Child Support in Oregon

Oregon Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Practical 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If you’re parenting on your own in Oregon and need child support to be set up, enforced, or changed, this guide walks you through what actually happens, what to expect, and where to get help. It uses only official Oregon and federal sources and avoids legal fluff.

If You Need Help Today

Domestic violence safety planning and shelters: Call 211 or visit 211info’s domestic violence page at 211info.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7): 1-800-799-7233 (chat available at thehotline.org)
Legal help: Legal Aid Services of Oregon at lasoregon.org and Oregon Law Center at oregonlawcenter.org
Food today: Oregon Food Bank network finder at oregonfoodbank.org
Oregon Address Confidentiality Program (keep your address private in public records): Oregon DOJ ACP at doj.state.or.us/crime-victims/victims-resources/address-confidentiality-program-acp/

Quick links to start child support:

Apply or manage your case online: Oregon Child Support Customer Portal at customerportal.oregonchildsupport.gov
How to receive support (ReliaCard or direct deposit): Oregon DOJ “How to receive support” at doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/how-to-receive-support/
Oregon child support calculator and guidelines: justice.oregon.gov/guidelines
Modify an existing order: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/modify-an-existing-child-support-order/
Enforcement options explained: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/enforcement/

Main Points

Oregon lets you apply online, even if the other parent lives in another state. See interstate guidance at doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/interstate-child-support-cases/
Service of papers is not always “in person.” Oregon uses administrative processes and can serve by mail where allowed.
Many orders are administrative (issued by the Oregon Child Support Program), not just court orders. The program can establish paternity, set support, and enforce it.
Support generally runs until 18, and may continue up to age 21 if the child qualifies as a “child attending school” under ORS 107.108 (oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors107.html).
Oregon uses official guidelines and a calculator to set support. Parenting time (overnights), health insurance, medical costs, and childcare can change the final number. Use the Oregon Guidelines Calculator at justice.oregon.gov/guidelines.
You can get paid by direct deposit or a U.S. Bank ReliaCard. If you don’t set up direct deposit, ReliaCard is the default. See Oregon DOJ payment options at doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/how-to-receive-support/
If payments stop, Oregon can withhold wages, intercept tax refunds, suspend licenses, place liens, and more. See enforcement tools at doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/enforcement/
If income or parenting time changes, ask for a modification. Get started at doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/modify-an-existing-child-support-order/
Child support and parenting time are separate. Not paying doesn’t cancel parenting time, and parenting time issues don’t cancel child support.

How Child Support Works in Oregon (Step-by-Step)

Oregon’s Child Support Program (part of the Oregon Department of Justice) serves both custodial and noncustodial parents. You don’t need a lawyer to start. Official program overview: doj.state.or.us/child-support/

Step 1: Apply

Best option: Create an account and apply online through the Oregon Child Support Customer Portal at customerportal.oregonchildsupport.gov
Interstate cases (other parent lives out of state) are welcome. Oregon will work with the other state under UIFSA. Details: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/interstate-child-support-cases/

Tip: If you’re worried about safety, ask about protections and the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) before sharing contact information: doj.state.or.us/crime-victims/victims-resources/address-confidentiality-program-acp/

Step 2: Locate and Notify the Other Parent

Oregon uses state and federal databases to find employers and addresses.
Notice can be served by mail or other approved methods. Personal service is not always required.

Reality check: If the other parent moves a lot or works “under the table,” location and enforcement take longer. Share any leads you have (old employers, relatives, social handles).

Step 3: Establish Paternity (if needed)

If unmarried and both agree: Sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (instructions from Oregon Health Authority: oregon.gov/oha/PH/BIRTHDEATHCERTIFICATES/CHANGEVITALRECORDS/Pages/InstructionsPaternity.aspx).
If there’s a dispute: The program can order genetic testing. If the test shows legal parentage, an order establishing parentage is issued (often administratively).

Tip: Keep your hospital birth forms and any earlier paternity paperwork—they can speed things up.

Step 4: Set the Support Order

Oregon uses statewide guidelines and the official calculator to estimate the amount: justice.oregon.gov/guidelines
The final order can be administrative (through the Child Support Program) or a court order. Either way, it’s enforceable.

What affects the amount:

Both parents’ incomes (proof of income helps)
Health insurance for the child and cash medical support if insurance isn’t available at reasonable cost
Uninsured medical and work-related childcare expenses
Parenting time credit (based on overnights)

If you and the other parent agree on an amount, it still needs to be entered as a formal order and generally must follow Oregon guidelines unless there’s a documented reason to deviate. Learn about the hearings process at doj.state.or.us/child-support/resources-for-applicants/administrative-hearings-process/

Step 5: Collection and Payment

Wage withholding (automatic deduction from paychecks) is the default and most reliable.
Payments are processed by the Oregon Child Support Program and disbursed to you by direct deposit or ReliaCard. “How to receive support” page: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/how-to-receive-support/
Direct Deposit Authorization Form (PDF): justice.oregon.gov/child-support/pdf/csf080700a.pdf

Step 6: Enforcement (if payments are missed)

Oregon uses tools like wage withholding, tax refund intercepts, license suspensions, liens, and more. Details: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/enforcement/
For serious arrears, the U.S. State Department can deny or revoke passports at $2,500+ owed (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/fees/child-support.html).

Step 7: Review or Modify the Order

If your income, the other parent’s income, health insurance, childcare, or parenting time changes, you can request a review.
Start here: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/modify-an-existing-child-support-order/

Reality check: Reviews aren’t instant. Keep records of changes (pay stubs, new schedules, childcare invoices) to support your request.

What Oregon’s Guidelines Consider (Without the Legal Fog)

Oregon’s child support guidelines live in administrative rules, and the calculator helps you apply them: justice.oregon.gov/guidelines

Key pieces the calculator considers:

Income from both parents (including wages, self-employment, unemployment, and more)
Health insurance for the child (who has it, who can get it, and cost)
Cash medical support when insurance isn’t reasonably available
Uninsured medical costs
Work-related childcare costs
Parenting time credit based on the number of annual overnights

Parenting time credit note: Oregon adjusts the obligation based on overnights. If overnights change a lot from your original order, ask for a review.

“Child attending school” (ages 18–21): Oregon may continue support if your child meets ORS 107.108 requirements (enrolled at least half-time, making satisfactory progress, notices provided). See the statute: oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors107.html

What the Program Can and Can’t Do

Use this to set expectations.

Table 1. Oregon child support program scope

Topic	What Oregon Child Support Can Do	What It Can’t Do
Establish support	Set and modify child and medical support (administratively or via court)	Provide you with a private attorney for custody/visitation disputes
Paternity	Help you sign a voluntary acknowledgment; arrange genetic testing	Decide naming rights or non-support parenting issues
Collection	Withhold wages, intercept tax refunds, suspend licenses, liens, credit reporting	Force parenting time or handle visitation disputes
Safety	Flag family violence concerns; help protect location info; ACP referrals	Guarantee absolute secrecy if you share address with other agencies—use ACP
Interstate	Work with other states/tribes under UIFSA	Control another state’s court schedule or speed

Sources: Oregon DOJ Child Support Program (doj.state.or.us/child-support/) and enforcement page (doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/enforcement/)

What You Need to Apply (and Why It Matters)

You can apply with just your own info, but more details can speed things up.

Table 2. Application checklist

Item	Why It Helps
Your photo ID	Identity and case setup
Child’s birth certificate	Parentage and basic case facts
Other parent’s info (full name, DOB, SSN if known)	Location and wage withholding
Other parent’s last known employer, addresses, relatives	Parent locator tools
Court paperwork (divorce, prior orders)	Avoids duplicate/conflicting orders
Proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letters)	Accurate guideline calculation
Health insurance details for the child	Medical support requirement
Childcare invoices/contracts	Add work-related childcare to the order
Safety concerns (protective orders, ACP)	Confidentiality and safe contact planning

Apply or register an online account: customerportal.oregonchildsupport.gov

How You’ll Receive Money: ReliaCard vs Direct Deposit

You pick how to get paid. If you don’t choose, Oregon defaults to a U.S. Bank ReliaCard.

Table 3. Payment options for parents receiving support

Feature	Direct Deposit	U.S. Bank ReliaCard (prepaid Visa)
Bank account needed	Yes (checking or savings in the U.S.)	No
Setup	Submit the Direct Deposit Authorization Form (justice.oregon.gov/child-support/pdf/csf080700a.pdf)	Automatically issued if no direct deposit on file
Speed after disbursement	Funds typically show per your bank’s availability	Funds on card shortly after disbursement
Fees	Your bank’s terms apply	Some card services may have fees; review ReliaCard materials
Pros	Simple, often fastest, no card to manage	Works without a bank, keeps support separate
Consider if…	You already bank and want simplicity	You need a separate card or don’t have banking access

Official how-to: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/how-to-receive-support/

Tip: If your direct deposit fails (closed account), Oregon switches you to ReliaCard so you don’t miss payments.

When Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement That Actually Happens

Oregon starts with wage withholding, then moves to stronger tools if needed.

Table 4. Common Oregon enforcement tools

Tool	What It Does	Useful When	Source
Wage withholding	Takes support from paychecks	Payor has regular employment	Oregon DOJ Enforcement Overview: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/enforcement/
Bank levy/liens	Freezes or takes from accounts; places liens on property	Lump-sum funds or property exist	DOJ enforcement page
License suspension	Suspends driver’s, professional, or recreational licenses	Payor still not paying after notices	DOJ enforcement page
Tax refund intercept	Uses state/federal tax refunds to pay arrears	Refunds expected	DOJ enforcement; Federal Tax Offset (HHS/ACF)
Credit reporting	Reports arrears to credit bureaus	Ongoing nonpayment	DOJ enforcement page
Passport denial	U.S. State Department denies/revokes passport at $2,500+ arrears	International travel or renewal needed	State Department: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/fees/child-support.html
Court action	Contempt or other court remedies	Last resort for willful nonpayment	DOJ enforcement page

Reality check: Self-employed parents and gig income are harder to garnish. Share bank, property, and business details with your caseworker to help target enforcement.

Federal note on tax intercepts: The federal offset program is run by HHS/ACF; thresholds and rules are explained by the program (see HHS/ACF overview: acf.hhs.gov/css/policy-guidance/federal-tax-refund-offset-program).

Modifying an Oregon Child Support Order

Ask for a review when:

Income changes significantly for you or the other parent
Parenting time (overnights) shifts
Health insurance or childcare costs change a lot
It’s been a while, and the old numbers no longer fit

Start here: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/modify-an-existing-child-support-order/

Tips:

Keep records: new pay stubs, schedule changes, daycare bills, insurance proof
Be ready for a recalculation that can go up or down
Don’t wait—arrears keep accruing unless an order is changed

“Child Attending School” (Ages 18–21)

Oregon can continue support past 18 if your child meets ORS 107.108:

Enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school
Making satisfactory academic progress
Proper notices are sent (to the program and the other parent) and documentation is provided

Read the statute: oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors107.html

Reality check: Payments may go directly to the child in some situations. Stay on top of deadlines and paperwork each term to avoid interruptions.

Paternity and Parentage: Getting It Right

Options:

Agree and sign: Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (see Oregon Health Authority instructions: oregon.gov/oha/PH/BIRTHDEATHCERTIFICATES/CHANGEVITALRECORDS/Pages/InstructionsPaternity.aspx)
Disagree: Genetic testing arranged through the Child Support Program; if confirmed, an order establishes the legal parent

Helpful form: If you’re the mother and need to name a potential father and explain why, the DOJ “Declaration in Support of Establishing Paternity” is available as a PDF: justice.oregon.gov/child-support/pdf/csf110112.pdf

Tip: Legal parentage is required for support. Handle this early to avoid delays.

Medical Support, Cash Medical, and Uninsured Costs

Oregon orders medical support as part of child support:

If a parent can get health insurance for the child at a reasonable cost, the order will require it
If not, the order may include cash medical support
Uninsured medical costs are usually divided (the order explains how)

Reality check: Keep EOBs (explanations of benefits), invoices, and receipts. You’ll need them if there’s a dispute.

Source: Oregon DOJ Child Support Program overview and guidelines via justice.oregon.gov/guidelines

Work-Related Childcare Costs

Childcare needed for work or training can be added to the support calculation. Keep clear records:

Contracts or enrollment paperwork
Monthly invoices
Proof of payment

Add these details when you apply or when you request a modification (doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/modify-an-existing-child-support-order/).

Payment Basics for Paying Parents (Noncustodial or Paying Custodial Parents)

Set up wage withholding through your employer if possible—it’s the most reliable
If you must pay directly, use official payment channels listed by the Oregon DOJ Child Support Program (see the main program site: doj.state.or.us/child-support/)
Keep your address and employer updated in the Customer Portal: customerportal.oregonchildsupport.gov
If you lose your job, request a modification right away. The amount doesn’t change until an order is modified.

Warning: Paying in cash directly to the other parent may not be credited unless it goes through the program. Use official payment channels to avoid disputes.

Safety, Privacy, and Domestic Violence

Tell your caseworker if you have a protective order or safety concerns
Ask about the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) if you need a substitute legal address: doj.state.or.us/crime-victims/victims-resources/address-confidentiality-program-acp/
Discuss service by mail and communication preferences that don’t disclose your location

Reality check: No system is perfect—be careful about what you share on forms, with schools, and on social media.

Inclusive Support: LGBTQ+, Tribal Connections, Rural Families, and Single Fathers

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Oregon

Oregon’s child support laws apply equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Parentage (not gender) drives the obligation. For assisted reproduction or same‑sex parentage:

Confirm legal parentage via birth certificate, acknowledgment, or court orders before support is set
If in doubt, ask the program or speak with legal aid about parentage documents
Legal help: Legal Aid Services of Oregon (lasoregon.org) and Oregon Law Center (oregonlawcenter.org)

Tribal Connections in Oregon

Many Oregon families have tribal ties. Child support may involve:

Working with tribal child support agencies or tribal courts under federal law
Coordination across jurisdictions (state/tribal)
UIFSA rules for interstate/tribal enforcement

If the other parent lives on tribal land or you expect a tribal court to be involved, tell your caseworker early so the right path is used. The Oregon program works with tribes and other states as needed. Program overview: doj.state.or.us/child-support/

Rural Families with Limited Access

If transportation or internet is limited:

Use the Customer Portal where possible: customerportal.oregonchildsupport.gov
Ask your local library or community center for internet access
Call 211 to find local help with printing, scanning, or faxing documents
Ask your caseworker about phone appointments and mail‑in options

Tips:

Keep copies of everything you send (photos of documents on your phone help)
Use certified mail for important paperwork

Single Fathers

Single fathers can receive child support, too. The process is the same:

Apply through the Customer Portal
Provide the same documents and details
Ask for enforcement or modification when things change

Tip: Don’t assume you won’t qualify because you’re a dad. The program looks at custody, parenting time, and financial factors—not gender.

Common Problems (and How to Handle Them)

The other parent keeps changing jobs: Update the portal with new employer info as soon as you hear about it. Wage withholding restarts when the new employer is found.
They say they’re unemployed but seem to have money: Share what you can verify (business names, vehicles, assets). The program can use non‑wage tools like bank levies and liens.
Self‑employed parent: Provide invoices, business names, and clientele if known. Traditional wage withholding may not work, so other enforcement is key.
Parenting time changed a lot: Keep a written log of overnights (and communications). Ask for a review if the schedule has really shifted.
Your teen turns 18 and starts college: Read ORS 107.108 and follow the notice rules for “child attending school.” Deadlines matter or payments can stop.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

Q: Do I have to live in Oregon to use the Oregon Child Support Program?
A: No. You can apply from out of state, and Oregon will work with the other parent’s state under UIFSA. Interstate details: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/interstate-child-support-cases/

Q: Will Oregon serve the other parent in person?
A: Not always. Oregon often uses administrative processes and service by mail where allowed. Your caseworker chooses the method that fits your case and the law.

Q: How is support calculated in Oregon?
A: Oregon uses statewide guidelines and an official calculator that factors in both parents’ incomes, parenting time, health insurance, medical costs, and childcare. Try the calculator at justice.oregon.gov/guidelines

Q: Does support stop at 18?
A: Support usually ends at 18 but can continue up to 21 if your child qualifies as a “child attending school” under ORS 107.108: oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors107.html

Q: Can we agree on an amount between ourselves?
A: You can agree, but it still needs to be entered as a formal order and generally follow Oregon guidelines. Without an order, it’s hard to enforce and collect.

Q: What if I never married my child’s other parent?
A: Marriage isn’t required. You’ll need legal parentage (via acknowledgment or genetic testing) before support is ordered. See OHA paternity instructions: oregon.gov/oha/PH/BIRTHDEATHCERTIFICATES/CHANGEVITALRECORDS/Pages/InstructionsPaternity.aspx

Q: What happens if the other parent doesn’t pay?
A: Oregon can withhold wages, intercept tax refunds, suspend licenses, place liens, report to credit bureaus, and more. Enforcement overview: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/enforcement/ Passport denial can happen at $2,500+ in arrears (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/fees/child-support.html).

Q: Can I change the order if I lose my job or childcare costs jump?
A: Yes. Request a review and possible modification: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/modify-an-existing-child-support-order/

Q: My ex lives on a reservation/tribal land or in another state. Can Oregon still help?
A: Yes. Oregon works with tribal and out‑of‑state agencies under federal law. Tell your caseworker so they can route the case correctly. Interstate info: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/interstate-child-support-cases/

Q: Is child support tied to parenting time?
A: They’re separate. Problems with parenting time don’t cancel support, and missed support doesn’t cancel parenting time. For parenting time disputes, contact Legal Aid (lasoregon.org) or the Oregon courts (courts.oregon.gov).

Smarter Filing: Tips That Save Time

Create your Customer Portal account first: customerportal.oregonchildsupport.gov
Upload documents clearly (legible photos are okay—no shadows, no cut‑off edges)
Note safety concerns on your forms and tell your caseworker
Use descriptive filenames (e.g., “2025-07-paystub-EmployerName.pdf”)
Keep a simple case log (dates, who you spoke with, what was sent/received)

Resources by Region (Find Local Help Faster)

Oregon Child Support Program contact and office info: doj.state.or.us/child-support/contact-us/
Legal Aid Services of Oregon offices: lasoregon.org (find your local office by county)
Oregon Law Center offices: oregonlawcenter.org
211info statewide resource finder: 211info.org
Oregon Food Bank statewide network: oregonfoodbank.org
Oregon Judicial Department (forms and court info): courts.oregon.gov

Key Official Links (Bookmark These)

Oregon Child Support Program home: doj.state.or.us/child-support/
Customer Portal (apply, upload, message your case): customerportal.oregonchildsupport.gov
Interstate cases: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/interstate-child-support-cases/
Guidelines and calculator: justice.oregon.gov/guidelines
Administrative hearings process: doj.state.or.us/child-support/resources-for-applicants/administrative-hearings-process/
Modify your order: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/modify-an-existing-child-support-order/
Enforcement tools: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/enforcement/
How to receive payments: doj.state.or.us/child-support/services/how-to-receive-support/
Direct deposit authorization form (PDF): justice.oregon.gov/child-support/pdf/csf080700a.pdf
Paternity acknowledgment instructions (OHA): oregon.gov/oha/PH/BIRTHDEATHCERTIFICATES/CHANGEVITALRECORDS/Pages/InstructionsPaternity.aspx
Address Confidentiality Program (ACP): doj.state.or.us/crime-victims/victims-resources/address-confidentiality-program-acp/
U.S. passport denial for child support arrears: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/fees/child-support.html
Federal tax refund offset program (HHS/ACF): acf.hhs.gov/css/policy-guidance/federal-tax-refund-offset-program

Helpful Tables (Print or Save)

Table 5. Quick path to your first payment

Milestone	What You Do	What Oregon Does
Apply	Create Portal account, submit info and docs	Opens case, begins locate efforts
Paternity (if needed)	Sign acknowledgment or cooperate with testing	Issues parentage order
Order set	Provide income, insurance, childcare info	Calculates per guidelines, issues order
Collection	Confirm employer or payment method	Starts wage withholding or accepts payments
Disbursement	Choose direct deposit or ReliaCard	Sends funds via your chosen method

Table 6. When to request a modification

Situation	Why It Matters	Action
Job loss or new job with different pay	Income change can shift support	Ask for a review
Big change in overnights	Parenting time credit may change	Log overnights; request review
Childcare or insurance costs jump/drop	Directly affects calculation	Submit new bills/proof
Child turns 18 and attends school half-time+	May extend support to age 21	Follow ORS 107.108 notice rules

Table 7. Document evidence examples

Topic	Best Proof
Income	Last 2–3 pay stubs, tax return, unemployment letter
Health insurance	Policy card, premium statement, employer letter
Childcare	Contract, monthly invoices, receipts
Overnights	Calendar logs, messages confirming swaps
Safety	Protective order, ACP enrollment letter

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Oregon 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.

Always:

Verify current information with the Oregon Child Support Program at doj.state.or.us/child-support/
Consult with an attorney or Legal Aid for advice specific to your situation
Keep detailed records of all communications and payments
Report changes in your circumstances to the program promptly
Review your case regularly through the Customer Portal at customerportal.oregonchildsupport.gov

The information in this guide:

Is for education and may not apply to every case
Can change as laws and rules are updated
Should be verified with official sources before you make legal or financial decisions

Limitation of liability: While we strive for accuracy, this guide can’t cover every scenario. For the most current information and case‑specific guidance, contact the Oregon Child Support Program directly or speak with a qualified family law attorney.

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.

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