Income Withholding Orders
Quick answer
An Income Withholding Order (IWO) tells an employer to deduct child support straight from a paycheck and send it to the State Disbursement Unit — the most reliable way to keep support paid on time and prevent arrears.
An Income Withholding Order (IWO) is the backbone of steady child support collection: it directs an employer to deduct support straight from a paycheck.
What an IWO covers
An IWO tells the employer to withhold support and send it to the State Disbursement Unit (SDU). It can cover current support plus a monthly arrears installment, and — with the right language — it often reaches bonuses and severance. Texas income withholding is governed by Family Code chapter 158, and total withholding may not exceed 50% of the obligor's disposable earnings (§ 158.009).
Timing
Payroll usually needs a cycle or two to implement a new IWO. Keep paying through the official portal until the first deduction actually posts on the pay stub and at the SDU.
Job changes
Notify the agency within a few days of any new employer. Bridge the gap with portal payments while the IWO transfers, so a job change doesn't spike the arrears.
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