Child Support Enforcement
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
What is Child Support Enforcement?
The Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program provides services to locate absent parents, establish paternity, and enforce support obligations. People who receive assistance under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Foster Care, and Medicaid programs receive CSE services automatically. People who are not in assistance programs can apply for child support services and any support collected goes directly to them. Services are available to a parent with custody of a child who has a parent living outside of the home.
Federally recognized tribes may apply for and upon approval receive funding to operate a child support enforcement program consistent with tribal laws and customs. Upon approval of an application, tribes receive $500,000 in funding, for 2 years, to put a program into place.
Administration
Child Support Enforcement is administered by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must:
- be a parent or primary caregiver who needs help establishing paternity,
- be establishing a child support order or collecting child support, or
- be a federally recognized tribe that has 100 children under the age of majority subject to the tribe's jurisdiction
Application Details
What is the application process for Child Support Enforcement?
To apply for child support, contact the agency closest to you.