You can apply if you are:

• A custodial parent, guardian, or caretaker of a child
• A non-custodial parent of a child who lives with the other parent or guardian
• A putative (alleged) father seeking to establish child support

Already receiving government benefits?

If you currently receive TANF, Medicaid, or Title IV-E Foster Care, you do not need to apply — child support services are set up automatically. You will, however, need to complete the Child Support Enrollment Form and cooperate with OCSS requirements.

About you and your child(ren):

• Your full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number
• Your address and phone number
• Child(ren)'s name(s), date(s) of birth, and Social Security Number(s)
• Copy of child(ren)'s birth certificate(s)
• Copies of any existing child support orders
• Your most recent pay stub
• Information about your marital status at the time of the child(ren)'s birth
• Any government assistance received for you or your child
• Family health insurance coverage details
• Childcare and educational expenses

About the non-custodial parent:

• Full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security Number
• Current and past addresses and phone numbers
• Current and past employer names, addresses, and phone numbers
• Most recent pay stub and tax return
• List of assets
• Driver's, professional, business, or occupational license number(s)
• Contact information for friends or relatives

Yes. After you apply, you'll be asked to come in for an interview. A child support worker will review your application and gather additional information to determine next steps.

Depending on your situation, next steps may include:

• Locating an absent parent
• Establishing paternity
• Obtaining a court order for child support

Your information will also be used to create a case record so we can track and update the status of your case.

Once a court Order of Support is established, here's what to expect:

1. Allow 2–4 weeks before you begin receiving payments.
2. The family court issues an order showing the amount and frequency of child support, and sends it to OCSS.
3. OCSS issues an Income Execution to the non-custodial parent's employer, who deducts the payment directly from their paycheck.
4. The employer must begin deductions within 14 days of receiving notice and send payments to the NYS Child Support Processing Center in Albany.
5. Payments must be forwarded within 7 days of the wage deduction.
6. The processing center typically forwards payments within 5–7 days.
7. If the payment is $1,000 or more, the center must wait for the check to clear before releasing funds.

The non-custodial parent is responsible for making payments directly until automatic paycheck deductions are in place.

Most families pay no fee. However, custodial parents may be charged a $35 annual fee if all three of the following apply:

• You have never received Family Assistance or Safety Net Assistance
• Child support is actively being paid to your family
• More than $550 in support was collected during the federal fiscal year (October 1 – September 30)

Not for most things. OCSS staff can handle the majority of activities on your behalf.

A lawyer may be helpful for:

• Depositions, subpoenas, objections, and appeals
• Examining witnesses or introducing evidence in court

If you don't have a private attorney, you may hire an Assistant County Attorney for child support matters at $228 per hour. Payment is deducted from your child support at a rate of 25% per payment received.

Out of state: You can still receive child support. Federal law requires all states to help custodial parents collect support from non-custodial parents living in other states. OCSS will work with the other state on your behalf.

Out of the country: You may still be able to establish paternity and obtain a support order. New York State has reciprocal agreements with 18 countries. Contact OCSS to find out if the country applies to your case.

Stay in touch with the helpline:
Call the NY State Child Support Customer Service Helpline at (888) 208-4485, toll-free, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (excluding holidays) when you have questions or if your address, phone number, or employer changes.

Keep us informed about the other parent:

• Changes in employment, address, or phone number
• Any new information you have about their whereabouts

Stay on top of paperwork:

• Return written requests promptly
• Share copies of all court orders related to your case
• Let us know if you're also working with a private attorney or agency – and make sure they know you have a case with OCSS

Notify us right away if:

• Your child turns 21
• Your child is adopted by someone else
• Your child gets married
• Your child no longer lives with you
• Your child passes away
• You and the non-custodial parent begin living together or marry
• Either parent is incarcerated
• Either parent passes away

The more we know, the better we can help you.