How to Apply for Child Support Services

To apply for child support services in Pennsylvania, please read and follow the directions provided in the frequently asked questions below:

Who can apply?

A custodial parent or person who has primary care, custody and control of a dependent child(ren). A custodian may also be a governmental agency. An attorney on behalf of a parent or custodian and child(ren). A putative father who would like to establish legal paternity for his child.

When can I apply?

Any time as long as the child is a dependent minor and you have full or shared custody, you have control of the child(ren), or you are a putative father. If you live in Pennsylvania, you can apply even if the noncustodial parent, the parent who does not have primary care, custody, or control of the child(ren), lives in another state. If you need to apply to receive cash assistance, you will be referred by the County Assistance Office to the county Domestic Relations Section to take steps to get child support from the noncustodial parent.

Do you have an open child support case?

If you already have an open child support case in Pennsylvania for the same child(ren) and want to request a change in the support amount, contact your local county Domestic Relations Section to ask about modification. Click here for frequently asked questions about support order modification. If you already have an open child support case in Pennsylvania with the same noncustodial parent and would like to add a child to the case, contact your local county Domestic Relations Section and ask about how to proceed. If you already have an open child support case in another state for the same child(ren) and/or with the same noncustodial parent, contact your local county Domestic Relations Section to get instructions and information on how to apply or modify your order in another state.

How do I apply?

You may apply for support online using E-Services or submit an application to your local DRS. Apply online using E-services by clicking here. To print and submit an application directly to your local DRS you must: Read the Social Security Disclosure form; Print, complete, sign, and date the Application for Child or Spousal Support form; Print, complete, sign, and date the Intake Questionnaire; Print, complete, sign, and date the Complaint for Support; and Contact your local county Domestic Relations Section to see if you have to schedule an appointment to deliver the forms in person.

Must I pay a fee to apply?

The following fees may be required based on the facts of your support case: Judicial Computer Fee - Pennsylvania law requires Pennsylvania courts to charge a $40.25 fee for every new court action. The Domestic Relations Section adds this fee to the support obligor’s debt balance when the obligor begins paying support. Annual Federal Fee - Federal law requires child support agencies to collect a $35 annual fee. In Pennsylvania, custodial parents that receive $2,000 or more in child support between October 1st and September 30th pay the $35 fee. You will not have to pay the annual fee if you have ever received cash assistance benefits. You will also not pay the fee if you receive less than $2,000 in child support during the year. Click here for frequently asked questions about the $35 Annual fee.

When applying, what if I am not sure who is the father of the child(ren)?

Contact your local Domestic Relations Section to ask about paternity establishment. Click here for frequently asked questions about paternity establishment.

Who can I contact with questions?

Contact your local county Domestic Relations Section. Call the Bureau of Child Support Enforcement Helpline at 1-800-932-0211 with general child support questions. Case specific questions about the management of your case should be directed to your local county Domestic Relations Section. Click here for frequently asked questions about child support services.