Past-Due Child Support Distribution FAQs

As of November 4, 2026, Child Support Services changed how it distributes state-owed past-due child support and interest for periods that a family received cash assistance from the Department of Transitional Assistance.

Posted: Nov. 4, 2026

What does it mean that you are passing through payments that are owed to the state?

On November 4, 2026, how Child Support Services (CSS) distributes past-due support changed. CSS can now send more money to families who used to receive cash assistance from the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). If you no longer receive cash assistance from DTA, CSS will now send payments towards state-owed arrears and interest to you.

How will you send the payments?

Payments will be made by direct deposit or added to your debit card.  If you don’t have direct deposit or no longer have a debit card, log in to the Case Manager or call customer service at [phone]. Please be sure to keep your contact information, including your address, telephone number, and email up to date.   

Will I have to pay taxes on the payments?

Payments towards past-due support are just like any other child support payment you receive and are not taxable. Payments toward interest balances may be taxed. The Department of Revenue will issue a 1099 in those cases, and you will be responsible for the taxes due.

Will I still get payments if the children are grown?

Yes, if past-due support payments are received, they will be sent to you even if the child is no longer living with you, no matter the child’s age.

Is the past-due amount owed the state now owed to me?

No, the past-due support and interest owed to the state while you received cash assistance is still owed to the state. The difference is that CSS is now sending the payments to families instead. 

What if I don’t want the payments. Can I close the case?

Since past-due support is owed to the state, you cannot forgive the balance or close the case.

Can we close the case if we are back together?

Since the past-due support is owed to the state, you cannot close the case. The parent paying support can call us about our arrears management program.

Will the other parent know I’m getting the payments?

The amount will still show as owed to the state, but the other parent may know that past-due support and interest is now paid to the family.

How do I check my balance?

You can check your account balance online using the online Case Manager or by calling customer service at [phone].

I moved and I think a check was mailed to my old address. How do I find out if any checks have been sent out?

You can update your address and view your payment history on the Case Manager or call Customer Service at [phone]. If you see a payment that you did not receive, be sure to call us. 

Will payments count against me if I reapply for assistance or get other benefits?

Payments received may count as income if you apply for assistance or get other benefits. Please contact the agency handling your case for more information.

If I reapply for cash assistance from DTA, will I still get the child support paid toward past-due support owed to the state?

While you are receiving cash assistance from DTA, any child support payments are paid to the state. When you no longer receive cash assistance from DTA, you will again receive any payment toward state-owed past-due support and interest.