How to Apply For Child Support

Applying for child support is important when you are a single parent with children to care for and a limited income. All single parents who care for their child at least half time have a right to child support. Here is a list of steps to get you started in receiving child support payments.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet
• Phone book
• Phone

Instructions

1. 

   You must first locate the address and phone number of your local county courthouse in order to apply for child support. You can search the government listings (government offices by county or city) in your city's phone book or find the name of your courthouse by searching the internet for your state and county courthouse name. You must know the county you live in to find the corresponding courthouse.

2. 

   Contact your county's courthouse and ask for the Prothonotary office, or domestic relations. Once you have someone on the line, request an application for child support. You will be required to give your full name and address so the courthouse knows who to send the child support application to. Feel free to ask any questions you may have pertaining to child support while you have someone on the line.

3. 

   The child support application will take about 3 days to a week to come. Fill out the application and mail back to the address provided in the papers. If there are more issues than just child support that you have to solve with your ex, you may want to get a lawyer. Otherwise, the papers are pretty self explanatory. There will likely be a filing fee (in Pennsylvania it is $85.50).

4. 

   Once you have submitted the papers, a child support hearing will be set for both you and your ex to attend. You will receive a certified letter stating the time and date along with any papers that you will need to bring with you to the child support hearing. Your ex will receive the same letter. If you have any questions, contact the courthouse using the phone number provided.

5. 

   Go to your hearing and discuss your case. Make sure you take all copies of your bills and monthly income to the hearing as you will be asked to provide this information. You will also be asked how much you pay in child care expenses, medical bills, and if your child has health insurance and which parent provides that. You will also be eligible for an arrears payment from your ex if you choose to take it. An arrears payment is back child support from the time of separation until the date you file. Not all parents choose to take this.

6. 

   Once finalized, you will begin to receive child support payments in 4-6 weeks. You will likely receive your child support payment on a pre-paid MasterCard (debit card) called an EPPICard with state's name, but you can also elect to have your payments direct deposited. Payments will come on a weekly basis no matter how your ex gets paid. Be sure to let the courthouse know of any changes in income or address to keep current on your case.

Tips & Warnings

• Most states have a website where you can keep track of your child support information.

• If you choose to get an EPPICard, most states have a website where you can track your child support payments received and total balance.

Resources

• EPPICard - General Information
• How to Get Financial Assistance for Low Income Families