Child Support

Generally, when the parent who has to pay child support is employed, the court will order that child support be taken from his/her paycheck. This is called “wage withholding,” also known as income withholding¹. Even if wage withholding is not possible or has not started yet, that parent is still responsible for making the payments. S/he may pay by:

• sending a check or money order by mail;
• using a credit card online or by telephone; or
• bringing cash to one of the stores that participate in the “Pay Near Me” project of the DC Child Support Clearinghouse.²

If you are owed child support, you may access these funds through the DC Child Support Clearinghouse or have them sent out to you.³ If you need more information on how the payments are made or how you can get the money, you can visit the D.C. Child Support Services Division website.

¹ D.C. Code § 46-207
² D.C. Child Support Services Division website
³ D.C. Courts website