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Blog Post  Child Support News You Can Use - Fall 2024

An update from the Massachusetts Child Support Services Division
9/19/2024
  • Child Support Services Division
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WE'VE CHANGED OUR NAME!

We have changed our name from Child Support Enforcement (CSE) to Child Support Services (CSS) to better reflect the services we provide to support the whole family. The child support program has evolved over the years to a program that is more inclusive and family centered. With the name change, we want to encourage participation in the program and better highlight all that we can provide families in the Commonwealth. While enforcement is a key service that we provide, it isn't the only service we provide. We provide services to establish parentage, establish child support orders, collect and disburse payments, and keep track of balances.

We work closely with both parents who pay child support and parents and caretakers who receive child support, and our new name highlights our commitment to providing services to families in the Commonwealth.

The mission of DOR's Child Support Services Division is to enhance the well-being of children by partnering with parents and caregivers to meet the financial needs of the family.

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Sign up for Direct Deposit

DOR recommends signing up for direct deposit to receive your child support payments. Child support payments are deposited directly into your bank account and can be used just like any other money you deposit into your account.

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MassHire JobQuest logo

Need help finding a job? MassHire JobQuest can provide free help matching your skills with a job. To begin, scan the QR code.

MassHire QR code
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Going to court on your own?

If you go into court on your own, make sure to send CSS a signed copy of any agreement and the order issued by the judge. That way we can update our system so we collect the correct amount due under the new order.

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Have suggestions on ways to improve the Child Support Guidelines that are used to set your child support orders? Every four years, the Trial Court reviews the Guidelines to see whether there should be changes and invites the public to submit comments, either in writing or by attending a virtual public forum. Below are the dates and times for the three virtual forums.

Thursday, October 10, 2024 (2pm - 4pm)
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 (4pm - 6pm)
Monday, November 4, 2024 (12pm - 2pm)

Scan the QR code for more information on how to attend or submit written comments.

Guideline hearings QR code
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IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Virtual Counter

Meet face-to-face with a child support specialist over Zoom.

Open Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Scan QR code during those hours to start a meeting.

CSS virtual counter QR code


Case Conferencing

When arranging your schedule on your case conferencing day, keep in mind that you may have to appear twice on the same day. Parties who reach an agreement sign a stipulation electronically and are done for the day. Parties who cannot reach an agreement will have to attend a virtual court hearing before a judge later that same day.

Technical problems getting into the Zoom?

Call into the conference using the telephone number and passcode that are in the Notice of Case Conferencing we sent to you.

Case Manager- 24/7/365

Need to get a payment history for housing assistance? Want to see when the last payment was made Want to request a change in the amount of your order? All these services and more are available on the Case Manager, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Modification

Whether you pay support or receive support, you can ask the court to change the order to make it higher or lower or change an order for health care coverage for the children. Only the court can change your order, but you can ask CSS to review your case. If we think a change to your order is appropriate, we can file a complaint for modification, and then schedule a case conference for the court to consider modifying the order.

To start the process, call us, e-mail us, or contact us through the Case Manager.

Increased Spanish Language Access

Did you know that we offer customer service options in Spanish? You can listen to automated case information such as payments received, balances and general policy information, in either English or Spanish by calling our Automated Voice Response System at (800) 332-2733. Spanish speaking representatives are available if further assistance is needed. Credit card payments can be made in Spanish 24/7 by calling (855) 449-2859.

Ask CHATBOT

Don't forget to visit our website (mass.gov/css) where you'll find so much useful information. When you visit, you'll notice this chatbot.

Ask MA Chat Bot

You can use it to ask a question, not only in English but in many different languages.

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THE MANY WAYS AVAILABLE TO PAY YOUR SUPPORT

Pay By Text:Opt-in to receive text notifications when your child support payment is due. You can reply via text to authorize your payment by credit or debit card. Simply log in from our website and complete the opt-in process.
Online:Go to mass.gov/css and click “How to pay child support”. Options include Venmo, PayPal, ApplePay, and GooglePay.
Phone:Service available in English and Spanish. Give us a call at 855-449-2859 24/7. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover accepted.
Mail:Make your check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and mail to DOR/CSS, P.O. Box 55144, Boston, MA 02205.
In Person:Make your payments in cash at thousands of MoneyGram locations, including Walmart, CVS, and Shaw's.
  • Child Support Services Division 

    We provide services to parents who pay child support and parents and caretakers who receive child support. Child support is a way for parents to share the financial responsibility for their child, even when they do not live together. Either parent or the child’s caretaker can apply for our services to establish parentage or to get, enforce, or change a child support order.
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