Getting Credit for Direct Payments (and Why It’s Risky)

Many parents try to pay support directly to avoid fees or speed things up. The risk: if your order requires payments through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU), direct payments may not be credited to your official account—even with receipts. Here’s how to handle past direct payments and avoid problems going forward.

Read your order carefully. Some orders allow direct pay; most require SDU routing. If SDU routing is required, paying directly can leave the official ledger showing “unpaid” even if money changed hands. That unpaid balance can trigger tax intercepts, license suspensions, or contempt. When in doubt, use the SDU.

If you already paid directly, gather proof. Collect bank statements, money order stubs, canceled checks, and any receipts signed by the other parent at the time of payment. Create a spreadsheet listing date, amount, method, and supporting document. Screenshots without context are weak; pair them with bank records showing the outflow.

Ask the agency for a credit review. Some states will credit direct payments if both parties acknowledge them or if documentation is strong. Submit your packet through the portal and request written confirmation of any adjustments with an “as of” date. If the other parent disputes credit, be prepared for a short hearing where you’ll present your proof.

Stop the bleeding—switch to SDU now. Even while credits are reviewed, start paying through the SDU so new payments post cleanly. If you owe add‑on reimbursements (medical, childcare), ask whether those can be paid through the portal with notes linking to receipts. If not, use traceable methods and keep copies.

Avoid “in‑kind” payments. Rent paid to a landlord, groceries, or diapers usually don’t count toward support unless the order says so. They may help your child but won’t reduce arrears. If you want credit for specific expenses, seek a stipulation or order that authorizes them prospectively with documentation rules.

Bridge with a payment plan. If the ledger shows large arrears because past direct payments weren’t credited yet, propose a temporary arrears plan while credits are sorted out. This keeps enforcement pressure down and shows good faith. When credits post, adjust the plan accordingly.

Future‑proof your file. Once you’re back on SDU routing, reconcile monthly: compare paystubs to SDU postings and save PDFs. If an employer sends a deduction late, send the stub to your caseworker for a trace. Good records today prevent another credit fight next year.

Bottom line. Direct payments feel convenient but can undermine your official ledger. If you’ve used them, document meticulously, seek credits through the agency, and route all future payments through the SDU to keep your account accurate.

Sample credit request. “I request credit for direct payments totaling $2,460 made between Jan–Mar 2025. Attached: bank statements (pp. 3–5), money order receipts #1172–#1175, and a signed receipt dated 02/14/2025. Please adjust the ledger as of 03/31/2025 and confirm in writing.” Keep tone factual and attach exhibits in order. If the other parent disputes a line, address that item specifically rather than arguing about the whole set. Precision wins.

Preventive clause for future orders. Ask the court to include: “All current support shall be paid via the SDU. If the parties agree to a direct payment, it must be acknowledged in writing within 10 days and submitted to the agency for credit.” This language keeps convenience while preserving the official record.