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, one for each county.

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, Way2Go prepaid card, or paper check.

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
• Health insurance premiums paid for the children
• Childcare costs related to employment or education
• Tax filing status and deductions

DCSS provides a free guideline calculator you can use to estimate your child support amount.

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

The Way2Go card is a Visa prepaid debit card issued by Conduent 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 Visa 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.

If you're currently receiving payments on a Way2Go card or paper check, switching to direct deposit is the fastest way to get your money. Payments go straight into your bank account, typically arriving 1 to 2 days sooner than other methods.

To set up or change direct deposit:

• Online: Create an account on the SDU website and enter your bank account information
• Phone: Call the Child Support Hotline at (866) 901-3212 and ask a caseworker to set it up

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 emailed to the address on file.

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

Call the Child Support Hotline at (866) 901-3212:

• Press 1 for case info
• Enter your SSN (or say "I don't know")
• Follow the prompts to speak with a caseworker

The caseworker 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:

• Learn your options: The California Courts self-help guide on child support orders walks through the full process, including what to expect and what forms you need.
• Through DCSS: Contact your local child support agency or call (866) 901-3212 to request a review
• Through the court: File a motion 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 if payment is overdue by more than 30 days
• Seizure of bank assets
• Liens on real property, filed when a child support case is opened
• Reporting of every payment and failure to pay to major credit reporting agencies
• Passport denial if unpaid child support reaches $2,500
• Contempt of court proceedings

If you're falling behind: Contact your local child support agency as soon as possible. California offers a Compromise of Arrears Program that may allow you to settle owed amounts for less than the full balance if you qualify. It's always better to address payment difficulties proactively than to let arrears accumulate.