Child Support Topics of Interest
What is the role of the Child Support Services Division?
- Establishing paternity, including genetic testing when needed.
- Establishing court orders to pay child support.
- Collecting and enforcing child support based on court orders.
- Modifying child support when circumstances change.
- Completing stipulations when parties both agree to the terms of their child support order.
Who is eligible for child support services?
You can apply for services if you are one of the following:
- You are the child’s parent or are a caretaker who has court-ordered custody of the child.
- You are the child’s parent and you want paternity established.
If you have a financial worker they will begin the child support process for you. You do not need to apply for child support if you receive any of the following services:
- Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP).
- Diversionary Work Program (DWP).
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- Medical Assistance (MA).
- Childcare assistance.
- Foster Care.
How do I apply for services?
If you do not receive public assistance:
- Either parent can apply for child support services in the county where they live or the county where the child lives. Please click the link to find out more about applying for child support services.
- If you receive public assistance, please contact your financial worker for more information.
How do I make a payment?
You can make a payment through any of the following options:
- Visit MN Child Support Online
- Mail payment to: Child Support Payment Center, PO Box 64326, Saint Paul, MN 55164
- PayNearMe
- MoneyGram
- Pay in person at the Child Support Office.
How do I change my child support order?
- You can contact your child support worker when you receive a notice of the right to review, which is sent to parents every three years.
- You can file a motion to change child support as a self-represented litigant or with the help of an attorney.
- You can request a review and modification by contacting the child support worker, or by visiting ezDocs
How can I reduce my child support debt/arrears?
If you currently owe arrears, please contact your child support worker to see if the following options are appropriate for your case:
- Interest Suspension
- Forgiveness of Arrears
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I sign up for texting?
- Text the word "child" to 505-229-9999
- Visit the website at https://mn.gov/dhs/child-support-text
- Read the Terms and Conditions and complete the permissions form online.
- Opt out any time by contacting our office at 651-266-3344.
How is child support calculated?
Estimate child support with the State of Minnesota’s online calculator. For an accurate estimate, you will need current information about the other parent or caretaker.
How do I calculate overnights based on a parenting time order?
How can I reach my worker?
- Contact Customer Service at 651-266-3344
- Login to the online MN Child Support Website
Where do I find information about custody, visitation, or parental rights?
- MNCourts.gov
- MN Self Help Center
- Ramsey County Family Court Legal Clinic
- Recognition of Parentage
- MN Adoption Registry
When does child support enforcement end?
- Child Support payments usually continue until the child turns 18 (the age of emancipation in Minnesota), unless otherwise ordered by the court. Support may continue until the child reaches the age of 20, if still in high school or disabled.
- If you applied for child support and wish to close your case, please contact your child support worker for more information.
How do I dispute credit bureau reporting?
If you are currently paying and need a letter for a lender please contact your worker, or customer service at 651-266-3344.
You can also contact the following credit bureau agencies directly either by phone, or through their online forms:
- Trans Union Corp
- Equifax
- Experian
- Innovis Data Solutions
May I see everything in my child support file?
Child Support files contain information about both parents. You may obtain information about yourself, but not the other parent.
Contact Us
Customer Service:
651-266-3344
651-266-3300 (Fax)