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Child Support in Pennsylvania

Child Support in Pennsylvania

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

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


  • Domestic violence: Call Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 1-800-932-4632
  • Immediate legal help: Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network at 1-877-429-5994
  • Crisis assistance: 211 Pennsylvania (dial 2-1-1)
  • Emergency food: Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank at 412-460-3663

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Apply online through PA.gov
  2. Calculate your potential support: Contact your county Domestic Relations Section
  3. Get free legal help: Contact Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network
  4. Emergency financial assistance: Apply for SNAP benefits

Main Points

✅ Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares Model – both parents’ incomes matter for calculations¹

✅ No application fee – Pennsylvania doesn’t charge fees to apply for child support services²

✅ $25 annual fee – applies only if you receive $2,000+ in support payments per year and never received public assistance³

✅ Two payment options: EPPICard or direct deposit⁴

✅ Support continues until age 18 – or graduation from high school, whichever is later⁵

✅ No college support required – unless both parents agree in writing⁶

Understanding Pennsylvania Child Support in 2025

What You Need to Know About Recent Changes

Pennsylvania made significant updates to its child support guidelines in 2022, with additional enforcement improvements in 2024. Many of the changes made to the guidelines in 2022 led to modest increases in support amounts. Parents whose combined net monthly income is between $20,300 – $22,600 saw the largest percentage change from the former guidelines.

Key 2024 Updates Include:

  • Enhanced enforcement measures with stricter penalties for non-payment
  • Clean Slate Law changes that seal more criminal records, potentially affecting cases where criminal history was a factor
  • Improved processes for tracking and collecting overdue payments

Reality Check: The guidelines are just the starting point. Your actual support amount depends on many factors including your specific situation, custody arrangements, and any special needs your child may have.

Who Can Apply for Pennsylvania Child Support in 2025

You can apply for child support services if you are:

  • A parent with physical custody of a child under 18
  • A legal guardian or caretaker with custody
  • Someone owed back support for a child now over 18 (within certain time limits)
  • Any married person living apart from their spouse⁷

Important: The duty to support a child exists whether or not the parents are married. Even a parent who is denied visitation must support the child.

How Much Pennsylvania Child Support Can You Actually Get?

Pennsylvania Income Shares Model Explained

Pennsylvania’s child support guidelines are based upon the Income Shares Model. The Income Shares Model is based upon the concept that the child of separated, divorced or never-married parents should receive the same proportion of parental income that she or he would have received if the parents lived together.

2025 Pennsylvania Child Support Amounts (Sample Calculations)

Based on the current Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines:

Parents’ Combined Monthly Net Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children 4 Children
$2,000 $433 $629 $721 $795
$3,000 $649 $943 $1,081 $1,192
$4,000 $865 $1,257 $1,441 $1,588
$5,000 $1,081 $1,570 $1,801 $1,985
$6,000 $1,297 $1,884 $2,161 $2,382

Reality Check: These are base amounts before considering each parent’s individual income share and any additional expenses like childcare or health insurance.

Real-World Example: How Your Income Affects What You Receive

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

  • Total support needed: $1,570/month
  • If you earn $1,000 (20%) and other parent earns $4,000 (80%):
    • Other parent pays: $1,256/month to you
    • Your contribution: $314/month (through direct child care)

Factors That Affect Your Child Support Amount

Factor How It’s Used Example Impact
Combined net income Both parents’ incomes added together Higher combined income = higher support
Number of children More children = higher total support 1 child: $1,081; 2 children: $1,570 at $5K income
Custody arrangement 40%+ time with paying parent reduces amount Can reduce obligation by up to 20%
Additional expenses Childcare, health insurance, medical costs Added to base support amount

Warning: The amount of support is based on the income of both parents (or the amount each is capable of earning) and the number of children involved. The court uses statewide support guidelines unless a parent shows that this amount is not fair under the circumstances.

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

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents⁸:

  • Child’s certified birth certificate
  • Your photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
  • Proof of income (3 recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefits statements)
  • Information about the other parent:
    • Full legal name and any known aliases
    • Date of birth and Social Security number (if known)
    • Current address and previous addresses
    • Employer name and address
    • Phone numbers and email addresses
  • Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, custody orders)
  • Medical insurance information for you and your child

Expert Tip: The more complete information you provide about the other parent, the faster your county’s Domestic Relations Section can locate them and establish support.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

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

Option 1: Online Application

Option 2: In-Person Application

  • Visit your local Domestic Relations Section office during business hours
  • Find office locations through your county government website
  • Bring all required documents
  • Complete the application with staff assistance

Option 3: Mail Application

  • Download forms from your county’s Domestic Relations website
  • Complete all sections and include required documents
  • Mail to your local Domestic Relations office

Step 3: The Intake Process

You can expect to spend about an hour completing the Intake Phone Interview in order to receive the best possible service. You will have an Intake Phone Interview with a Montgomery County representative who will answer any questions you may have about your case and process your complaint for support.

What to Expect:

  • Phone interview: Detailed review of your case with an intake coordinator
  • Conference scheduling: The date of the support conference will be approximately four to six weeks from the date of the interview
  • Document review: Additional paperwork may be requested

Step 4: The Support Conference

Conferences are held before a Conference Officer. These Conference Officers are not Judges or lawyers but are hired by the County to retrieve all the necessary information and determine the support amount using the Support Guidelines.

What You’ll Need to Bring:

  • Income verification: Recent pay stubs, tax returns
  • Expense documentation: Childcare costs, health insurance premiums
  • Any relevant court orders

Timeline: After the Conference the parties have 20 days to appeal the decision of the Conference Officer. If they appeal the decision the case will go before a Judge or a Support Master, depending on the County.

Understanding Pennsylvania Child Support Costs and Fees in 2025

Complete Fee Breakdown

Based on Pennsylvania law and federal requirements:

Fee Type Amount When Charged Who Pays Can Be Waived?
Application Fee $0 Never Nobody N/A
Annual Fee $25 When you receive $2,000+ annually Deducted from support Yes (assistance recipients)
Collection Costs Varies When enforcement needed Non-custodial parent No

Annual Fee Details

The United States Congress requires collection of a $25 annual fee each year for open/active child support cases that receive at least $500 in child support payments if the custodial parent has never received cash assistance. The commonwealth will pay the $25 fee for families with collections between $500 and $1,999.99. The $25 fee will be collected from the custodial parent in cases which have annual collections that equal or exceed $2,000.

Fee Collection Schedule:

  • The $25 fee will be collected between October 1 to November 30 and March 1 to September 30. The fee will not be collected in the months of December, January and February

Who Doesn’t Pay Fees: You won’t pay the annual fee if you’ve ever received:

  • SNAP benefits
  • Medicaid coverage
  • TANF benefits
  • Other public assistance

How You’ll Receive Your Pennsylvania Child Support Payments

Pennsylvania offers two electronic payment methods through the Pennsylvania State Collection and Disbursement Unit (PA SCDU):

Option 1: Pennsylvania EPPICard®

In August, 2004, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania implemented the new EPPICard™ program. Custodial parents can now access their payments online using a MasterCard® debit card. Your payments are automatically loaded onto the card.

How it works:

  • The Pennsylvania Child Support System will automatically choose the EPPICard as the method of payment unless you decide to choose direct deposit to your bank account
  • No bank account or credit check required
  • Funds available within 1-2 business days

Services with NO fees:

  • There are no charges incurred for a cash withdrawal from a teller at any financial institution that displays the MasterCard brand mark
  • If you withdraw funds from a MoneyPass network ATM your first transaction will be fee free for PA EPPICard cardholders
  • Making purchases anywhere MasterCard is accepted

Contact for EPPICard issues: 1-800-304-1669 – available 24/7

Option 2: Direct Deposit

Requirements:

  • Open checking or savings account at any U.S. bank or credit union
  • You will be given a direct deposit enrollment form during your Intake Interview. The form must be completed and forwarded to the PA Collection and Disbursement Unit (PA SCDU). Or, you may contact PA SCDU directly at 1-877-727-7238 to set up direct deposit

Setup process:

  • Submit enrollment form to PA SCDU
  • Allow 5-10 business days for processing
  • Contact your bank to learn when funds become available

Important: If, at any time, you cancel or stop direct deposit, your support payments will again be disbursed to your EPPICard.

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

What Pennsylvania Can Do to Collect Support

Pennsylvania’s Domestic Relations Sections have various enforcement methods available:

Enforcement Method How It Works Requirements Effectiveness
Income Withholding Child support orders through Domestic Relations are collected by the State through wage attachments and collected directly from employers, if the party is employed Employment known Most effective
State Tax Intercept State tax refunds seized Past due support Seasonal
Federal Tax Intercept Federal tax refunds seized Past due support Annual
License Suspension Parents who owe at least three months of unpaid child support can face the suspension of their driving privileges 3+ months behind High compliance rate
Credit Bureau Reporting Reports to major credit bureaus Past due support Long-term impact
Asset Seizure Bank accounts frozen/seized Significant arrears Very effective
Contempt of Court Civil contempt can result in a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to $500, or probation for up to six months Administrative remedies exhausted Last resort

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

  1. Keep detailed records of all missed or partial payments with dates and amounts
  2. Report changes immediately to your caseworker about the other parent’s employment, address, or assets
  3. Stay in regular contact with your Domestic Relations office
  4. Use the Pennsylvania Child Support website to check payment status and case updates online
  5. Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay but show wealth on social media

When Enforcement Isn’t Working

Warning About License Suspension: Unfortunately, license suspensions rarely result in obligors making payments. Instead, suspensions often lead to loss of employment and financial insecurity. However, this remains a primary enforcement tool in Pennsylvania.

Reality Check: Collection action is usually started if a person falls more than 30 days behind in their payments. Don’t wait – contact your caseworker as soon as payments stop coming.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Pennsylvania

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

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

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

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges to Domestic Relations offices:

  • Phone consultations available: Most counties offer phone interviews
  • Video conferencing: Some offices offer virtual meetings for routine matters
  • Documents by mail/fax: Most paperwork can be submitted remotely

Internet access limitations:

  • Public libraries: Free internet and computer access for online services
  • County assistance offices: Can help with applications and provide internet access
  • Community centers: Many rural communities have public computer access

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under Pennsylvania child support law. The application process, fees, and enforcement methods are identical for fathers.

Important: Studies show custodial fathers face unique challenges but have the same legal protections and support options available.

Pennsylvania Organizations That Provide Support

Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network

What they do: The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network is comprised of eight regional legal aid programs providing free civil legal services to low-income residents across all 67 Pennsylvania counties, plus six specialized programs serving specific legal areas or client groups.

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

Who qualifies: Generally serves households at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines, with priority given to domestic violence survivors and cases involving children.

How to contact: Call 1-877-429-5994 for intake screening, use online application at palegalaid.net, or contact regional offices directly.

Community Legal Services (Philadelphia)

What they do: Community Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to low-income Philadelphia residents, with specialized programs for family law, housing, public benefits, and other critical civil legal matters.

Services provided: Comprehensive family law representation including child support, custody, and domestic relations cases; assistance with enforcement and modification issues; advocacy for families receiving public benefits; and community legal education.

Who qualifies: Low-income residents of Philadelphia with household incomes typically at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines.

How to contact: Main office at 215-981-3700 or visit clsphila.org for specific program information.

MidPenn Legal Services

What they do: MidPenn Legal Services is a non-profit public interest law firm providing free civil legal services to low-income residents and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in 18 counties in Central Pennsylvania.

Services provided: Family law representation including child support establishment and enforcement, modification assistance, domestic violence advocacy, housing law, public benefits advocacy, and employment law.

Who qualifies: Low-income residents of their 18-county service area, with special priority for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.

How to contact: Apply online at midpenn.org or call their helpline for intake information.

Neighborhood Legal Services (Western PA)

What they do: Neighborhood Legal Services provides civil legal aid to low-income residents in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence Counties, with comprehensive family law and child support services.

Services provided: Child support establishment and enforcement, custody and divorce representation, domestic violence advocacy, public benefits assistance, and specialized programs for veterans and people with disabilities.

Who qualifies: Low-income residents of their four-county service area meeting federal poverty guidelines.

How to contact: Visit nlsa.us or call their main number for intake procedures and eligibility screening.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About Pennsylvania Child Support

About Applying and Eligibility

Q: Do I have to be a Pennsylvania resident to get child support through Pennsylvania? A: No, you don’t have to be a Pennsylvania resident to apply for services if the other parent lives in Pennsylvania or you have an existing Pennsylvania case. However, you might need to participate in hearings in Pennsylvania.

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

Q: Can I apply for child support if I was never married to the father? A: Absolutely. The duty to support a child exists whether or not the parents are married. Your county’s Domestic Relations Section can help establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing if needed.

Q: What if the father claims he’s unemployed or can’t afford to pay? A: Pennsylvania courts can “impute income” based on earning capacity. If someone is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, support can be based on what they could earn with their education, training, and experience.

About Calculations and Amounts

Q: How does my income affect what the other parent pays? A: The amount of child support owed by the parent who does not have custody depends on the percentage of the combined income that parent earns. Both incomes are considered to determine the total support needed, then each parent pays their proportional share.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support for years before I applied? A: Support will only begin from the date of filing, not the date of separation. However, you may be able to get support back to the date you first filed your complaint.

Q: What counts as “income” for Pennsylvania child support calculations? A: Pennsylvania considers wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, overtime, tips, self-employment income, rental income, retirement benefits, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, Social Security benefits, and any other regular income source.

Q: Is there a maximum amount of child support in Pennsylvania? A: Pennsylvania doesn’t set a specific cap. The guidelines extend to very high incomes, and courts have discretion to order additional support based on the child’s needs for higher-income families.

About Payments and Problems

Q: What if my child now spends more time with the other parent than when we got the original order? A: This amount can be reduced if the children spend 40 percent or more of their overnights with the person who is paying support. You’ll need to petition the court for modification.

Q: How do I switch from EPPICard to direct deposit or vice versa? A: Contact PA SCDU directly at 1-877-727-7238 to set up direct deposit. Allow 5-10 business days for the change to take effect.

Q: What should I do if I receive a child support payment that seems wrong? A: Contact PA SCDU at 1-877-727-7238 immediately. Keep detailed records and report any discrepancies promptly.

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

  • Cooperative cases with wage withholding: 4-8 weeks after order is entered
  • Cases requiring parent location: 3-6 months
  • Contested paternity cases: 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 3-9 months depending on other state cooperation

About Enforcement and Legal Issues

Q: What if the other parent quits their job or moves to avoid paying child support? A: Pennsylvania has multiple enforcement tools beyond wage withholding. Domestic Relations has the ability to enforce the orders through a number of means such as seizing tax refunds and suspending driver’s licenses or hunting and fishing licenses.

Q: Can my county’s Domestic Relations Section help with custody, visitation, or parenting time issues? A: No. Domestic Relations Sections only handle financial and medical support. For custody or visitation issues, you’ll need to contact a private attorney, legal aid, or file directly with the family court.

Q: What happens to child support if the other parent moves to another state? A: Pennsylvania can work with child support agencies in all 50 states under federal law. The Pennsylvania order remains enforceable, and the other state will assist with enforcement.

Q: Does child support automatically stop if the other parent goes to jail? A: No. Incarceration doesn’t automatically terminate child support obligations. Ultimately, a party can be sent to jail for their failure to pay child support. The obligation continues to accrue, though the incarcerated parent may petition for a temporary modification.

About Modifications and Appeals

Q: How do I modify my child support order if circumstances change? A: Contact your county’s Domestic Relations Section to request a modification. Pennsylvania courts do not automatically grant support modifications based on the revised guidelines. Parents have to file a petition to get a child support modification order.

Q: What if I disagree with the child support amount the Conference Officer recommended? A: After the Conference the parties have 20 days to appeal the decision of the Conference Officer. If they appeal the decision the case will go before a Judge or a Support Master, depending on the County.

Q: Can child support be forgiven or reduced if the other parent can’t pay? A: Only the court can modify future payments, and only with proper legal grounds. Past-due support generally cannot be waived, even by agreement between parents.

Complete Pennsylvania Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Statewide Services

Pennsylvania Child Support Program:

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Domestic Violence Support:

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Utility and Housing Assistance:

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

  • Pennsylvania Crisis Text Line: Text PA to 741741
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Pennsylvania Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-932-0313

County Domestic Relations Offices

Major Counties (Examples):

Find Your County Office: Contact information for all 67 Pennsylvania counties available through the Pennsylvania Child Support Website.

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

Information compiled from official Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Pennsylvania Administrative Office of the Courts, Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, 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 Pennsylvania 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 your county’s Domestic Relations Section
  • 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 the Pennsylvania Child Support website 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 Pennsylvania child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact your county’s Domestic Relations Section directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, visit pa.gov/services/dhs/apply-for-child-support-services or contact your county’s Domestic Relations Section.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 1910.16-1 (Income Shares Model)
² Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Support Enforcement Program
³ Federal Child Support Enforcement Annual Fee Requirements
⁴ Pennsylvania State Collection and Disbursement Unit Payment Options
⁵ Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 1910.16-1
⁶ Pennsylvania case law (Curtis vs. Kline, 1995)
⁷ Pennsylvania Domestic Relations Code
⁸ Pennsylvania county Domestic Relations Section application requirements

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