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Child Support in Tennessee

Child Support in Tennessee

Tennessee Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Complete 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


  • Domestic violence: Tennessee Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-356-6767
  • Immediate legal help: Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee at 1-800-238-1443
  • Crisis assistance: Dial 2-1-1 for Tennessee community services
  • Emergency food: Second Harvest Food Bank at secondharvestmidtn.org

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Call Tennessee Child Support at 1-800-838-6911
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the Tennessee Child Support Calculator
  3. Get free legal help: Contact Legal Aid Society at 1-800-238-1443
  4. Emergency financial assistance: Apply for Families First benefits

Main Points

✅ Tennessee uses the Income Shares Model (effective October 1, 2021) – both parents’ incomes determine child support amounts¹

✅ $35 annual fee for services – only charged after $550 in payments received, waived for TANF recipients²

✅ Payment via Way2Go MasterCard – first payment comes as check, then debit card for all future payments³

✅ Support continues until age 18 – or high school graduation, whichever comes later⁴

✅ 15% income change required – for modifications under current Income Shares Model⁵

✅ Primary vs. Alternate Residential Parent – new terminology replacing “custodial” and “non-custodial”⁶

Understanding Tennessee Child Support in 2025

What the Income Shares Model Means for You

The most recent changes to the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines were effective October 1, 2021, when Tennessee updated its Income Shares Model. This system considers both parents’ combined income to determine what a child would receive if the family stayed together.

How it works:

  • Both parents’ gross incomes are combined
  • A base support amount is calculated based on combined income and number of children
  • Each parent pays their percentage share of this amount
  • The Primary Residential Parent (PRP) provides their share through direct care
  • The Alternate Residential Parent (ARP) pays their share to the PRP

Tennessee uses an “income shares model” for child support worksheets, which considers both parents’ incomes, parenting time, and additional expenses like childcare, health care, and whether the child has health insurance.

Reality Check: This means even if you work and earn income, the other parent’s obligation may still be substantial. Your income doesn’t reduce their responsibility dollar-for-dollar.

Who Can Apply for Tennessee Child Support

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 caring for a child
  • Someone owed back support (within certain time limits)
  • A caretaker with court-ordered custody⁷

Important: Any custodial parent, non-custodial parent or caretaker of a child who needs the services offered by the Child Support Program may apply for services regardless of income.

How Much Tennessee Child Support You Can Expect

2025 Tennessee Child Support Calculation Factors

The amount depends on several factors under the current guidelines:

Factor Impact on Support Example
Combined gross income Higher income = higher support $3,000 + $2,000 = $5,000 combined
Number of children More children = higher total 1 child vs. 3 children
Parenting time More than 92 days = adjustment Weekend visits vs. shared custody
Additional costs Added to base amount Childcare, health insurance

Understanding PRP vs. ARP Terminology

Tennessee law refers to the parent who spends less time with the child as the Alternate Residential Parent (ARP). The parent who has the child most of the time is the Primary Residential Parent (PRP).

What this means:

  • PRP: Usually receives child support payments
  • ARP: Usually pays child support to the PRP
  • If the PRP has significantly higher income, they may owe support to the ARP

Income Calculation Details

Tennessee considers various sources of income when computing the amount of child support, such as wages and salaries, self-employment earnings, commissions, bonuses, government benefits, and investment returns.

Income sources include:

  • Wages and salaries
  • Self-employment income
  • Bonuses and commissions
  • Social Security benefits
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Investment income
  • Lottery winnings

Imputed Income: Tennessee also considers parents’ potential earning capacity or imputed income. This means an income level can be assigned to parents even if they are not currently employed.

Real-World Support Examples

Example 1:

  • Combined monthly income: $4,000
  • One child
  • Basic support needed: approximately $750-850
  • If you earn $1,500 (37.5%) and other parent earns $2,500 (62.5%)
  • Other parent pays roughly $530 to you
  • You provide $315 through direct care

Example 2:

  • Combined monthly income: $6,000
  • Two children
  • Basic support needed: approximately $1,200-1,400
  • If incomes are $2,000 (33%) and $4,000 (67%)
  • Higher earner pays roughly $935 to lower earner
  • Lower earner provides $400 through direct care

Reality Check: Use the official Tennessee calculator for accurate estimates. These examples are simplified.

How to Apply for Tennessee Child Support

Required Documents

Before applying, gather:

  • Child’s certified birth certificate
  • Your photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
  • Proof of income (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
    • Current and previous addresses
    • Employer information
    • Phone numbers and email addresses
  • Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, custody orders)

Application Methods

Submit your completed application online or print and sign the above application and fax, mail or take it in-person to your local child support office for processing.

Option 1: Online Application

Option 2: In-Person Application

Option 3: Mail/Fax Application

  • Download and complete forms
  • Mail or fax to your local child support office

Understanding the $35 Annual Fee

If a family has never received Families First/TANF benefits, effective October 1, 2018, Federal statute requires that states charge an annual fee of $35.00 for child support services. This fee is collected after $550 in child support payments have been received in the case.

Important details:

  • Only charged once per year
  • Only after you’ve received $550 in support
  • Waived if you receive TANF/Families First benefits

What Happens After You Apply

Once you apply, Tennessee DHS will:

  1. Review your application within 20 days
  2. Locate the other parent using state and federal databases if needed
  3. Establish paternity if necessary through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing
  4. Create a court order for child and medical support
  5. Begin collection and enforcement

Timeline expectations:

  • Cooperative cases: 60-90 days for orders
  • Complex cases: 6-12 months if paternity or location issues
  • Interstate cases: 3-6 months depending on cooperation

Tennessee Child Support Payment Methods

The Way2Go Card System

The Tennessee Way2Go Card, which is a MasterCard Debit Card, is issued to custodial parents to access their child support payments. The first payment arrives as a check. It’s followed by a Way2Go debit card the custodial parent needs to activate. After this, all future child support payments go onto the debit card.

How it works:

  • First payment: Physical check in the mail
  • Subsequent payments: Loaded onto Way2Go MasterCard debit card
  • Card activation required: Call 1-855-462-5888
  • No bank account needed

Way2Go Card Features and Limitations

Free services:

  • Making purchases anywhere MasterCard is accepted
  • Cash withdrawals at participating ATMs
  • Balance checks online at GoProgram.com
  • Mobile app for account management

Potential fees:

  • Out-of-network ATM withdrawals
  • Paper statements (if requested)
  • Expedited card replacement

Reality Check: Some users report customer service issues with long hold times and difficulty reaching representatives. Plan accordingly and keep records of all transactions.

Payment Timing

Child support gets disbursed each month within 10 days of the payment’s arrival at the SDU (State Disbursement Unit).

When Child Support Payments Don’t Come: Tennessee Enforcement

Available Enforcement Tools

Wage garnishment is the most common enforcement method, requiring employers to withhold child support payments directly from a parent’s paycheck under an income withholding order.

Tennessee DHS can use these enforcement methods:

Enforcement Method How It Works Effectiveness
Wage Garnishment Direct payroll deduction Most effective for employed parents
License Suspension Tennessee Code Annotated 36-5-703 permits the suspension of driver’s licenses, professional licenses, and hunting or fishing licenses for parents delinquent by at least 90 days High compliance rate
Tax Refund Intercept DHS can seize tax refunds when arrears exceed $500 in non-public assistance cases or $150 if the child receives public aid Seasonal effectiveness
Asset Seizure Bank account freezing, property liens Very effective when assets located
Credit Bureau Reporting Reports to major credit bureaus Long-term financial impact
Contempt of Court civil contempt charge, which may carry jail time until a partial payment is made, or in extreme cases, a criminal contempt charge, leading to up to six months in jail per offense Last resort option

How You Can Help Enforcement

  1. Keep detailed records of missed payments with dates and amounts
  2. Report changes in the other parent’s employment, address, or assets
  3. Monitor your case through the Child Support Payment System
  4. Contact your caseworker regularly if payments are inconsistent
  5. Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay

Interstate Enforcement

If the non-custodial parent resides out of state, child support can be pursued across state lines under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA).

Child Support Modifications in Tennessee

When You Can Request a Modification

In order to qualify for a child support modification, the parent obligated to pay child support must have a 15 percent change in their gross income, according to the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines.

Valid reasons for modification:

  • 15% change in either parent’s income
  • Change in parenting time (92+ days annually)
  • Change in childcare costs
  • Change in health insurance costs
  • New medical needs of the child

The Modification Process

  1. File a petition with the court that issued the original order
  2. Prove substantial change in circumstances
  3. Attend court hearing (if required)
  4. Receive new order with updated support amount

Reality Check: Until a court approves the modification, you must continue paying the original amount. Don’t stop paying based on changed circumstances alone.

Medical Support Requirements

What’s Required

Medical support also includes uninsured medical expenses, such as co-pays, deductibles, and necessary out-of-pocket costs. The Tennessee Child Support Guidelines (Rule 1240-02-04-.04) require these expenses to be divided proportionally based on each parent’s income. Typically, the custodial parent covers the first $250 per year per child, with both parents sharing additional expenses according to their financial obligations.

Medical support includes:

  • Health insurance coverage for the children
  • Uninsured medical expenses above $250 per year per child
  • Dental and vision care
  • Mental health services
  • Prescription medications

National Medical Support Notice (NMSN)

If an employer-sponsored plan is available but the responsible parent refuses to enroll the child, the court can issue a National Medical Support Notice (NMSN) to the employer, compelling them to enroll the child and deduct premiums directly from wages.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Tennessee

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

Same-sex couples: If both parents are listed on the birth certificate or have legal parental rights through adoption, both may have support obligations.

Assisted reproduction: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered, which may require:

  • Voluntary acknowledgment of parentage
  • Court determination of parental rights
  • Review of donor agreements

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

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under Tennessee child support law. The application process, fees, and enforcement methods are the same regardless of gender.

Resources for single fathers:

  • Single Fathers Network: Online support community
  • Legal Aid Society: Same services available regardless of gender

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges:

  • Phone consultations: Available through local child support offices
  • Online services: Application and case management through state websites
  • Local DHS offices: Can assist with applications in rural areas

Internet access solutions:

  • Public libraries: Free computer and internet access
  • Community centers: Many rural areas have public access
  • Phone support: Call 1-800-838-6911 for assistance

Tennessee Organizations and Resources

Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Support Program

What they do: DHS administers Tennessee’s Child Support Program through offices in all 32 judicial districts, providing comprehensive services to establish, modify, and enforce child support orders while collecting and distributing payments to families.

Services provided: Parent location services using state and federal databases, paternity establishment through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, court order establishment and modification, payment processing and distribution, and comprehensive enforcement through wage garnishment, license suspension, and asset seizure.

How to contact: Main customer service at 1-800-838-6911 or 615-253-4394 for Nashville area, with local offices available throughout the state.

Application process: Apply online at tn.gov, by phone, or in person with required documents and understanding of the $35 annual fee structure.

Tennessee Legal Aid Services

What they do: Multiple legal aid organizations throughout Tennessee provide free civil legal services to low-income residents, including comprehensive family law representation for child support, custody, domestic relations, and protection order cases.

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

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

How to contact:

Tennessee Department of Human Services – Families First Program

What they do: Tennessee’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides temporary cash assistance to eligible low-income families with children, along with work training, education support, and transitional services to help families achieve self-sufficiency.

Services provided: Temporary cash benefits up to 60 months lifetime, work training and education programs, childcare assistance for working parents, transportation assistance, job placement services, and automatic referral to child support services for assistance recipients.

Who qualifies: Low-income families with children under 18, with income and resource limits that vary by family size, and participation requirements including work activities for 30+ hours weekly unless exempt.

How to apply: Apply online at tn.gov, call 1-866-311-4287, or visit local DHS offices in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About Tennessee Child Support

About Applying and Getting Started

Q: How long does it take to get my first child support payment in Tennessee? A: Timeline varies significantly based on your case complexity. If the other parent is cooperative and already employed with wage garnishment possible, you might see payments in 4-8 weeks after the court order. If DHS needs to locate the parent or establish paternity, it can take 3-6 months or longer. Interstate cases often take 3-9 months depending on cooperation from other states.

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: Tennessee DHS has extensive tools to locate parents including employment databases, tax records, utility records, vehicle registrations, and social media searches. Provide any information you have, even if it’s years old – previous addresses, employers, relatives’ names, or social media profiles. The more details you provide, the faster they can locate him.

Q: Can I get child support if we were never married? A: Yes, absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. DHS can help establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing if needed. Unmarried parents have the same child support rights as married parents.

Q: What if he claims he can’t afford to pay or is unemployed? A: Tennessee also considers parents’ potential earning capacity or imputed income. This means an income level can be assigned to parents even if they are not currently employed. Courts can base support on what someone could earn based on their education, work history, and local job market, not just current income.

About Payments and Problems

Q: What happens if my child now spends more time with their father than when we got the original order? A: The amount of time each parent spends with the child also affects the calculations for child support. When a child spends more time with one parent as shown by a parenting plan, that parent already pays for direct expenses. If the other parent now has the child for 92+ days annually, this may qualify for a parenting time adjustment that could reduce support. You’ll need to petition for modification.

Q: How do I know if my child support payments are being processed correctly? A: Both non-custodial parents (NCPs) and custodial parents (CPs) can view processed payments through the Child Support Payment System. You can also call 1-800-838-6911 to check payment status with a customer service representative.

Q: What should I do if I receive a child support payment that seems wrong? A: Contact the Tennessee DHS Child Support customer service immediately at 1-800-838-6911. Keep detailed records of all payments and discrepancies. If you receive money you’re not entitled to, you’ll be asked to return it, but DHS will work with you on repayment options if needed.

About Enforcement and Legal Issues

Q: What if he quits his job or moves to another state to avoid paying? A: If the non-custodial parent resides out of state, child support can be pursued across state lines under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). Tennessee has multiple enforcement tools beyond wage garnishment including license suspension, tax refund intercept, asset seizure, and credit bureau reporting. Job changes must be reported to employers under federal law.

Q: Can Tennessee DHS help with custody or visitation issues? A: The Child Support Program cannot help with civil matters such as divorce petitions, custody, or parenting time/visitation, nor can they provide legal advice on these issues. For custody matters, contact Legal Aid Society at 1-800-238-1443 or a private family law attorney.

Q: Does child support automatically stop if he goes to jail? A: No. Incarceration doesn’t automatically terminate child support obligations. The amount continues to accumulate as debt while he’s incarcerated, though he may petition for a temporary modification based on inability to pay during incarceration.

About Modifications and Special Circumstances

Q: How do I modify my child support if his income has increased significantly? A: In order to qualify for a child support modification, the parent obligated to pay child support must have a 15 percent change in their gross income, according to the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines. You can request a review through DHS or file a petition with the court. You’ll need to provide evidence of the income change such as pay stubs, tax returns, or employment records.

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 court order. Contact Legal Aid Society at 1-800-238-1443 for assistance with appeals, or consult with a private family law attorney about your options.

Q: When does child support end in Tennessee? A: Child support obligations in Tennessee generally end when a child reaches 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. If your child has a disability, payments may continue beyond age 18. Other circumstances like military enlistment, marriage, or legal emancipation can also end support obligations.

Complete Tennessee Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Tennessee DHS Child Support Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

LGBTQ+ Legal Support:

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Educational Support:

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

  • Tennessee Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-356-6767
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Child Services:

Online Tools and Calculators

Official Tennessee Resources:

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

Information compiled from official Tennessee Department of Human Services, Tennessee Child Support Services, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, Legal Aid Society of Tennessee, 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee Department of Human Services at 1-800-838-6911
  • 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 DHS promptly
  • Review your case regularly through the Child Support Payment System 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 Tennessee child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Tennessee DHS directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Tennessee DHS Child Support at 1-800-838-6911 or visit tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/child-support-services.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Tennessee Child Support Guidelines (Rule 1240-02-04), effective October 1, 2021
² Tennessee Department of Human Services Fee Schedule (October 1, 2018)
³ Tennessee Child Support Payment Information – tn.gov
⁴ Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-5-101
⁵ Tennessee Child Support Guidelines modification requirements
⁶ Tennessee Child Support terminology updates (October 1, 2021)
⁷ Tennessee Department of Human Services Applying for Services Policy

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