Child Support in California

Child support in California is managed by the California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS). DCSS operates through 47 local child support agencies across the state.

The agency helps establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, establish and enforce child support orders, and collect and distribute payments. California's child support program ensures that children receive financial support from both parents, whether the parents are divorced, separated, or were never married.

All payments flow through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU), which processes payments and sends them to the receiving parent via direct deposit or the Way2Go prepaid card.

California uses a statewide guideline formula set by law. The formula considers both parents' incomes to determine child support. The idea is that the child should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived together.

The main factors in the calculation are:

• Each parent's net disposable income (gross income minus taxes, mandatory deductions, and certain expenses)
• The percentage of time each parent has physical custody
• Number of children
• Certain costs for the children

Try our free California child support calculator for a plain-English walkthrough of the §4055 formula and an instant estimate. DCSS also publishes its own official guideline calculator.

Keep in mind that any calculator gives an estimate; a judge can deviate from the guideline.

California's guideline was substantially revised effective September 1, 2024 (a recalibrated formula, a higher low-income adjustment, expanded income sources, and proportional add-ons), so older estimates and examples may be out of date.

The Way2Go card is a prepaid Mastercard that California uses to distribute child support payments. If you haven't set up direct deposit, your payments are automatically loaded onto this card.

You can use the Way2Go card to:

• Make purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted
• Withdraw cash at ATMs (daily withdrawal limits apply)
• Get cash back at point of sale

For card issues (activation, PIN resets, replacements), call Way2Go customer service at (844) 318-0740 or visit https://goprogram.com/goedcrecipient.

You can get your child support payments deposited directly into your bank account. The easiest way to set up or change direct deposit is by creating an account on the SDU website.

You can also do it over the phone by contacting the SDU through the Child Support Hotline (866) 901-3212.

You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number.

Customer Connect is the DCSS self-service portal where you can view your case details, payment history, and send messages to your caseworker.

To log in, you'll need your Participant ID and PIN.

I forgot my Customer Connect PIN. How do I reset it?

Go to Customer Connect and click Log in > Forgot PIN. A new PIN will be sent to you by email or postal mail (you'll need a valid address on file).

I don't know my Participant ID. How do I find it?

Call the Child Support Hotline at (866) 901-3212 and follow the prompts to speak with a caseworker. They can look up your Participant ID and reset your PIN.

Either parent can request a modification when there's been a significant change in circumstances. Common reasons include:

• Job loss, reduced hours, or disability
• A significant increase or decrease in either parent's income
• Changes in custody or parenting time
• Changes in the child's needs (medical, educational, childcare)
• Additional children in either household

Important: Your child support amount does not change automatically when your circumstances change. You must request a review. Until a modification is approved, you are still responsible for the current amount. Unpaid support will accumulate as arrears.

To request a modification:

• Through DCSS: Contact your local child support agency or call (866) 901-3212 to request a review. You can also start the process online at childsupport.ca.gov/modify-my-payment.
• Through the court: File a Request for Order with the court that issued your original order. Your county's Family Law Facilitator can help you with the paperwork for free.

If you're experiencing a temporary hardship (like a medical leave or layoff), don't wait. Reach out to DCSS right away. They may be able to help before arrears pile up.

California has enforcement tools to collect unpaid child support:

• An Income Withholding Order served on the paying parent's employer
• Interception of federal and state tax refunds, lottery winnings, and insurance settlements
• Suspension of driver's license, professional licenses, and recreational licenses (depending on the payers income)
• Seizure of bank assets
• Liens on real property
• Reporting of failure to pay to major credit reporting agencies
• Passport denial if unpaid child support reaches $2,500
• Contempt of court proceedings

10% interest per year is charged on your unpaid balance.

If you're falling behind: Contact your local child support agency as soon as possible. It's always better to address payment difficulties proactively than to let arrears accumulate.