Interest on Arrears: How It Accrues
Quick answer
Texas adds 6% simple interest per year to unpaid child support, starting from the date each payment became delinquent (Tex. Fam. Code § 157.265) — so old arrears are often far larger than the missed payments alone.
Texas adds interest to unpaid child support at 6% simple interest per year — not compounded (Texas Family Code § 157.265). Understanding how it accrues is often what makes or breaks a collection case.
The rate and the daily math
Daily interest is calculated as: (arrears over one month) × 0.06 × (days ÷ 365). A payment becomes delinquent on the 31st day after its due date, and interest only accrues once arrears exceed one full month.
What earns interest
- Unpaid ongoing arrears: 6% from the delinquency date, on amounts exceeding one month.
- Arrears reduced to judgment: 6% from the judgment date forward.
- Retroactive or lump-sum support: 6% from the order date forward.
How payments are applied
Incoming money is applied in order: current support → non-delinquent arrears → principal arrears → interest → fees and costs (Tex. Fam. Code § 157.268).
A worked example
Support is $800, due the 1st. Miss January and February, and interest begins March 3 (31 days after February 1) on only the $800 "over-one-month" portion. A $1,000 payment on April 15 applies $800 to current support and $200 to principal — leaving the accrued interest (about $5.65) still owed.
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