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Child Support in North Carolina

Child Support in North Carolina

North Carolina Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Your Complete 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


  • Domestic violence: Call North Carolina Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233
  • Immediate legal help: Legal Aid of North Carolina at 1-866-219-5262
  • Crisis assistance: Call 2-1-1 for local resources
  • Emergency food: North Carolina Food Bank Locator at foodbanknc.org

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Call NC Child Support Services at 1-800-992-9457
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the NC Child Support Guidelines Calculator
  3. Get free legal help: Contact Legal Aid of North Carolina
  4. Emergency financial assistance: Apply for Emergency Food and Families Assistance

Main Points

✅ North Carolina uses the Income Shares Model – both parents’ incomes and expenses are considered for calculations

✅ Application fee is $25 – can be reduced to $10 in certain circumstances, waived for public assistance recipients

✅ Two payment options: ncKIDScard (Visa debit card) or direct deposit to your bank account

✅ Child support continues until age 18 – or until graduation from high school if still attending at age 18

✅ Automatic reviews every 3 years – for families receiving public assistance, or upon request for others

✅ Multiple enforcement tools available – wage withholding, license suspension, tax intercepts, and contempt of court

Understanding North Carolina Child Support in 2025

How North Carolina Calculates Child Support

North Carolina uses the Income Shares Model under the NC Child Support Guidelines established by the Conference of Chief District Court Judges. This system considers both parents’ incomes and expenses to determine what the child would have received if the parents lived together.

Key factors in calculations:

  • Both parents’ gross monthly income
  • Number of children needing support
  • Cost of health insurance for the children
  • Childcare expenses
  • Extraordinary medical expenses
  • Living arrangements (custody schedule)

Reality Check: The guidelines are just that – guidelines. Judges have discretion to deviate from the calculated amount based on your specific circumstances, but they must provide written reasons for doing so.

Who Can Apply for North Carolina Child Support Services

You can apply for child support services if you are:

  • A parent with physical custody of a child under 18
  • A legal guardian or relative caretaker with custody
  • Someone owed back support (within statute of limitations)
  • A caretaker of a child whose parent receives certain government benefits

Important: You don’t have to be a North Carolina resident to apply for services here, but the non-custodial parent or child must have some connection to North Carolina.

How Much North Carolina Child Support Can You Actually Get?

Understanding the Income Shares Model

The amount depends on the combined income of both parents and gets divided proportionally. Here’s how it works:

Combined Monthly Gross Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children 4 Children
$2,000 $365 $580 $725 $825
$3,000 $548 $870 $1,088 $1,238
$4,000 $730 $1,160 $1,450 $1,650
$5,000 $913 $1,450 $1,813 $2,063
$7,500 $1,369 $2,175 $2,719 $3,094
$10,000 $1,826 $2,900 $3,625 $4,125

Source: NC Child Support Guidelines

Real-World Example: How Income Splitting Works

Scenario: Combined income is $5,000/month with 2 children

  • Total support needed: $1,450/month
  • If you earn $1,500 (30%) and other parent earns $3,500 (70%):
    • Other parent pays: $1,015/month to you
    • Your contribution: $435/month (through direct child care)

Additional Expenses That Increase Support

Beyond basic support, the court can order additional amounts for:

  • Childcare costs: Actual costs while you work or attend school
  • Health insurance premiums: For coverage that includes the children
  • Extraordinary medical expenses: Usually anything over $250 per child per year
  • Private school tuition: If both parents agree or court deems necessary

Reality Check: Don’t expect to get rich from child support. The guidelines are designed to meet the child’s basic needs, not to maintain your pre-separation lifestyle.

How to Apply for North Carolina 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 your income (3 recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefits statements)
  • Information about the other parent:
    • Full legal name and any known aliases
    • Social Security number and date of birth
    • Current and previous addresses
    • Employer information
    • Phone numbers and email addresses
  • Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, custody orders, separation agreements)
  • Affidavit of Parentage (if signed)

Expert Tip: Even incomplete information about the other parent is better than no information. CSS has powerful location tools and can often find parents with minimal details.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You have several ways to apply for North Carolina child support services:

Option 1: Online Application

  • Visit your local CSS office website
  • Many counties offer online application portals
  • Upload required documents electronically
  • Pay the application fee online

Option 2: In-Person Application

  • Visit your local Child Support Services office
  • Bring all required documents and the application fee
  • Complete the application with staff assistance
  • Get your questions answered immediately

Option 3: Mail Application

  • Download the application from your local CSS office website
  • Complete all sections thoroughly
  • Include copies of required documents
  • Mail with money order or cashier’s check for the fee

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

A non-refundable $25 application fee is required for non-public assistance cases.

You may qualify for a reduced fee of $10 if:

  • Your income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • You meet other financial hardship criteria

You don’t pay any fee if you receive:

  • Work First Family Assistance (TANF)
  • Medicaid
  • SNAP (Food Stamps)
  • Your case is automatically referred because you receive public assistance

Step 4: Work with Your CSS Caseworker

Once CSS receives your application, they will:

  1. Assign your case to a local office within your jurisdiction
  2. Contact you for any additional information needed
  3. Locate the other parent using state and federal databases
  4. Establish paternity if necessary through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing
  5. Work to establish a court order for child and medical support
  6. Begin collection and enforcement once an order is in place

Timeline Expectations:

  • Cooperative cases: 2-4 months from application to first payment
  • Complex cases (location needed, paternity disputed): 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 4-8 months depending on cooperation from other states

Warning: Don’t expect immediate results. Child support cases take time, especially if the other parent is uncooperative or difficult to locate.

North Carolina Child Support Fees and Payment Methods

Complete Fee Breakdown

Fee Type Amount When Charged Who Pays Can Be Waived?
Application Fee $25 (or $10 reduced) One-time when applying Custodial parent Yes (assistance recipients)
No ongoing service fees $0 Monthly N/A N/A
Genetic Testing $75-150 When paternity testing required Initially non-custodial parent No
Court Filing Fees Varies by county When court action needed Varies by case Sometimes

Source: NC Child Support Services FAQ

How You’ll Receive Your North Carolina Child Support Payments

North Carolina offers two payment methods through the NC Child Support Centralized Collections (NCCSCC):

Option 1: ncKIDScard (smiONE Visa Debit Card)

The ncKIDScard is a prepaid Visa debit card provided by Bancorp Bank.

How it works:

  • Automatically issued after your first child support payment
  • Payments deposited within 2 business days of receipt by CSS
  • Can be used anywhere Visa is accepted
  • No monthly fees or account maintenance charges
  • Access to ATMs nationwide

Services included at no cost:

Potential fees:

  • Out-of-network ATM withdrawals (varies by ATM owner)
  • Paper statement fees (if you opt for mailed statements)
  • Expedited card replacement

Option 2: Direct Deposit

Requirements:

  • Active checking or debit card account at any U.S. financial institution
  • Completed Authorization for Automatic Deposit form
  • Cannot use savings accounts

Setup process:

  • Contact CSS Customer Service to request the direct deposit form
  • Submit completed form with voided check
  • Allow 3-4 weeks for processing
  • Funds typically available within 2-3 business days of CSS processing

Important: If your direct deposit fails (closed account, etc.), you’ll automatically receive an ncKIDScard.

When North Carolina Child Support Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement Tools

What North Carolina CSS Can Do to Collect Support

CSS has extensive enforcement powers under North Carolina law and federal regulations:

Enforcement Method How It Works Requirements Effectiveness
Income Withholding Automatic deduction from paychecks Employment verification Most effective (80%+ compliance)
State Tax Intercept NC tax refunds seized $50+ owed Seasonal effectiveness
Federal Tax Intercept Federal tax refunds seized $500+ owed (non-assistance) or $150+ (assistance) Annual collection
License Suspension Driver’s, professional, recreational licenses suspended 90+ days behind High compliance rate
Credit Bureau Reporting Reports to major credit bureaus Past due support Long-term financial pressure
Bank Account Levy Financial institution accounts frozen/seized $1,000+ owed or 6 months behind Very effective
Property Liens Liens on real estate, vehicles $3,000+ owed or 3 months behind Prevents sales/transfers
Contempt of Court Possible jail time Failed compliance with other methods Last resort

Source: NC Child Support Enforcement Methods

Income Withholding Maximums

Federal and state law limits how much can be withheld from wages:

  • 40% of disposable income for one support order
  • 45% of disposable income for multiple orders when supporting current spouse/children
  • 50% of disposable income for multiple orders without current dependents

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

  1. Keep detailed payment records with dates, amounts, and methods of missed payments
  2. Report changes immediately – new jobs, addresses, assets, or lifestyle changes
  3. Use the eChild Support website to monitor your case at ncchildsupport.ncdhhs.gov
  4. Stay in contact with your caseworker – call monthly if payments are inconsistent
  5. Document evidence of the other parent’s ability to pay (social media posts showing wealth, new purchases, etc.)

Reality Check: Enforcement takes time and persistence. Don’t expect overnight results, especially if the other parent is self-employed or frequently changes jobs.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in North Carolina

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

Same-sex married couples: Both parents listed on birth certificates or adoption papers may have support obligations regardless of biological parentage.

Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered. This may require:

  • Court determination of parental rights and responsibilities
  • Review of sperm/egg donor agreements and their legal implications
  • Voluntary acknowledgment of parentage by non-biological parent

Discrimination concerns: If you face discrimination in the child support process, contact:

Native American and Tribal Connections

North Carolina is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and has significant Native American populations. Tribal connections can affect child support:

Tribal jurisdiction issues: If either parent or the children are enrolled tribal members, jurisdiction may be complex:

  • Eastern Band of Cherokee: Has their own tribal court system that may have concurrent jurisdiction
  • Federal tribes from other states: CSS works with tribal child support agencies through federal cooperation agreements

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) considerations: May apply when children are eligible for tribal enrollment and placement decisions are involved.

Contact for tribal cases: NC Child Support Services at 1-800-992-9457 can coordinate with tribal authorities and federal offices.

Rural Families with Limited Access

North Carolina’s rural areas can present unique challenges for accessing child support services:

Transportation barriers to CSS offices:

  • Phone consultations: Most business can be conducted by phone with your assigned caseworker
  • Virtual appointments: Some offices offer video conferencing for consultations
  • Traveling CSS staff: Outreach services occasionally visit rural communities
  • Document submission: Most paperwork can be mailed, faxed, or submitted electronically

Internet and technology limitations:

  • Public libraries: Free internet and computer access in most counties
  • Local DSS offices: Can assist with online applications and provide computer access
  • Community colleges: Often provide public computer access
  • Mobile CSS services: Some counties offer periodic mobile office visits

Additional rural resources:

  • NC Cooperative Extension: Family resource programs in all 100 counties
  • Rural Health Centers: Medical assistance and referral programs
  • USDA Rural Development: Housing, utility, and business assistance programs
  • NC 211: Dial 2-1-1 for local resources and transportation assistance

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

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

Statistics for custodial fathers:

  • Less likely to receive full support payments compared to custodial mothers
  • More likely to receive informal support arrangements
  • Often have higher incomes but still struggle with childcare costs

Same application process: Application procedures, fees, and enforcement methods are identical regardless of the custodial parent’s gender.

Specific resources for single fathers:

  • North Carolina Council for Women/Domestic Violence Commission: Provides resources for all single parents
  • Legal Aid of North Carolina: Equal services regardless of gender
  • Local single parent support groups: Many communities have father-specific support groups

North Carolina Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

North Carolina Child Support Services (CSS)

What they do: CSS is a division within the NC Department of Health and Human Services that partners with local county offices to establish, modify, and enforce child support orders. They provide comprehensive services including parent location, paternity establishment, order establishment, payment processing, and enforcement actions.

Services provided: Locate non-custodial parents using state and federal databases, establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, establish and modify child support orders, collect and distribute payments through centralized processing, and enforce payment through various legal mechanisms.

How to contact: Statewide customer service at 1-800-992-9457, with local offices in all 100 counties providing in-person services.

Application process: Apply online through your local office website, by phone through customer service, or in person at your local CSS office with required documents and $25 fee (reduced or waived for qualifying applicants).

Legal Aid of North Carolina

What they do: Legal Aid of North Carolina provides free civil legal services to low-income North Carolina residents, including comprehensive family law representation for child support, custody, domestic relations, and protective order cases. They serve clients in all 100 counties through regional offices and special programs.

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

Who qualifies: Households at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines (approximately $3,496/month for a family of three in 2025), with priority given to domestic violence survivors, elderly clients, and cases involving children’s welfare.

How to apply: Call statewide intake line at 1-866-219-5262 for screening, use online application at legalaidnc.org, or visit regional offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, Asheville, Wilmington, and other locations.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)

What they do: NCDHHS administers multiple family assistance programs and coordinates with CSS for automatic child support referrals when families receive certain benefits. They provide comprehensive safety net services including food assistance, cash aid, medical coverage, and emergency services.

Services provided: SNAP food assistance for eligible families, Work First Family Assistance (TANF) cash aid, Medicaid health coverage for low-income families, emergency food and families assistance programs, childcare assistance for working parents, and energy assistance through LIHEAP.

Who qualifies: Eligibility varies by program based on income, family size, and circumstances, with most programs serving families at or below 130-200% of federal poverty level depending on the specific program.

How to apply: Online applications at epass.nc.gov provide access to multiple programs, visit local DSS offices in all counties, or call the statewide customer service line for assistance and information.

North Carolina Single Parent Network

What they do: While not a single statewide organization, North Carolina has numerous local single parent support groups and networks that provide emotional support, practical assistance, and resource sharing among single mothers and fathers throughout the state.

Services provided: Peer support groups and mentoring programs, resource sharing for childcare and transportation, social activities and networking events for single parents and children, educational workshops on parenting, finances, and legal issues, and advocacy for single parent-friendly policies in local communities.

Who qualifies: Open to all single parents regardless of income, with many groups offering sliding scale fees or free participation for financial hardship cases.

How to find: Contact local community centers, churches, YWCA/YMCA locations, community colleges for single parent programs, or search online for “[Your County] single parent support” to find local groups and resources.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About North Carolina Child Support

About Applying and Eligibility

Q: Do I have to live in North Carolina to get child support through NC CSS? A: No, you don’t have to be a North Carolina resident, but either the non-custodial parent or child must have some connection to North Carolina (lived here, worked here, etc.). CSS can work with other states through interstate agreements.

Q: What if I can’t find my child’s father anywhere? A: CSS has extensive location tools including access to employment databases, tax records, credit reports, motor vehicle registrations, and utility records. Provide any information you have, even if it’s years old – previous addresses, relatives’ names, former employers, or social media profiles.

Q: Can I apply for child support if we were never married? A: Absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. CSS can help establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing if the father’s identity needs to be legally established.

Q: What if he claims he can’t afford to pay or is unemployed? A: North Carolina courts can “impute income” based on earning capacity. If someone is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, support can be calculated based on what they could reasonably earn given their education, training, work history, and local job market.

About Calculations and Payment Amounts

Q: How does my income affect what the other parent pays? A: Under North Carolina’s Income Shares Model, both incomes are combined to determine total support needed, then each parent pays their proportional share. Example: If combined income is $6,000 and total support needed is $1,000, and you earn $2,000 (33%) while he earns $4,000 (67%), he would pay approximately $670 to you.

Q: Can I get back child support for time before I applied? A: Yes, but North Carolina courts typically only order retroactive support back to when you filed your application or petition. In some cases, it may go back to the child’s birth, but this is not automatic and depends on specific circumstances.

Q: What counts as “income” for North Carolina child support calculations? A: The NC Child Support Guidelines define income broadly to include wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental property income, retirement benefits, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, Social Security benefits, and other regular income sources.

Q: Is there a maximum amount of child support in North Carolina? A: North Carolina doesn’t set a specific cap. The guidelines table goes up to very high income levels, and for incomes above the table, courts have discretion to order additional support based on the children’s needs and the parents’ circumstances.

About Payments and Problems

Q: What should I do if child support payments are always late but eventually come? A: Payments aren’t considered delinquent until 30 days past due. However, consistently late payments can still trigger enforcement actions. Document the pattern and contact your caseworker to discuss options for more reliable payment methods.

Q: How do I switch from the ncKIDScard to direct deposit? A: Contact CSS Customer Service at 1-800-992-9457 to request an Authorization for Automatic Deposit form. Submit the completed form with a voided check, and allow 3-4 weeks for the change to take effect.

Q: What if I receive a child support payment that seems wrong? A: Contact CSS Customer Service immediately at 1-800-992-9457. Keep detailed records of all payments received. If you receive money you’re not entitled to, CSS will work with you on repayment options, but don’t spend money that might not be rightfully yours.

Q: How long does it typically take to get my first payment? A: Timeline varies significantly: Cooperative cases with immediate wage withholding may see payments within 6-8 weeks. Cases requiring parent location can take 3-6 months. Contested paternity cases often take 6-12 months. Interstate cases depend on cooperation from other states but typically take 4-8 months.

About Enforcement and Legal Issues

Q: What if he quits his job to avoid paying child support? A: CSS has multiple enforcement tools beyond wage withholding. They can intercept tax refunds, suspend licenses, report to credit bureaus, freeze bank accounts, and place liens on property. Job changes must be reported to the NC New Hire Directory, making it easier to find new employment.

Q: Can CSS help me with custody or visitation problems? A: No. Federal law prohibits CSS from providing custody or visitation services. Child support and visitation are separate legal issues. Contact Legal Aid of North Carolina or a private family law attorney for custody matters.

Q: What happens to child support if he goes to jail? A: Incarceration doesn’t automatically stop child support obligations. The support continues to accrue unless the incarcerated parent successfully petitions the court for a modification based on inability to pay. Some inmates can still pay from work-release wages or other assets.

Q: Does child support automatically end when my child turns 18? A: In North Carolina, child support typically ends when the child turns 18, unless the child is still in high school, in which case it continues until graduation or age 19, whichever comes first. The court order will specify the exact termination conditions.

About Modifications and Changes

Q: How do I change my child support order if our circumstances change? A: You can request a modification review if there’s been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant income change for either parent, change in custody arrangement, change in childcare or health insurance costs, or if it’s been 3 years since the last review for assistance cases.

Q: What if I disagree with the amount the court ordered? A: You have the right to appeal within specific time limits after the order is entered. Contact Legal Aid of North Carolina at 1-866-219-5262 for assistance with appeals, or consult with a private family law attorney about your options.

Q: Can child support be reduced or forgiven if he really can’t pay? A: Only a court can modify or terminate child support obligations. Past-due support (arrears) generally cannot be forgiven, even by agreement between parents. Future support can be modified only with proper legal grounds and court approval.

Complete North Carolina Child Support Resources and Contact Information

North Carolina Child Support Services Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Domestic Violence Support:

LGBTQ+ Legal Support:

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Utility and Housing Assistance:

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

Child Services:

Online Tools and Calculators

Official North Carolina Resources:

Benefits Screening:

Accessibility Services

Language Support:

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

Disability Accommodations:

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

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

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

Information compiled from official North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina Child Support Services, North Carolina Courts, Legal Aid of North Carolina, 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina Child Support Services at 1-800-992-9457
  • 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 CSS promptly
  • Review your case regularly through the eChild Support 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 North Carolina child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact North Carolina Child Support Services directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact North Carolina Child Support Services at 1-800-992-9457 or visit ncchildsupport.ncdhhs.gov.

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