Opening a Case With Your State Agency

If you’re the parent or caregiver who needs help setting up child support, your state’s child support agency can be the fastest way to get an enforceable order and regular payments. Agencies can locate the other parent, establish parentage, set support, and route money through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU). Here’s how to open a case, what to expect, and how to keep it moving.

Who can apply. Custodial parents, legal guardians, and certain nonparent caregivers can apply, whether or not they receive public benefits. If you receive TANF or some other benefits, a case may be opened automatically and your support rights may be assigned to the state. If you don’t receive benefits, you can still apply; fees are usually low and sometimes waived.

Information to gather before you apply. Create a simple intake packet: your photo ID; child’s birth certificate; any existing orders; the other parent’s full legal name, nicknames, SSN (if known), date of birth, last known addresses, employers, and contact info for relatives or friends; proof of your income and childcare/health insurance costs. Include photos if you have them. The more accurate your info, the faster “locate” will go.

How to apply. Most states offer online applications, printable forms you can mail, or in‑person intake. Read the instructions carefully and answer every question—even partial data (like a past employer) helps. If you’re unsure about a field, write “unknown” instead of guessing. Keep copies of everything you submit.

What happens next. After intake, the agency verifies information, starts locate efforts, and, if parentage isn’t established, initiates voluntary acknowledgment or paternity testing. The agency prepares a proposed support amount using your state’s guidelines. The other parent is served with notice and has a chance to respond. In many states, an administrative hearing officer can issue an order without a full court hearing if nobody objects; if someone contests, you’ll get a court date.

Medical support and add‑ons. Agencies can also require health insurance coverage if available at a reasonable cost and set rules for uninsured expenses and work‑related childcare. Bring premiums and receipts so the initial order reflects real costs. Ask the caseworker how to submit future reimbursement requests through the portal.

Payments and the SDU. Orders route payments through the SDU, which records and forwards funds to you. Set up your portal account early and choose a payment method (direct deposit or debit card). Until wage withholding starts, the paying parent can make electronic payments to avoid arrears.

Timelines and expectations. Some steps take time—locating the other parent, paternity testing, and valid service of process. Keep your contact info current and respond quickly to agency requests. If you move or change numbers, update the portal the same day. Missed calls can mean missed hearings.

Confidentiality and safety. If you fear harassment or abuse, ask about address confidentiality programs and sealing sensitive data. The agency can route payments without sharing your home address or bank info. Document safety concerns and ask for remote hearings or separate waiting areas if hearings occur at the courthouse.

Common pitfalls. Applying with incomplete information, ignoring mail from the agency, or discussing the case on social media. Keep communications professional and centralized in the portal. If you disagree with a proposed amount, ask how to submit your documents and request a review before the order is finalized.

Bottom line. Opening a case is a project: gather data, file clean forms, and stay responsive. Agencies exist to help you turn a private financial problem into a public, enforceable solution that gets support to your child.

Disclaimer: Educational information only; not legal advice. Program rules vary by state and change over time. Consult your child support agency or a licensed attorney.