Privacy, Data Security, and Payment Portals

Child support cases are paperwork‑heavy, and much of that paperwork contains sensitive data: Social Security numbers, payroll info, bank accounts, addresses, and health records. Good security habits reduce the risk of identity theft and harassment while keeping your ledger clean.

Use official portals and SDUs. Pay and receive through your state’s disbursement unit (SDU) or agency portal. Avoid peer‑to‑peer apps for support unless the order says so; informal transfers create proof problems and expose account details. Turn on two‑factor authentication (2FA) for all portals and email accounts tied to the case. If the portal offers text alerts for postings or messages, enable them and keep your phone number current.

Redact and compartmentalize. When sharing documents, remove full account numbers and nonessential details. Use the last four digits and initials for children’s names. Keep a dedicated email address for the case and a separate folder structure on your computer or cloud drive: Orders, Ledgers, Insurance, Reimbursements. Name files systematically (“2025‑03‑31‑EOB‑Dr‑Lopez‑$120.pdf”) so you can find them quickly during hearings.

Beware phishing and impostors. Scammers mimic agency emails to steal credentials or demand “urgent payments.” Never click payment links sent by text unless they route to the official .gov or state domain you recognize. Log in independently through your saved bookmark. Agencies will not threaten arrest by email for missed support; if you receive such a message, call the agency number on its official website.

Secure communications. If you must email sensitive documents, use encrypted attachments or a secure file portal. Avoid public Wi‑Fi for portal logins; if you must, use a VPN. On shared computers, log out and clear saved passwords. Consider a password manager to generate unique, strong passwords for each site; don’t reuse your banking password for the SDU.

Phones and mail. Lock your phone with a passcode and disable previews of sensitive notifications on the lock screen, especially if the other parent has physical access during exchanges. If mail to your home is unsafe, use a P.O. box or address confidentiality program if eligible. Shred paper statements you don’t need to retain.

Recordkeeping without oversharing. Keep seven years of ledgers, orders, and tax‑related documents unless your lawyer advises otherwise. For day‑to‑day reimbursements, submit only what the order requires (EOBs, receipts) and redact unrelated medical codes. If the other parent demands extra documents beyond the order, ask the court for a protective order that limits scope and sharing.

Kids’ identities. Freeze your child’s credit with the major bureaus if identity theft is a concern; it’s free in many states. Never email unredacted birth certificates or Social Security cards unless filing under seal. Schools and doctors’ offices should have copies already—don’t pass them around casually in disputes.

Bottom line. Treat your child support file like a wallet: guard it, organize it, and don’t hand it to strangers. Using official portals, 2FA, careful redaction, and disciplined records keeps the focus where it belongs—on timely payments and your child’s needs.

Disclaimer: Educational information only; not legal advice. Agency systems and security practices vary by state and change over time. Consult your child support agency.