ends when the child:
- Turns 21 years old
- Gets married
- Joins the military
- Becomes self-supporting
- Dies
Support doesn’t automatically stop – you must notify DCSE or request court termination.
About Court and Legal Issues
Q: Do I need a lawyer for child support? A: Not required, but recommended for complex cases. Free legal help is available through:
Q: What happens at the child support hearing? A: Both parents present evidence about income, expenses, and childcare needs. The judge reviews financial documents, considers arguments, and enters a support order. Most cases settle before going to hearing.
Q: Can I represent myself in Family Court? A: Yes. About 90% of people in Family Court don’t have lawyers. The NYC Family Court provides self-help resources, and organizations like Family Legal Care offer free assistance with forms and court procedures.
Complete New York Child Support Resources and Contact Information
Statewide Child Support Services
New York State Office of Child Support Services:
- Helpline: 1-888-208-4485 (TTY: 1-866-875-9975)
- Website: ChildSupport.ny.gov
- Online case management: MyChildSupport portal
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 7 PM
Payment Information Line:
- 24/7 automated service: 1-800-846-0773
- PIN and SSN required for account access
NYC-Specific Resources
NYC Office of Child Support Services:
- Main number: 1-718-422-4200
- Customer Service Walk-In Center: 151 West Broadway, 4th Floor, Manhattan
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM
- Email: dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us
- Text reminders: Text CHILD to 917-694-2952
NYC Borough Offices:
- Brooklyn: 330 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Queens: 151-20 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432
- Bronx: 900 Sheridan Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451
- Staten Island: 95 Central Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301
Legal Help and Advocacy
Free Legal Services:
- Legal Aid Society: 1-212-577-3300 | LegalAidNYC.org
- Family Legal Care: 212-343-1122 | FamilyLegalCare.org
- Legal Services NYC: 917-661-4500 | LegalServicesNYC.org
- NYC Bar Justice Center Legal Hotline: 212-626-7383
Domestic Violence Legal Support:
- Sanctuary for Families: 212-349-6009 | SanctuaryForFamilies.org
- Her Justice: 212-695-2085 | HerJustice.org
- Safe Horizon: 1-800-621-4673 | SafeHorizon.org
LGBTQ+ Legal Support:
- Lambda Legal: 1-866-542-8336 | LambdaLegal.org
- LGBT Community Center Legal Services: 212-620-7310
- Immigration Equality: 212-714-2904 | ImmigrationEquality.org
Financial Assistance Programs
SNAP (Food Assistance):
- NYC: Apply at ACCESS HRA or call 718-557-1399
- NYS: Apply at MyBenefits.ny.gov or call 1-800-342-3009
WIC (Women, Infants, Children):
- NYS WIC: 1-800-522-5006 | Health.ny.gov/WIC
- Find local WIC office: NY.gov WIC Office Locator
TANF (Cash Assistance):
- Family Assistance: Apply at MyBenefits.ny.gov or local DSS office
- Emergency assistance: Available for immediate needs
Energy Assistance:
- HEAP (Heating costs): MyBenefits.ny.gov or call 1-800-342-3009
- NYC LIHEAP: ACCESS HRA or call 718-557-1399
Emergency Help and Crisis Support
Immediate Safety:
- NYS Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- NYC Safe Chat: Text SAFE and zip code to 67283
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Emergency Food:
- FoodHelpNY: 1-800-342-3009 | FoodHelpNY.org
- NYC Food Assistance: 311 or NYC.gov/GetFood
- Feeding America: 1-800-771-2303 | FeedingAmerica.org
Child Services:
- NYS Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-342-3720
- NYC Administration for Children’s Services: 212-619-1311
Court Self-Help and Resources
Family Court Help Centers:
- Manhattan: 646-386-5730
- Brooklyn: 347-296-1876
- Queens: 718-298-0197
- Bronx: 718-618-2170
- Staten Island: 718-675-8800
Online Resources:
- NY Courts Self-Help: NYCourts.gov/CourtHelp
- Family Court Forms: NYCourts.gov/Forms
- LawHelpNY: LawHelpNY.org
Accessibility Services
Language Support:
- Court interpreters: Available free in all languages by request
- DCSE language line: Available through local offices
- Document translation: Available for court proceedings
Disability Accommodations:
- NY Relay Service: 711
- Court ADA accommodations: Request through local court clerk
- DCSE accommodations: Contact local office in advance
Payment Processing and Customer Service
Way2Go Card Customer Service:
- Customer service: 1-866-320-8699
- Online portal: GoProgram.com
- Lost/stolen cards: 1-866-320-8699
Direct Deposit Issues:
- Bank return/rejection: Contact DCSE immediately
- Enrollment problems: Call 1-888-208-4485
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 York guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including New York State Office of Child Support Services, NYC Office of Child Support Services, New York State courts, Legal Aid Society, and federal agencies to ensure accuracy.
Information compiled from official New York State Office of Child Support Services, NYC Office of Child Support Services, New York State Unified Court System, Legal Aid Society, 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 York 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 York State Office of Child Support Services at 1-888-208-4485
- 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 through MyChildSupport portal 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 York child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact New York DCSE directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.
For the most current information, contact New York State Office of Child Support Services at 1-888-208-4485 or visit ChildSupport.ny.gov.
Footnotes and Sources
¹ New York State Child Support Standards Act, Domestic Relations Law § 240(1-b) and Family Court Act § 413
² New York State Office of Child Support Services, Child Support Standards Chart (LDSS-4515, Rev. 03/25)
³ New York State Child Support Guidelines, effective March 1, 2025, income cap increase to $183,000
⁴ New York State Office of Child Support Services, Payment Methods and Processing
⁵ New York Domestic Relations Law § 240(1-b)(c)(2) – Retroactive Support Provisions
⁶ New York Domestic Relations Law § 240(1-b)(a) – Support Duration Until Age 21
⁷ NYC Office of Child Support Services Fee Schedule (2025)
⁸ New York State Child Support Processing Center Payment Options
⁹ New York State Division of Child Support Enforcement Actions Guidelines
¹⁰ New York State Department of Motor Vehicles License Suspension for Child Support Arrears
¹¹ Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement Interstate Case Processing
¹² U.S. Census Bureau, Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support Statistics (2019)
¹³ New York State Unified Court System Family Court Self-Help Resources
¹⁴ Legal Aid Society of New York Service Statistics and Eligibility Guidelines
¹⁵ Family Legal Care Annual Report and Service Descriptions
¹⁶ New York State Department of Health WIC Program Guidelines
¹⁷ New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance SNAP and TANF Programs
¹⁸ New York State Human Rights Law Anti-Discrimination Provisions
¹⁹ Indian Child Welfare Act Federal Guidelines for State Coordination
²⁰ Federal Uniform Interstate Family Support Act Implementation Guidelines
Official Sources and References
Primary Government Sources:
- New York State Office of Child Support Services: ChildSupport.ny.gov
- NYC Office of Child Support Services: NYC.gov/site/hra/help/child-support-services
- New York State Unified Court System: NYCourts.gov
- New York State Department of Health: Health.ny.gov
- New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance: OTDA.ny.gov
Federal Government Sources:
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Support Enforcement
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
- U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey
- Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement Tribal Services
Legal and Advocacy Organizations:
- Legal Aid Society: LegalAidNYC.org
- Family Legal Care: FamilyLegalCare.org
- Legal Services NYC: LegalServicesNYC.org
- NYC Bar Association: NYCBar.org
Statistical and Research Sources:
- Annie E. Casey Foundation Child Support Statistics
- National Center for Health Statistics
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Urban Institute Family Support Research
Legal References:
- New York Domestic Relations Law § 240
- New York Family Court Act § 413
- New York Social Services Law § 111-g
- Federal Child Support Enforcement Act (42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.)
- Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA)
All information verified through official government websites and published legal statutes as of August 2025. Contact information and program details confirmed through direct agency communication where possible.
🏛️More New York Resources for Single Mothers
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