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Child Support in Texas

Child Support in Texas

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

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Call Texas OAG at 800-252-8014
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the Texas Child Support Calculator
  3. Get free legal help: Contact Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas at 888-529-5277
  4. Emergency financial assistance: Apply for Texas SNAP benefits

Main Points

✅ Texas uses a percentage-based system – 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, up to 40% for 5+ children¹

✅ Income cap is $9,200 monthly – maximum amounts: $1,840 for 1 child, $2,300 for 2 children²

✅ No application fee – free to apply for child support services through Texas OAG³

✅ Annual fee is $35 – only charged if you receive $550+ in collections and never received TANF⁴

✅ Monthly SDU fee is $3 – for registry-only payment processing services⁵

✅ Two payment options: Direct deposit or Texas Payment Card⁶

✅ Support continues until age 18 – or high school graduation, whichever is later⁷

Understanding Texas Child Support in 2025

How Texas Calculates Child Support

Texas uses what’s called the “income percentage model” under Texas Family Code Section 154.125. Unlike most states that consider both parents’ incomes, Texas focuses primarily on the non-custodial parent’s income.

Here’s how it works:

Number of Children Percentage of Net Monthly Income
1 child 20%
2 children 25%
3 children 30%
4 children 35%
5+ children 40%

2025 Texas Child Support Amounts and Income Cap

As of 2025, Texas has a cap on monthly net resources of $9,200. This means the maximum child support amounts are:

Number of Children Maximum Monthly Support
1 child $1,840 (20% of $9,200)
2 children $2,300 (25% of $9,200)
3 children $2,760 (30% of $9,200)
4 children $3,220 (35% of $9,200)
5+ children $3,680 (40% of $9,200)

Reality Check: The Texas Attorney General’s Office reviews child support guidelines every four years, with the current review period ending in August 2025. Many legal experts expect potential increases due to inflation since 2019.

Special Guidelines for Low-Income Parents

Starting September 1, 2021, Texas has different guidelines for parents whose monthly net resources are less than $1,000. For low-income parents, the percentages are reduced:

Number of Children Low-Income Percentage Regular Percentage
1 child 15% 20%
2 children 20% 25%
3 children 25% 30%
4 children 30% 35%
5+ children 35% 40%

Example: If the non-custodial parent earns $800 monthly net income with 2 children, they would pay 20% of $800 = $160 monthly instead of the regular 25%.

Real-World Examples: What You Can Actually Expect

Example 1: Typical Working Parent

Scenario: Non-custodial parent earns $4,000 gross monthly, has 2 children

  • Net resources after deductions: Approximately $3,200
  • Child support calculation: $3,200 × 25% = $800 monthly
  • Additional costs: Health insurance, dental insurance, childcare may be added

Example 2: Higher-Income Parent

Scenario: Non-custodial parent earns $15,000 gross monthly, has 1 child

  • Net resources subject to guidelines: Capped at $9,200
  • Child support calculation: $9,200 × 20% = $1,840 monthly
  • Reality Check: Court may order additional support beyond the cap based on child’s needs

Example 3: Low-Income Parent

Scenario: Non-custodial parent earns $2,000 gross monthly, has 3 children

  • Net resources after deductions: Approximately $900
  • Low-income calculation: $900 × 25% = $225 monthly
  • Note: This is significantly less than the regular guideline of 30%

How to Apply for Texas Child Support Services

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before applying, collect these documents:

  • Your child’s birth certificate
  • Your Social Security number and driver’s license
  • Information about the other parent:
    • Full legal name and any known aliases
    • Date of birth and Social Security number
    • Current and previous addresses
    • Employment information (current and past employers)
    • Phone numbers and email addresses
  • Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, custody orders)

Pro Tip: The more information you provide about the other parent, the better the Office of the Attorney General can serve you.

Step 2: Apply for Services

Option 1: Apply Online (Recommended)

  • Visit the Texas OAG Child Support Portal
  • Complete the online application
  • Upload required documents
  • No application fee – Texas child support services are free

Option 2: Apply by Phone

  • Call 800-252-8014
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or 1-800-735-2989

Option 3: Request Mailed Application

  • Call 800-252-8014 to request a physical form
  • Note: Mailed applications take longer to process than online applications

Step 3: Work with Your Caseworker

Once your application is processed, you’ll be assigned a caseworker who will:

  1. Locate the other parent if necessary using state and federal databases
  2. Establish paternity if needed through voluntary acknowledgment or court order
  3. Work to establish a court order for child and medical support
  4. Begin enforcement once an order is in place

Timeline Expectations:

  • Simple cases (other parent cooperative, paternity established): 60-90 days
  • Complex cases (location needed, paternity disputed): 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 3-6 months depending on cooperation

Understanding Texas Child Support Fees in 2025

Complete Fee Breakdown

Based on the Texas OAG fee schedule:

Fee Type Amount When Charged Who Pays Can Be Waived?
Application Fee $0 Never – services are free Nobody N/A
Annual Service Fee $35 When you receive $550+ in collections Deducted from support Yes (TANF recipients)
Monthly SDU Fee $3 Registry-only services Deducted from support Yes (TANF recipients)

Annual Service Fee Details

A $35 annual service fee will be charged to custodial parents who receive full-service monitoring and enforcement services. The fee will be deducted from the child support payment.

You DON’T pay this fee if:

  • You have ever received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • You receive less than $550 in child support collections per year

Monthly SDU Fee

The $3 monthly SDU fee is for parents who receive registry-only payment processing and record keeping services through the federally mandated SDU.

Example: You receive $500 in child support

  • Annual service fee: $35 (deducted once per year)
  • Monthly SDU fee: $0 (only applies to registry-only services)
  • Amount you receive: $500 – $35 = $465 (net for the year)

How You’ll Receive Your Texas Child Support Payments

Texas offers two convenient electronic payment methods:

Option 1: Direct Deposit

How it works:

  • Money deposited directly into your bank account
  • Direct deposit takes 3 to 5 business days
  • Most secure and convenient option
  • No fees for receiving payments

To set up:

Option 2: Texas Payment Card

What it is:

  • Prepaid debit card where your payments are loaded
  • No bank account required
  • Payment by mail takes 5 to 7 business days from the time it is received by the State Disbursement Unit

Services with NO fees:

  • Making purchases anywhere debit cards are accepted
  • ATM withdrawals at participating locations
  • Balance inquiries
  • Customer service calls

Contact for payment issues: State Disbursement Unit at 800-252-8014

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

What Texas OAG Can Do to Collect Support

The Office of the Attorney General has many tools available when it comes to enforcing child support:

Enforcement Method How It Works Effectiveness
Income Withholding Money taken directly from paychecks Most effective
License Suspension Suspend driver’s, professional, hunting, and fishing licenses High compliance rate
Tax Refund Intercept Federal and state tax refunds seized Seasonal but effective
Credit Bureau Reporting Reports to all major credit bureaus Long-term consequences
Asset Seizure Liens on properties, bank accounts, retirement plans, life insurance Very effective for assets
Passport Denial Noncustodial parent may be denied a new or renewed passport Prevents international travel
Contempt of Court Possible jail time up to 6 months Last resort

Real-World Enforcement Statistics

According to the Office of the Attorney General of Texas, more than $4.37 billion in child support was collected, serving over 1.5 million children.

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

  1. Keep detailed records of all missed payments with dates and amounts
  2. Report changes immediately in the other parent’s employment or address
  3. Stay in contact with your caseworker monthly if payments are inconsistent
  4. Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay but show wealth

When Standard Enforcement Isn’t Working

For any unpaid amount greater than a single monthly payment, the noncustodial parent will be charged interest at a rate of 6% per year.

In extreme cases, a delinquent parent can be held in contempt of court and charged with up to six months in jail, a $500 fee for each violation, and will be forced to pay the custodial parent’s legal fees.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Texas

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

Same-sex couples who were married: Both parents listed on birth certificates or adoption papers may have support obligations under Texas Family Code.

Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered through:

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

Discrimination concerns: If you face discrimination, contact:

Native American and Tribal Connections

Texas has three federally recognized tribes that may affect child support cases:

If the other parent lives on tribal land:

  • OAG works with tribal child support agencies
  • Cases may involve both state and tribal jurisdiction
  • Contact Texas OAG at 800-252-8014 for tribal case coordination

Tribal resources:

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges to OAG offices:

  • Phone consultations available: Call your local office to arrange
  • Mobile services: OAG occasionally visits rural communities
  • Documents by mail/fax: Most paperwork can be submitted remotely

Internet access limitations:

  • Public libraries: Free internet access for online applications
  • OAG phone support: 800-252-8014 for assistance
  • Local DHS offices: Can help with applications

Additional rural resources:

  • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Family resource information at county offices
  • Texas Rural Health Network: Medical assistance programs
  • USDA Rural Development: Housing and utility assistance

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under Texas child support law and face the same application process, fees, and enforcement methods.

Statistics for custodial fathers:

  • More likely to be awarded child support but less likely to receive it consistently
  • Face similar challenges navigating the system

Resources for single fathers:

  • American Coalition for Fathers and Children: Support and advocacy
  • Texas Fathers’ Rights: Information and support groups
  • Legal Aid: Same services available regardless of gender

Texas Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) Child Support Division

What they do: The Child Support Division works to establish, enforce, and collect court-ordered financial and medical support for children. They provide comprehensive services including locating parents, establishing paternity, creating support orders, and processing payments through partnerships with federal agencies and state courts.

Services provided: Parent location using state and federal databases, paternity establishment through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, child support order creation and modification, payment enforcement through wage withholding and asset seizure, payment processing through the State Disbursement Unit, and medical support coordination.

How to contact: Statewide hotline 800-252-8014, with local offices in all major Texas cities providing in-person services and case management.

Application process: Apply online at the Texas Child Support Portal, by phone, or through local offices with no application fee required.

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas

What they do: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents in 114 counties across North and West Texas. They offer comprehensive family law representation including child support, custody, domestic relations, and protective order cases through 20 offices located throughout their service area.

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

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

How to apply: Call the Legal Aid Line at 888-529-5277 for intake screening, use online application at lanwt.org, or visit offices in major cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston.

Texas Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

What they do: Texas HHS administers multiple assistance programs for families, coordinating with OAG 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 to help families achieve stability while pursuing child support.

Services provided: SNAP food assistance for eligible families, TANF cash assistance with work requirements, Medicaid and CHIP health coverage for children and families, childcare assistance for working parents, 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 130-185% of federal poverty level depending on the assistance type.

How to apply: Online applications at YourTexasBenefits provide streamlined access to multiple programs, or visit local HHS offices in all 254 Texas counties. Phone assistance available at 2-1-1.

Texas Legal Services Center

What they do: Texas Legal Services Center provides free legal assistance to low-income Texans statewide, with a focus on family law, housing, public benefits, and consumer protection. They offer both direct representation and self-help resources to ensure equal access to justice for vulnerable populations including single mothers seeking child support.

Services provided: Legal representation in child support cases, assistance with order modifications and enforcement, help with paternity establishment, domestic violence legal advocacy, public benefits advocacy, and comprehensive online legal resources and forms.

How to contact: Statewide intake hotline 512-477-6000, with offices in Austin, San Antonio, and other major cities. Online application available at texaslegal.org.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About Texas Child Support

About Applying and Getting Started

Q: How much will I actually receive in child support? A: Child support in Texas is 20% of the noncustodial parent’s net monthly income for one child, then goes up by 5% for each additional child. Use the Texas Child Support Calculator for estimates, but remember the actual amount depends on the other parent’s verified income and any additional expenses like childcare or health insurance.

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

Q: Can I get child support if we were never married? A: Absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. If paternity hasn’t been established, OAG can help through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing.

Q: What if he claims he’s unemployed or can’t afford to pay? A: Texas courts can impute income based on earning capacity when a parent is purposely unemployed or underemployed. Under Texas Family Code Section 154.066, support can be based on what they could earn with their education and experience.

About Payment Amounts and Calculations

Q: Is there a minimum amount of child support in Texas? A: While Texas doesn’t set a specific minimum, for parents earning less than $1,000 monthly, there are reduced percentage guidelines. However, courts will consider the child’s actual needs when setting any amount.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support for years before I applied? A: Yes, courts can order retroactive support, but it’s generally limited. The amount and timeframe depend on specific circumstances and when you file your case.

Q: What counts as “income” for child support calculations? A: Total gross income goes beyond wages and includes commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, retirement benefits, unemployment benefits, and any other regular income source.

Q: Does my income affect what the other parent pays? A: In most cases, no. Texas calculates child support based primarily on a percentage of the noncustodial parent’s net monthly resources available for paying support. Your income generally doesn’t reduce their obligation.

About Payments and Problems

Q: How long does it take to get my first payment? A: Most child support payments begin around two months after filing, but this varies significantly based on:

  • Cooperative cases with wage withholding: 4-8 weeks after order
  • Cases requiring parent location: 3-6 months
  • Contested paternity cases: 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 3-9 months

Q: What if payments stop coming? A: Contact your caseworker immediately and document the missed payments. The OAG has multiple enforcement tools including wage withholding, license suspension, and asset seizure. Interest at 6% per year accrues on unpaid support.

Q: Can I switch from the Texas Payment Card to direct deposit? A: Yes, complete a new Direct Deposit Authorization Form and submit it to your caseworker. Allow 5-10 business days for the change to take effect.

About Enforcement and Modifications

Q: What happens if the other parent moves to another state? A: Texas orders remain enforceable nationwide. The OAG works with child support agencies in all 50 states through interstate agreements to continue enforcement.

Q: Can child support be modified if circumstances change? A: Yes, you can request a modification if there’s been a significant change such as:

  • Income change of 20% or $100+ per month
  • Change in custody arrangement
  • Change in childcare or health insurance costs
  • Three years since the last review

Q: What if the other parent goes to jail? A: Incarceration doesn’t automatically stop child support obligations. The support continues to accrue, though the incarcerated parent may petition for a temporary modification based on inability to pay.

Q: Can TANF affect my child support case? A: If you receive TANF benefits, you’re required to cooperate with child support enforcement, and any support collected may be used to reimburse the state for TANF payments. However, you won’t pay application or service fees.

About Legal Issues and Rights

Q: Do I need a lawyer for my child support case? A: Not necessarily. The OAG provides free services and handles most of the legal work. However, you may want a lawyer if:

  • The case involves complex income issues
  • You need help with custody or visitation
  • You’re facing enforcement actions
  • The other parent has hired an attorney

Q: Can the other parent see my address? A: Generally yes, unless there are safety concerns. If you have domestic violence issues, inform your caseworker immediately. The OAG can take steps to protect your address in certain circumstances.

Q: What if I disagree with the child support amount ordered? A: You can appeal within 30 days of the order or request a modification if circumstances have changed significantly since the order was entered.

Complete Texas Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Texas OAG Child Support Division Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Domestic Violence Legal Support:

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Utility and Housing Assistance:

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

  • Texas Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Texas Crisis Intervention: 1-800-273-8255

Child Services:

Online Tools and Calculators

Official Texas Resources:

Benefits Screening:

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

Information compiled from official Texas Office of the Attorney General, Texas Department of Health and Human Services, Texas Legal Aid organizations, 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 Texas 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 Texas Office of the Attorney General at 800-252-8014
  • 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 OAG promptly
  • Review your case regularly through your online account 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 Texas child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Texas OAG directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Texas OAG at 800-252-8014 or visit texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Texas Family Code § 154.125 – Child Support Guidelines ² Texas Family Code § 154.125(a)(3) – Income Cap for Child Support Calculations (updated September 1, 2019) ³ Texas Office of the Attorney General – No Application Fee Policy ⁴ Texas Family Code § 154.25(b) – Annual Service Fee Requirements ⁵ Texas Administrative Code – State Disbursement Unit Monthly Fee ⁶ Texas Office of the Attorney General Payment Options ⁷ Texas Family Code § 154.006 – Duration of Child Support Obligation

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