Child Support in Washington

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

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:

Domestic violence: Call Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-562-6025
Immediate legal help: Northwest Justice Project at 1-888-201-1014
Crisis assistance: Washington 211 (dial 2-1-1)
Emergency food: Washington Food Coalition at foodlifeline.org

Quick Action Steps:

Apply for child support today: Call Washington DCS at 1-800-442-5437
Calculate your potential support: Use the Washington Child Support Calculator
Get free legal help: Contact Northwest Justice Project
Emergency financial assistance: Apply for Washington Basic Food

Main Points

✅ Washington uses the Income Shares Model – both parents’ incomes determine child support amounts¹

✅ No application fee for DCS services – child support enforcement services are free²

✅ 45% maximum of net income – child support payments cannot exceed 45% of paying parent’s net income³

✅ Multiple payment options: Direct deposit, DCS debit card, or online payments⁴

✅ Self-support reserve protection – ensures paying parent keeps at least 125% of federal poverty level⁵

✅ Support continues until age 18 – or until graduation from high school if still enrolled⁶

Understanding Washington Child Support in 2025

How Washington Calculates Child Support

Washington state uses the Income Shares Model under RCW Chapter 26.19, which means both parents’ incomes are considered when calculating child support⁷. This model assumes children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived together.

Key principle: The parent who doesn’t have physical custody of the children most of the time (the “noncustodial parent”) typically pays child support to the custodial parent. However, this doesn’t mean custodial parents are off the hook for their support obligation – Washington State’s guidelines calculate both parents’ support obligation, based on each one’s proportionate share of their combined incomes.

Reality Check: Many single mothers think they need to prove the other parent can afford to pay before getting support. That’s not true. The court looks at both incomes and uses a formula – even if the other parent claims they can’t afford it.

What’s Different About Washington’s System

Unlike some states, Washington’s guidelines don’t include a built-in adjustment for shared custody in the standard child support calculation. Instead, noncustodial parents with significant parenting time—or parents with equal shared custody—will need to request a deviation from the standard child support calculation.

Important limitation: The amount of care time a parent puts in does not factor into the calculation of child support payments unless there’s a specific request for deviation.

Who Can Apply for Washington 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 with custody
Someone owed back support (even if the child is now over 18)
A caretaker relative with legal custody

No residency requirement: You don’t have to be a Washington resident to apply, but be prepared for potential travel to Washington for court proceedings.

How Much Washington Child Support Can You Actually Get?

Washington Child Support Amounts Based on Combined Income

The amount depends on two primary factors: the combined income of the parents and the total number of dependent children who may receive child support. Here’s how the basic support obligation works:

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
$8,000	$1,729	$2,512	$2,881	$3,175

Source: Based on Washington State Child Support Schedule

Real-World Example: How Income Sharing Works

Example: You and the other parent have a combined monthly net income of $5,000 with 2 children

Total support needed: $1,570/month
If you earn $1,500 (30%) and other parent earns $3,500 (70%):
- Other parent pays: $1,099/month to you
- Your contribution: $471/month (through direct child care)

Important Income Limits and Protections

Maximum payment cap: Washington law states that the maximum amount of child support a parent may be required to pay must be equal to or less than 45% of the parent’s net income.

Self-support reserve: An adjustment in the guidelines ensures that low-income parents will have enough left over after paying child support to meet their basic needs, measured as 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for a one-person family (which works out to $1,569 a month in 2024).

Minimum support: For parents whose income is below that poverty level (even before paying support), the judge will order a minimum of $50 per month in child support unless that would be unfair.

High-Income Situations

Washington’s child support formula only extends to a combined monthly income of $12,000 for the parties. The result is that the standard transfer payment for higher earning parents does not rise much after their combined incomes reach this threshold. For families with higher incomes, courts have discretion to order additional support.

Use the Official Washington Child Support Calculator

The most accurate way to estimate your support is using the Washington State Child Support Schedule Calculator provided by the Division of Child Support. This version of the WSCSS Worksheet Calculator is based on the most recent changes to the child support laws in Chapter 26.19 RCW which were effective on January 1, 2019.

What you’ll need:

Both parents’ gross monthly income
Monthly childcare costs
Health insurance premiums for the children
Any special expenses (medical, educational)

Important: The superior court judge, court commissioner, or administrative law judge has the final authority to determine the amount of child support ordered.

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

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents:

Child’s birth certificate
Your photo ID
Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefits statements)
Information about the other parent:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Date of birth and Social Security number
- Current and previous addresses
- Employer information
- Phone numbers
Any existing court orders
Health insurance information

Tip: Send one set of forms for each noncustodial parent if you have children with multiple fathers.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You have several ways to apply for Washington child support services:

Option 1: Print and Mail Application

Download forms from the DCS website
Mail completed forms to: Division of Child Support Central Services
P.O. Box 11520
Tacoma, WA 98411

Option 2: Phone Application

Call 1-800-457-6202 to have an application mailed to you (please allow 5-10 business days for delivery)

Option 3: Local Office Visit

Find your local DCS office through the DCS website
Bring all required documents

Step 3: Application Processing

Once we receive your forms, you will receive a letter within 7-10 days. Your caseworker will:

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

Timeline expectations:

Simple cases: 60-90 days
Complex cases: 6-12 months
Interstate cases: 3-6 months

Understanding Washington Child Support Costs and Fees

Good News: No Application Fees

Unlike many states, Washington’s Division of Child Support services are free. There are no application fees or monthly service charges for basic child support services.

What You Might Pay For

Service Type	Cost	When Applied	Who Pays
Basic DCS services	Free	Always	Nobody
Genetic testing	$100-200	When paternity disputed	Usually non-custodial parent
Private attorney	$150-400/hour	If you choose private representation	You
Court filing fees	$50-300	For certain court actions	Petitioner

Payment Processing Fees (Third-Party Vendors)

While DCS services are free, if you choose to pay support through third-party payment services, they charge convenience fees:

Online payments: $2.95-$7.95 per transaction
Phone payments: $3.95-$9.95 per transaction
Debit/credit card payments: 2.5-3.5% of payment amount

How You’ll Receive Your Washington Child Support Payments

Washington offers several payment options through the Washington State Support Registry:

Option 1: Direct Deposit

How it works:

Payments deposited directly into your checking or savings account
Must complete Direct Deposit Authorization form
Setup takes 5-10 business days
No fees for this service

Option 2: DCS Debit Card

How it works:

Prepaid debit card issued by DCS
Support payments loaded automatically
Can be used anywhere Visa/Mastercard accepted
No monthly fees for basic services

Potential fees:

Out-of-network ATM withdrawals
Expedited card replacement
Paper statements

Option 3: Paper Check

When used:

If child support payments are non-electronic submissions to CSSD, payment to the custodial parent is by paper check
Usually for irregular or one-time payments
May take longer to process

Reality Check: Direct deposit is usually the fastest and most reliable method. The debit card option works well if you don’t have a bank account.

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

What Washington DCS Can Do

Chapters 26.18, 26.23, and 74.20A RCW allow DCS to take collection actions even if the noncustodial parent is not behind in support payments. Available enforcement methods include:

Enforcement Method	How It Works	Effectiveness
Income Withholding	Order sent to employer to withhold specific amount from each paycheck	Most effective
License Suspension	Suspend driver’s, professional, business, hunting, fishing licenses	High compliance rate
Asset Seizure	File liens against, seize, and sell part or all of real estate, vehicles, or personal property	Very effective
Tax Intercepts	Intercept state and federal tax refunds	Seasonal effectiveness
Credit Reporting	Report debt to credit bureaus	Long-term impact
Bank Account Seizure	Courts can freeze or take money from a non-paying parent’s bank account	Immediate impact

License Suspension Process

DCS may revoke any license issued by Washington State if you fall behind in your child support payments. Here’s how it works:

Triggers for suspension:

You haven’t paid support in at least the last 6 months
You owe at least 6 months’ worth of payments

Notice period: You must respond within 20 days of getting the Notice to avoid suspension of your license

Exemptions: DCS can’t suspend your license if you’re in jail or prison and have no money or resources, or if you get TANF, SSI, or other public assistance

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

Keep detailed records of missed payments with dates and amounts
Report changes in the other parent’s employment or address immediately
Use case tracking through DCS phone system at 1-800-442-5437
Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay
Stay in contact with your Support Enforcement Officer

Phone tip: This automated system allows quick access to your case manager by entering your case number. If you do not have a case, or do not know your number, press “0” for staff assistance

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Washington

Washington 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 adoption papers, both may have support obligations under Washington 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 donor agreements

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

Legal Voice: (206) 682-9552 or legalvoice.org
ACLU of Washington: (206) 624-2184

Tribal and Indigenous Families

Washington has 29 federally recognized tribes, which can affect child support jurisdiction:

Tribal jurisdiction: If the other parent lives on tribal land, DCS coordinates with:

Tribal child support agencies that have cooperative agreements
Tribal courts that may have concurrent jurisdiction
Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement

Important: DCS recognizes Indian tribal sovereignty. If the parent is an employee of an Indian tribe, tribally-owned business, or Indian-owned business on a reservation, DCS may not serve the notices mentioned above

Contact for tribal cases: Washington DCS at 1-800-442-5437 can coordinate with tribal services.

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges:

Phone consultations: Most DCS services available by phone
Mail services: Applications and documents can be submitted by mail
Video conferencing: Some offices offer virtual meetings

Internet access limitations:

Public libraries: Free internet access for online services
DCS phone support: 1-800-442-5437 for assistance
Community centers: Many rural areas have public computer access

Language accessibility:

Interpretation services: Available by request for DCS appointments
TDD/TTY services: 1-800-833-6388 for hearing-impaired customers

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

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

Resources for single fathers:

DCS services: Same application process and support
Legal aid: Northwest Justice Project serves all parents regardless of gender
Support groups: Local family resource centers often have programs

Washington Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Washington Division of Child Support (DCS)

What they do: DCS is part of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services that provides comprehensive child support services including parent location, paternity establishment, support order creation, payment processing, and enforcement services.

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 income withholding and other collection tools, distribute support payments, and provide case management services.

How to contact: Questions about child support? Please call us at 800-442-KIDS (5437). Local offices available statewide – find yours at dshs.wa.gov.

Application process: Download forms from the DCS website, call 1-800-457-6202 to request forms by mail, or visit a local office. All services are free.

Northwest Justice Project

What they do: Northwest Justice Project provides free civil legal aid to low-income Washington residents, including comprehensive family law representation for child support, custody, domestic relations, and protection 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 online self-help resources at WashingtonLawHelp.org.

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 1-888-201-1014 for intake screening, use online application at nwjustice.org, or visit offices in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and other locations statewide.

Washington Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

What they do: WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy food, and healthcare referrals to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children under age 5.

Services provided: Monthly food benefits for healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy; nutrition education and counseling; breastfeeding support and breast pump loans; referrals to healthcare and social services; and immunization screening.

Who qualifies: Pregnant women, postpartum women, breastfeeding women, infants, and children under 5 who meet income guidelines (up to 185% of federal poverty level) and are at nutritional risk.

How to apply: Apply online at wic.wa.gov, call your local WIC office, or visit in person. Income verification and health screening required.

Washington Basic Food (SNAP)

What they do: Basic Food provides monthly benefits to help low-income families buy groceries and improve their nutrition and health.

Services provided: Monthly electronic benefits for purchasing food at authorized retailers, nutrition education resources, and connections to other assistance programs.

Who qualifies: Families with gross monthly income at or below 130% of federal poverty guidelines, with additional deductions that may increase eligibility.

Application process: Apply online at washingtonconnection.org, call 1-877-501-2233, or visit local Community Services Offices. Benefits typically processed within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions: Washington Child Support for Single Mothers

About Applying and Eligibility

Q: Do I have to be a Washington resident to get child support through Washington DCS? A: No, you don’t have to be a Washington resident to apply for services. However, you might need to travel to Washington for court hearings. DCS 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: DCS has extensive tools to locate parents including employment databases, tax records, credit reports, utility records, motor vehicle registrations, and federal databases. 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. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. DCS 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: If parents are voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, judges in Washington must use imputed income to calculate child support. The court can base support on what they could earn with their education and experience.

About Calculations and Amounts

Q: How does my income affect what the other parent pays? 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 $1,263 to you while you provide $621 through direct care.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support for years before I applied? A: Yes, but it depends on when you apply and your specific circumstances. Courts can order retroactive support in appropriate cases.

Q: What counts as “income” for Washington child support calculations? A: You can find details on what’s included in gross and net income at Wash. Rev. Code § 26.19.071, which includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, retirement benefits, and most other regular income sources.

Q: Is there a maximum amount of child support in Washington? A: Washington law states that the maximum amount of child support a parent may be required to pay must be equal to or less than 45% of the parent’s net income.

About Payments and Problems

Q: What if my child now spends more time with the other parent? A: Washington’s guidelines don’t include a built-in adjustment for shared custody in the standard child support calculation. Instead, noncustodial parents with significant parenting time—or parents with equal shared custody—will need to request a deviation from the standard child support calculation.

Q: How do I switch between payment methods? A: Contact DCS at 1-800-442-5437 to change your payment method. Allow 5-10 business days for processing.

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
Cases requiring parent location: 3-6 months
Contested paternity cases: 6-12 months
Interstate cases: 3-9 months

About Enforcement and Legal Issues

Q: What if the other parent quits their job to avoid paying child support? A: DCS has multiple enforcement tools beyond wage withholding. They can ask licensing authorities to suspend or not renew the noncustodial parent’s driver’s, hunting, fishing, recreational, professional, business, and occupational licenses, seize assets, and report to credit bureaus.

Q: Can DCS help with custody or visitation issues? A: No. DCS only handles financial support. For custody or visitation issues, contact Northwest Justice Project at 1-888-201-1014 or a private family law attorney.

Q: What happens to child support if the other parent moves to another state? A: If the non-custodial parent moves out of Washington, other states can enforce the support order under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.

Q: Does child support automatically stop if the other parent goes to jail? A: No. Incarceration doesn’t automatically terminate child support obligations. The incarcerated parent may petition for a temporary modification, but the debt continues to accrue.

About Modifications and Appeals

Q: How do I modify my child support order if circumstances change? A: If you have an open case with the Washington DCS, you may ask the agency to review your child support order to see whether a modification is warranted. If the review shows that the support amount is at least 15% different than the guideline calculation under your current circumstances, the agency may initiate the modification action for you.

Q: What if I disagree with the child support amount? A: You have the right to request an administrative hearing or file an appeal. Contact Northwest Justice Project for assistance with appeals.

Q: Can child support debt be forgiven? A: Child support debt generally cannot be forgiven without court approval. Only the court can modify future payments with proper legal grounds. Past-due support usually cannot be waived, even by agreement.

Complete Washington Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Washington DCS Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Main DCS Line: 1-800-442-5437 (KIDS line)
Application requests: 1-800-457-6202
Main Website: dshs.wa.gov/esa/division-child-support
Mailing Address: Division of Child Support, P.O. Box 11520, Tacoma, WA 98411-5520

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Northwest Justice Project: 1-888-201-1014 | nwjustice.org
Washington Law Help: washingtonlawhelp.org
Washington State Bar Association Lawyer Referral: 1-800-945-9722

LGBTQ+ Legal Support:

Legal Voice: 206-682-9552 | legalvoice.org
Lambda Legal: lambdalegal.org | 1-866-542-8336

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Washington Connection (Multiple Benefits): washingtonconnection.org | 1-877-501-2233
Washington 211 (Local Resources): Dial 2-1-1 or wa211.org
Washington WIC: doh.wa.gov/wic | 1-800-841-1410

Housing and Utility Assistance:

Washington LIHEAP (Energy Assistance): commerce.wa.gov | 1-800-290-7324
Washington Housing Finance Commission: wshfc.org | 1-800-767-4663

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-562-6025
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Washington Recovery Help Line: 1-866-789-1511

Child Services:

Washington Child Protective Services: 1-866-363-4276
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453

Online Tools and Calculators

Official Washington Resources:

Child Support Calculator: fortress.wa.gov/dshs/dcs/SSGen/Home
Washington Court Forms: courts.wa.gov/forms
Washington Child Support Schedule: courts.wa.gov

Benefits Screening:

Washington Connection: washingtonconnection.org
SNAP Pre-Screening: snap-step1.usda.gov

Accessibility Services

Language Support:

Washington Language Line: Available through DCS offices for interpretation services
Multiple language resources: Available at most regional offices

Disability Accommodations:

Washington Relay Service (TDD/TTY): 711 or 1-800-833-6388
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: dshs.wa.gov/dvr | 1-800-637-5627
Disability Rights Washington: disabilityrightswa.org | 1-800-562-2702

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 Washington guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Child Support, Northwest Justice Project, USDA, and HHS to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Child Support, Washington State Courts, Northwest Justice Project, 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 Washington 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 Washington Division of Child Support at 1-800-442-5437
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 DCS promptly
Review your case regularly by calling the DCS KIDS line

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 Washington child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Washington DCS directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Washington DCS at 1-800-442-5437 or visit dshs.wa.gov/esa/division-child-support.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Washington Revised Code (RCW) Chapter 26.19 – Child Support
² Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Child Support Services
³ Washington Child Support Guidelines, RCW 26.19.065
⁴ Washington State Support Registry Payment Options
⁵ Washington Child Support Self-Support Reserve, RCW 26.19.065
⁶ Washington Child Support Duration, RCW 26.19.090
⁷ Washington Income Shares Model, RCW 26.19.020

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