Child Support in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Your Complete 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:

Domestic violence: Call Rhode Island Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-494-8100
Immediate legal help: Rhode Island Legal Services at 1-800-662-5342
Crisis assistance: Call 2-1-1 Rhode Island (dial 2-1-1)
Emergency food: Rhode Island Community Food Bank at 401-942-6325

Quick Action Steps:

Apply for child support today: Call Rhode Island OCSS at 401-458-4400
Calculate your potential support: Use current Rhode Island guidelines with combined income method
Get free legal help: Contact Rhode Island Legal Services
Emergency financial assistance: Apply for Rhode Island Works

Main Points

✅ Rhode Island uses the Income Shares Model – both parents’ incomes are combined to determine support¹

✅ Application fee is $20 – waived if you receive RI Works, RIte Care, or other qualifying benefits²

✅ Annual service fee of $35 – charged when the state collects $500+ in child support for non-assistance cases³

✅ Two payment options: Kids Card (debit card) or direct deposit⁴

✅ Support continues until age 18 – or 90 days after high school graduation (but not beyond age 19)⁵

✅ 12% annual interest – accrues on all unpaid child support⁶

Understanding Rhode Island Child Support in 2025

How Rhode Island Calculates Child Support

Rhode Island uses the Income Shares Model to determine child support orders, based on the philosophy that children are entitled to the standard of living they would have received if both parents lived together. This means both parents’ incomes are considered when calculating support.

Here’s how it works:

Calculate gross income of both parents before taxes and deductions
Apply required deductions (health insurance, other child support, etc.)
Combine adjusted incomes to get total family income
Find support amount using Rhode Island’s guideline chart
Split the obligation based on each parent’s percentage of total income

Reality Check: The Income Shares Model is generally fairer than older systems, but it means your income will affect the final calculation. If you earn more, the other parent may pay less than you expect.

What Counts as Income in Rhode Island

Rhode Island includes income from all sources including workers compensation, temporary disability benefits and social security disability benefits. Income sources include:

Wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions
Self-employment income
Unemployment benefits
Workers’ compensation
Disability benefits
Rental income
Investment income
Alimony received

Excluded from income: Benefits received from the Family Independence Program and Social Security benefits are not considered income.

How Much Child Support Can You Get in Rhode Island?

2025 Rhode Island Child Support Examples

Based on the updated Child Support Guideline Schedule effective July 1, 2023, here are examples of total support amounts before splitting between parents:

Combined Monthly Income	1 Child	2 Children	3 Children	4 Children
$3,000	$649	$943	$1,081	$1,192
$5,000	$1,081	$1,570	$1,801	$1,985
$7,000	$1,513	$2,197	$2,521	$2,778
$9,000	$1,945	$2,824	$3,241	$3,571

How the split works: If combined income is $5,000 with one child ($1,081 total support needed):

You earn $2,000 (40%): Your share is $432
Other parent earns $3,000 (60%): Their share is $649
You receive: $649 monthly from the other parent

Real-World Example

Maria’s situation: She earns $1,800/month, her ex earns $4,200/month. They have two children.

Combined income: $6,000/month
Total support needed: $1,884/month (from guidelines)
Maria’s share (30%): $565/month (through direct care)
Ex’s share (70%): $1,319/month paid to Maria

Additional Expenses Added to Base Support

Rhode Island courts also consider:

Childcare costs for work or job training
Health insurance premiums for the children
Uninsured medical expenses above $100/year per child
Extraordinary expenses (special needs, etc.)

How to Apply for Rhode Island 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 income (3 recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefits statements)
Information about the other parent:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth and Social Security number
- Current and previous addresses
- Employer information
- Phone numbers and email addresses
Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, custody orders)

Warning: The more complete information you provide about the other parent, the faster OCSS can locate them. Even old information helps.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You have three ways to apply:

Option 1: Online Application

Visit the Rhode Island OCSS website
Complete the electronic application
Upload required documents
Pay the $20 fee online (if applicable)

Option 2: In-Person Application

Visit your local OCSS office during business hours
Find office locations at ocss.ri.gov
Bring all required documents and the $20 fee
Complete the application with staff assistance

Option 3: Mail Application

Download the application form from the OCSS website
Complete all sections and include required documents
Mail with $20 money order or cashier’s check

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee (If Required)

An application fee of $20.00 is required to start child support efforts for families not receiving public assistance.

You DON’T pay this fee if you receive:

RI Works (Rhode Island’s TANF program)
RIte Care (Medicaid)
SNAP (food stamps)
Other qualifying public assistance

Additional fee: In a never assistance case when the State collects $500 in child support, annually a fee of $35.00 is required.

Step 4: Work with Your OCSS Caseworker

Once OCSS receives your application, your caseworker will:

Review your case and contact you for additional information if needed
Locate the other parent using state and federal databases
Establish paternity if necessary through voluntary acknowledgment or court order
Work to establish a court order for child and medical support
Begin enforcement once an order is in place

Timeline expectations:

Cooperative cases: 2-4 months
Cases requiring parent location: 4-8 months
Contested paternity cases: 6-12 months
Interstate cases: 3-9 months

Understanding Rhode Island Child Support Fees and Costs in 2025

Complete Fee Breakdown

Based on Rhode Island OCSS fee structure:

Fee Type	Amount	When Charged	Who Pays	Can Be Waived?
Application Fee	$20	One-time when applying	Custodial parent	Yes (assistance recipients)
Annual Service Fee	$35	When state collects $500+	Deducted from support	Yes (assistance recipients)
Genetic Testing	Varies	When paternity testing required	Non-custodial parent initially	No

Reality Check: Unlike some states, Rhode Island doesn’t charge a percentage-based service fee on every payment, making it more affordable for families not on assistance.

How You’ll Receive Your Rhode Island Child Support Payments

Rhode Island offers two payment methods through the Child Support Payment Processing Center:

Option 1: Kids Card (Default)

The Kids Card is a debit card that is issued to custodial parents in Rhode Island by default after their case has been established.

How it works:

Functions like a regular debit card
Can be used at ATMs and stores where debit cards are accepted
No bank account required
Funds available when payments are processed

Services with NO fees:

Making purchases anywhere debit cards are accepted
ATM withdrawals at certain locations
Customer service calls
Monthly account maintenance

Contact for Kids Card issues: Rhode Island Child Support Customer Service

Option 2: Direct Deposit

Requirements:

Active checking or savings account at any U.S. bank or credit union
Completed direct deposit enrollment form

Setup process:

Submit enrollment form to OCSS
Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Contact your bank to confirm when funds become available

Important: If direct deposit is rejected (account closed, frozen, etc.), you’ll automatically receive a Kids Card.

When Rhode Island Child Support Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement Tools

What Rhode Island OCSS Can Do to Collect Support

OCSS has various enforcement methods available and enforcement takes place automatically when certain dollar amounts are met or upon certain events:

Enforcement Method	How It Works	Trigger Amount	Effectiveness
Income Withholding	Money taken directly from paychecks	Any amount	Most effective
Tax Refund Intercept	State and federal tax refunds seized	$25+ past due	Seasonal
Credit Bureau Reporting	Reports to major credit bureaus monthly	Past due support	Long-term impact
License Suspension	Driver’s, professional, recreational licenses suspended	Past due support	High compliance rate
Bank Account Seizure	Bank accounts frozen/seized	$500+ owed	Very effective
Lottery Intercept	Lottery winnings over $600 seized	$600+ winnings	Occasional
Insurance Intercept	Insurance payouts over $3,000 intercepted	$500+ owed	Effective
Passport Denial	Prevents passport issuance/renewal	$2,500+ owed	Prevents travel
Contempt of Court	Possible jail time	Administrative remedies exhausted	Last resort

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

Keep detailed records of all missed or partial payments
Report changes immediately in the other parent’s employment, address, or assets
Use OCSS Case Manager to check payment status online
Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay but show wealth

Warning: The biggest mistake made by non-custodial parents is the failure to file a motion to modify or suspend a court order when circumstances warrant it. Orders cannot be modified or suspended retroactively.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly states. The Rhode Island Uniform Parentage Act went into effect on January 1, 2021, ensuring that the non-biological mother in a lesbian couple is automatically recognized as a legal parent, similar to fathers in opposite-sex couples.

Key protections for LGBTQ+ families:

Same-sex marriage legal since August 1, 2013
Adoption rights equal for all couples
Anti-discrimination laws protect against housing and employment discrimination
Assisted reproduction fully covered with equal parental rights

Resources for LGBTQ+ single mothers:

GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): Legal assistance at glad.org
Youth Pride Rhode Island: Support services at youthprideri.org
Queer RI: Resource hub at queerri.com
Rhode Island Equality Coalition: Advocacy support

Child support considerations: If both parents are listed on the birth certificate or adoption papers, both may have support obligations regardless of biological connection.

Rural Families with Limited Access

Rhode Island is small, but some families in rural areas may face transportation challenges:

Options for rural families:

Phone consultations: Most OCSS business can be handled by phone
Mail submissions: Documents can be mailed rather than delivered in person
Public transportation: RIPTA provides statewide bus service
Community centers: Many towns have centers with internet access for online applications

Internet access limitations:

Public libraries: Free internet and computer access statewide
OCSS phone support: 401-458-4400 for assistance with online applications
Community health centers: Often provide computer access

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under Rhode Island child support law. However, custodial fathers statistically face unique challenges:

Same application process: Application, fees, and enforcement methods are identical regardless of gender

Resources for single fathers:

Rhode Island Fatherhood Initiative: Support and resources
Single Parent Support Groups: Available through community centers
Legal Aid: Same services available regardless of gender

Rhode Island Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Rhode Island Office of Child Support Services (OCSS)

What they do: OCSS is part of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services and works to establish and enforce court-ordered financial and medical support. The mission is to encourage parental responsibility by establishing parentage, establishing court orders for financial and medical support, modifying orders when appropriate, and vigorously enforcing support orders.

Services provided: Locate non-custodial parents using state and federal databases, establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, create and modify child support orders, enforce payment through wage withholding and other tools, distribute collected support payments, and provide online case management services.

How to contact: Main line 401-458-4400, with local offices throughout Rhode Island providing in-person services.

Application process: Apply online at ocss.ri.gov, by phone, or in person with required documents and $20 fee (waived for assistance recipients).

Rhode Island Legal Services

What they do: Rhode Island Legal Services provides free civil legal services to low-income Rhode Island residents, including comprehensive family law representation for child support, custody, domestic relations, and protective order cases.

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 self-help resources.

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

How to apply: Call 1-800-662-5342 for intake screening, use online application at rils.org, or visit offices in Providence, Newport, or Warwick.

Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS)

What they do: Rhode Island DHS administers multiple assistance programs for families, coordinating closely with OCSS for automatic child support referrals when families receive certain benefits. They provide comprehensive family support services including food assistance, cash aid, medical coverage, and childcare assistance.

Services provided: SNAP food assistance for eligible families, Rhode Island Works cash assistance, RIte Care health coverage, Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), housing assistance programs, and utility assistance through LIHEAP.

Who qualifies: Eligibility varies by program based on income, family size, and specific circumstances, with most programs serving families at or below 185% of federal poverty level.

How to apply: Online applications at DHS website provide access to multiple programs, or visit local DHS offices. Phone assistance available at 1-855-697-4347.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

About Applying and Eligibility

Q: Do I have to be a Rhode Island resident to get child support through Rhode Island OCSS? A: No, you don’t have to be a Rhode Island resident to apply for services. However, you might need to travel to Rhode Island for court hearings. OCSS can work with other states if the non-custodial parent lives elsewhere.

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: OCSS has extensive tools to locate parents including employment databases, tax records, credit reports, and motor vehicle registrations. Provide any information you have, even if it’s years old – including previous addresses, employers, relatives’ names, or social media profiles.

Q: Can I apply for child support if I was never married to the father? A: Absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. OCSS 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: Rhode Island courts can “impute income” when a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, unless the parent is physically or mentally incapacitated. The judge will look at the parent’s recent work history and occupational qualifications.

About Calculations and Amounts

Q: How does my income affect what the other parent pays under the Income Shares Model? A: Under the Income Shares Model, both incomes are combined to determine total support needed, then each parent pays their percentage. Example: Combined income $6,000, support needed $1,884 for 2 children. If you earn $2,000 (33%) and other parent earns $4,000 (67%), they pay $1,262 to you while you provide $622 through direct care.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support for years before I applied? A: Rhode Island courts have discretion to order retroactive support, but this varies by case. The sooner you apply, the sooner support can begin.

Q: What counts as “income” for Rhode Island child support calculations? A: Rhode Island includes income from all sources including workers compensation, temporary disability benefits and social security disability benefits, but excludes benefits from the Family Independence Program and Social Security benefits.

Q: Is there a maximum amount of child support in Rhode Island? A: Rhode Island doesn’t set a specific cap. For families with very high incomes, courts have discretion in determining appropriate support amounts, considering children’s reasonable needs and parents’ financial capacity.

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: Significant changes in custody arrangements can be grounds for modification. When parents share physical custody relatively equally, support calculations may be adjusted based on the specific time-sharing arrangement. You’ll need to petition the court for modification.

Q: How do I switch from Kids Card to direct deposit or vice versa? A: Complete a new payment method enrollment form and submit it to OCSS. 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 the Rhode Island Child Support Customer Service immediately. While OCSS works to correctly post payments, errors can occur. Keep detailed records of all payments received.

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

Cooperative cases with wage withholding: 6-10 weeks after order is entered
Cases requiring parent location: 4-8 months
Contested paternity cases: 8-12 months
Interstate cases: 4-12 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: OCSS has multiple enforcement tools beyond wage withholding and enforcement takes place automatically when certain criteria are met. They can seize tax refunds, suspend licenses, report to credit bureaus, freeze bank accounts, and pursue contempt proceedings.

Q: Can OCSS help with custody, visitation, or parenting time issues? A: No. OCSS only handles financial and medical support. For custody or visitation issues, you’ll need to contact a private attorney, Rhode Island Legal Services, or file directly with the family court.

Q: What happens to child support if the other parent moves to another state? A: OCSS can work with child support agencies in all 50 states under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. The Rhode Island 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. The obligation continues to accrue, though the incarcerated parent may petition for a temporary modification based on inability to pay.

About Modifications and Appeals

Q: How do I modify my child support order if circumstances change? A: You can request a modification if there’s been a material change in circumstances, such as:

Significant change in either parent’s income (generally 15% or more)
Change in custody arrangement
Change in childcare or health insurance costs
Every 3 years since the last review Contact OCSS or file a petition with the court that issued the original order.

Q: What if I disagree with the child support amount the court ordered? A: You have the right to appeal within 30 days of the order. Contact Rhode Island Legal Services at 1-800-662-5342 for assistance with appeals, or consult with a private family law attorney.

Q: Can child support be forgiven or reduced if the other parent can’t pay? A: Child support debt continues to accrue with 12% annual interest. 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 Rhode Island Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Rhode Island OCSS Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Main OCSS Line: 401-458-4400
Online Case Manager: OCSS Case Manager Portal
Main Website: ocss.ri.gov
Mailing Address: Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Office of Child Support Services, 101 Friendship Street, Providence, RI 02903-3716

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Rhode Island Legal Services: 1-800-662-5342 | rils.org
Rhode Island Bar Association Lawyer Referral: 401-421-7758
Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy: Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 1-800-494-8100

LGBTQ+ Legal Support:

GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): glad.org | 1-800-455-4523
Youth Pride Rhode Island: youthprideri.org | 401-421-5626

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Rhode Island DHS (Multiple Benefits): dhs.ri.gov | 1-855-697-4347
2-1-1 Rhode Island (Local Resources): Dial 2-1-1 or 211ri.org
Rhode Island Community Food Bank: rifoodbank.org | 401-942-6325

Utility and Housing Assistance:

Rhode Island LIHEAP (Energy Assistance): 1-855-697-4347
Rhode Island Housing: rihousing.com | 401-457-1234

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

Rhode Island Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-494-8100
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Child Services:

Rhode Island Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-742-4453
Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families: dcyf.ri.gov

Online Tools and Resources

Official Rhode Island Resources:

Rhode Island Child Support Guidelines: ocss.ri.gov/attorney-info/child-support-guidelines
Rhode Island Family Court Forms: courts.ri.gov
OCSS Case Manager System: OCSS Case Manager

Benefits Screening:

Rhode Island DHS Benefits Screener: dhs.ri.gov
SNAP Calculator: snap-step1.usda.gov

Accessibility Services

Language Support:

Language interpretation: Available through OCSS offices for appointments
Spanish-speaking staff: Available at most OCSS locations

Disability Accommodations:

Rhode Island Relay Service (TDD/TTY): 711
Office of Rehabilitation Services: ors.ri.gov | 401-421-7005
Disability Law Center: ridrp.org | 401-831-3150

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

Information compiled from official Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Rhode Island Office of Child Support Services, Rhode Island Courts, Rhode Island Legal Services, 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Office of Child Support Services at 401-458-4400
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 OCSS promptly
Review your case regularly through OCSS Case Manager 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 Rhode Island child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Rhode Island OCSS directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Rhode Island OCSS at 401-458-4400 or visit ocss.ri.gov.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Rhode Island Office of Child Support Services, Income Shares Model Information ² Rhode Island DHS, OCSS Fee Schedule (2025) ³ Rhode Island DHS, Annual Service Fee Policy ⁴ Rhode Island Child Support Payment Processing Center ⁵ Rhode Island General Laws § 15-5-16.2 ⁶ Rhode Island Child Support Rules and Regulations, 218-RICR-30-00-1

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