Child Support FAQs - Oregon Department of Justice : Child Support

Welcome to the Oregon Child Support Program’s central location for Frequently Asked Questions. If you need a little help finding your answers, please click on the link that best describes the type of question you have:

General Questions About Child Support
Child Support Guidelines
Making Payments
Receiving Payments
Employers
Domestic Violence Concerns

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please call our Customer Service team (available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.):

503-373-7300
800-850-0228
TTY: 800-735-2900
Email: ChildSupportCustomerService@doj.oregon.gov

Do you have safety concern? Click here.

General Questions About Child Support

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Who can receive child support services?

Child support services are available to both parents. Even if you or the other parent live in another state, you can apply for child support services in Oregon. Relatives or caretakers who have physical custody of a child are also entitled to child support services. Students, age 18 to 21 who are attending school may also be entitled to child support services.

Who provides child support services?

The Oregon Child Support Program is the state-run federal program that provides child support services to anyone who requests them, regardless of income.

The Oregon Child Support Program is administered by the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Child Support (sometimes referred to as DCS). In 17 counties, district attorney offices assist with managing some of the cases.

If your child receives or has received public assistance in Oregon, the DOJ Division of Child Support provides your child support services. Public assistance means Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) » or Medicaid (including the Oregon Health Plan). The DOJ Division of Child Support also provides services if your child is in the care or custody of the Oregon Department of Human Services » (foster care).

If your child has not received public assistance, your case may be managed by either the DOJ Division of Child Support or by a local district attorney office. Either way, your case is handled by the Oregon Child Support Program. You can check your online account to find out which office is managing your case, or contact Customer Service at 800-850-0228.

Who do I contact for child support services?

If you have questions about establishing paternity or establishing, modifying, or ensuring compliance with a support order, contact Customer Service at 800-850-0228 or ChildSupportCustomerService@doj.oregon.gov.

What is expected of me if I apply for child support or have an existing case?

If you are thinking of applying for public assistance, you may want to contact the Oregon Child Support Program first. We may be able to help you get child support and possibly avoid the need for public assistance.

If you receive public assistance, you are required to cooperate with the Oregon Child Support Program. Even if you have safety concerns, the program offers ways to provide services that protect you. However, if you can show that cooperating would be harmful to you or your child, you may be exempt from cooperation. Read more about services available for child abuse and domestic violence.

Whether or not you receive public assistance, your cooperation with the Oregon Child Support Program is necessary to successfully establish paternity or establish and collect child support.

Any information you have about the other parent is helpful in establishing and ensuring compliance with a child support order. Although it is not a requirement for enrollment, you should include as many pieces of the following information as you can on the application to help the case manager locate the parent and collect support:

Full name and address (or last known location) of the other parent
Parent’s Social Security number (can be found on things such as pay stubs, old tax forms, or health insurance forms)
Parent’s date of birth (or approximate age)
Current or last place the parent worked
County and state in which a divorce occurred if applicable, and a copy of the order or county and state of any other support order
Birth certificate and Social Security number of the child
Information about the other parent’s assets (e.g., bank accounts, vehicles, real property)

How do I receive services?

If your child receives public assistance from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), your child support case should be referred automatically to the Oregon Child Support Program for services. This is also true if your child is in the custody of the Oregon Department of Human Services » (foster care).

If your child does not receive public assistance or your case was not automatically referred to us, you can enroll for services. You will need to complete an application. There is a one-time fee of $1 that will be deducted from the first money we collect. See How to Apply for Child Support Services for more information.

What services are not provided?

Legal Advice – The Oregon Child Support Program represents the state of Oregon, and we cannot offer legal advice. Any person involved in a case handled by the program may hire an attorney or licensed paralegal at their own expense. In contempt and criminal nonsupport cases, the court will appoint an attorney to represent the person charged if they cannot afford one. See Get Legal Help for more information.

Please tell us if you have an attorney representing you in a child support matter. We are required to work with your attorney unless they give us permission to talk with you directly.

Spousal Support – If you also have a child support order, spousal support can be included in income withholding orders and many compliance processes. If there is no child support order but the person receiving support receives public assistance in any form, we can put income withholding in place for the spousal support. The Oregon Child Support Program does not provide other compliance methods for spousal support.

Parenting Time and Legal Custody – The Oregon Child Support Program cannot advise you about parenting time or custody matters. These matters must be discussed with a private attorney or handled in court.

Other entities in Oregon offer family mediation services. See Parenting Time for more information.

Why doesn’t my case balance match the balance on my billing statement?

A payment might be processed between the time a billing statement is generated and the time it is received. Sometimes, the Oregon Child Support Program needs to make an adjustment to your child support case based on a timeframe before the billing statement. When this occurs, it may affect your current case balance. This may happen when we receive a federal or state tax refund offset (intercept) from the current or prior tax filing year—and the case balance must be adjusted. The negative adjustment will reflect the collection date of the tax offset.

We receive negative adjustments for both federal and state tax refund offsets throughout the calendar year. You can review your collection dates in your online account under My Payments. If you don’t have an online account, you can sign up here. Contact Customer Service at 800-850-0228 or ChildSupportCustomerService@doj.oregon.gov for assistance.

How do I contact my case manager?

You can reach your case manager through your online account or by contacting Customer Service at 800-850-0228 or ChildSupportCustomerService@doj.oregon.gov.

How do I update my address?

You can update your address:

Through your online account
By contacting Customer Service at 800-850-0228 or ChildSupportCustomerService@doj.oregon.gov
By sending your new address to:

Oregon Child Support Program
PO Box 14680
Salem, OR 97309

How do I change the amount I receive or have to pay?

You may ask the Oregon Child Support Program to review the child support or medical support terms of your support order. We will begin the review only if:

it has been at least 35 months since the date the support order was entered, reviewed, or last modified; or
you can show proof there has been a substantial change of circumstances.
- Change in custody, the needs of the children, number of children covered by the support order.
- Significant change in a parent’s income or medical support.

For more information, see Modify an Existing Child Support Order.

Who can I contact about changing the current child support laws?

The Oregon Child Support Program itself does not have the authority to change state or federal laws.

Oregon State Legislature – Find Your Legislator »

You may also email your concern or suggestion to Constituent Services at ChildSupportConstituentServices@doj.oregon.gov.

Who can I contact regarding the website?

If you have suggestions for how we can improve the Oregon Department of Justice and Oregon Child Support Program website, please send your comments through our feedback form. We value your opinion and look forward to hearing from you.

What if I don’t find the answer to my general question?

If you were unable to find the information you need, contact us. If you think the answer to your question may be helpful to others, we invite you to send your comments through the feedback form. We work hard to make information more accessible to our customers and the public and look forward to hearing from you.

How do I get help to resolve a problem with my child support case?

The best way to take care of an issue is at the local child support office that handles your case and the case manager assigned to your case. If you still have a problem, contact a lead worker or manager at the office assigned to your case.

If you have already done this and your issue has not been resolved, contact Constituent Services by phone at 503-947-4337 or by email at ChildSupportConstituentServices@doj.oregon.gov.

What if I have a grievance?

Participants in child support cases are entitled to fair, professional, courteous, and accurate service from the Oregon Child Support Program.

If you have not received this level of service, please contact a supervisor for the office or team. If speaking to a supervisor does not resolve the issue, you may wish to file a grievance using the Child Support Grievance Form (PDF). The form contains instructions for filing the grievance, including the address where it should be sent. Your grievance will be screened and, if accepted, responded to within 90 days.

Do I have to make payments through the Oregon Department of Justice?

You are required to make payments through the Oregon Department of Justice if:

Your child support order states payments must be made in this manner.
One of the participants on your child support case enrolled for child support services.
Your child is receiving a form of public assistance that is assigned to the state.
Your child received a form of public assistance from the state in the past and there are child support arrears assigned to the state.

If child support is not assigned to the state, you may elect—or the court may authorize—payment to a checking or savings account or by electronic transfer to an account maintained by a licensed escrow agent. To elect another payment method, both you and the other parent must agree to close your case with the Oregon Child Support Program.

For more information, submit an inquiry through your online account or contact Customer Service at ChildSupportCustomerService@doj.oregon.gov or 800-850-0228.

Where can I mail a child support payment?

Mail checks or money orders payable to Oregon Child Support Program to:

Oregon Child Support Program
Oregon Department of Justice
PO Box 14506
Salem, Oregon 97309

Include the child support case numbers or the last four digits of the Social Security number.

Most parents pay support through income withholding. This means the employer withholds child support payments from the parent’s paycheck and sends them to the Oregon Child Support Program.

If granted an exception, the parent who pays support may choose an alternative method of payment, such as electronic payment withdrawal from their bank account, payment by check or money order, through MyPaymentPortal.com, or at one of our TouchPay kiosks.

For more information, see Pay Support.

Do I have any alternatives to income withholding?

All new or modified child support orders normally require income withholding. The court or the Oregon Child Support Program may provide an exception to income withholding when the electronic payment withdrawal (EPW) enrollment form is received with consent.

If you and the other parent agree to an alternate method of paying support, the following is required:

You have paid all past-due support owed due to missed payments.
You authorize payment of support from your bank account each month by completing an application for EPW.
The other parent consents to payment by EPW or, if money is owed to the state, the state agrees to payment by EPW.
You have not been disqualified from EPW within the last 12 months.

If your support order says you must pay only when your child is in state care, you must:

Request an exception in writing.
Have not been disqualified from EPW during the last 12 months.
Have paid all past-due support on time and continue to make all your payments on time.

If you receive an exception to income withholding and then fall behind paying support, the income withholding will be reinstated and the EPW cancelled. This could happen if there are not enough funds in your bank account at the time of the EPW.

For more information about getting an exception, submit an inquiry through your online account or contact Customer Service at 800-850-0228 or ChildSupportCustomerService@doj.oregon.gov.

My income has been reduced because of a layoff. Can I request a modification due to a change of circumstances? (posted 5-11-2022)

Yes, you may request a modification when there is a substantial change in circumstance. See OAR 137-055-3420 and OAR 137-055-3430.

Received an email saying, “New document in your online account”?

The Oregon Child Support Program is now uploading some documents to your online account. If you have an online account, you can retrieve your documents by logging in and going to the Documents section. You can set up an online account, request a new PIN, or resend your password directly from the online account login page. See our Online Account User Guide for more information.

Child Support Guidelines

Visit our Child Support Guidelines and Calculations page for more information. If you still have questions, please email GuidelinesQuestions@doj.oregon.gov.

Income

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I don’t know the other parent’s income. What should I use?

When establishing or modifying a support order, both parents are required to provide income information. You may want to estimate support before you request to establish or modify an order by using the Oregon Child Support Guidelines Calculator. If you know the other parent’s occupation, you can get information about average employment levels and wages by region at the Oregon Employment Department’s website. If you don’t know the other parent’s wage or occupation, use full-time minimum wage for the state where they live.

What if a parent chooses not to work or is underemployed?

When a parent is earning less than they could, the parent may be assessed “potential income.” Potential income is what the parent could be earning based on their work history, qualifications, education, health, and other relevant factors considering job opportunities and earning levels in the community where they live.

Can I use my gross income from last year’s taxes?

For many people, the wages reported by the employer in Box 1 of the IRS W-2 form are an accurate report of gross income. However, there are several factors to consider.

Income for child support purposes includes items that are excluded for income tax purposes, such as gifts and inheritances. You may have employee benefits—such as a company car, house, or phone—that could be counted as income if those benefits reduce living expenses. You should also include investment income.
If last year’s taxable income is an accurate reflection of your current income, it may be useful as proof of income for child support.
If your income varies from year to year, you might be able to use an average of prior years’ tax returns to determine current income.
If you have changed jobs or are at a different rate of pay, prior years’ income may not reflect your current income.
Certain voluntary payroll deductions—such as HSA, dependent care FSA, or non-mandatory retirement contributions—may not be taxed but are considered income for child support calculations.
Income for child support purposes can include both actual and potential income. If you are earning at your full potential, the gross income from your tax return might be an accurate reflection of your current income.
If you voluntarily left a lucrative position to start an unprofitable business or lower-paid job, your taxable income is only one factor used to determine your income for child support calculations.
Determining self-employment and business income is fact-specific and more complicated than can be fully addressed here.

- The basic computation is: gross income, minus cost of goods sold, minus ordinary and necessary expenses needed for business operation, minus one-half of the self-employment tax.
- Certain items commonly considered in determining income for tax purposes are excluded: accelerated depreciation (straight-line depreciation may be considered), investment tax credits, or other excessive expenses.
- Consider talking to an attorney or accountant.

Does a spouse’s income count?

The guideline support amount is based only on the income of the parents, not their spouses.

If either parent chooses not to work at all or at their full earning potential because of a spouse’s income, there are two options:

The parent’s income may be based on “potential” income—the amount they would earn if they were working full-time or in their field of training.
The guideline support amount can be challenged or “rebutted.” The guideline calculation for the child support amount is presumed to be “just and appropriate.” However, for various reasons—such as a parent voluntarily not working—the proposed guideline support amount may not appropriately reflect the situation. The court or the Oregon Child Support Program can accept evidence that rebuts the presumed child support amount—such as the financial advantage from the income of a spouse—and adjust to a just and appropriate amount.

Medical Support

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How much does a parent have to pay for their children’s health insurance?

The cost of private health care coverage is considered reasonable if it is no more than four percent of the parents’ combined incomes.

Either parent can be required to pay the total cost, and the parent not providing coverage will contribute to the cost through an adjustment to the support obligation.

If neither parent has health insurance available, the court can order cash medical support or enter a finding specifying why cash medical should not be ordered.

A parent whose income is below minimum wage may not be ordered to pay for or contribute to the cost of health insurance or cash medical support. If health insurance is not available and cash medical support is not ordered, the reasons must be explained in the order.

What if a parent currently provides insurance, but the cost is more than four percent of both parents' combined incomes?

A court may order the parents to provide coverage if the coverage is reasonable in cost. In some cases, “compelling factors” may support a finding that coverage at a cost greater than four percent is reasonable. Examples of factors that may be considered for health insurance to be ordered at a cost more than four percent of the parents’ combined incomes are:

The child has a chronic health condition or a frequent need for medical care.
The parents agree to continue coverage despite the cost.
The cost of the coverage is only slightly over four percent.

If the available coverage is not reasonable in cost, it cannot be divided between the parents. Therefore, a parent may have to pay cash medical support.

Both parents have coverage available for the child. Who decides which coverage to provide? Do both parents have to provide?

When both parents have appropriate coverage available, the parent with more parenting time decides which coverage will be ordered. Dual coverage is not required. If the parents’ combined coverage is reasonable in cost, and the parents agree, dual coverage may be ordered. This means parents share the cost of both policies.

Parenting Time

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I have 125 overnights, which is 34.24 percent of the parenting time. Why is my parenting time credit percentage only 23.65 percent?

The parenting time credit recognizes that when one parent has most of the parenting time, the bulk of the expenses typically fall on that parent. As parenting time approaches equal, the parents are more likely to share expenses evenly. However, some expenses—such as housing—are duplicated in a shared parenting situation. As a result, the parenting time credit percentage is higher than the actual parenting time percentage when a parent has most of the parenting time and is lower than the parenting time percentage when the parent has limited parenting time.

The following chart shows the parenting time credit: lower levels of parenting time result in little credit. Equal parenting time results in equal credit. A parent with most of the parenting

Why does the calculator say I have to pay when I am the custodial parent with 200 overnights or 54.79 percent of the parenting time?

There are two issues.

Legal custody is not a factor in the child support calculation and does not determine who owes support.
The child support obligation is based on income and is then reduced (credited) depending on the number of overnights. If a parent’s percentage of the combined income is greater than the percentage of their parenting time credit, that parent will owe support. The cost of health insurance and childcare also affect the determination of which parent pays support. Because the parenting time credit goes disproportionately to the parent with more parenting time, this situation occurs only when there is a significant income imbalance or when parenting time amounts are very close.

Do I get parenting time credit for a Child Attending School that lives with me?

Maybe. You can receive a parenting time credit only if the Child Attending School is 18 years old, living with you, and attending high school. Otherwise, neither parent receives parenting time credit.

Making Payments

Visit our How Paying Child Support Works page to learn about your options for paying child support.

Electronic Payment Withdrawals (EPW)

If you still have questions about electronic payment withdrawals, please contact your case manager or the EPW Specialist at 503-986-6220.

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Do I need to report independent contractors as new hires?

Yes, Oregon law (ORS 25.790) requires all Oregon employers to report new and rehired employees, as well as engaged and reengaged individuals—not companies—who are independent contractors. The report must occur within 20 days if submitting the new hire form by mail, fax, or online—or within 12 to 16 days, if transmitting the data electronically through the Oregon Employer Services Portal.

What is Electronic Payment Withdrawal (EPW)?

Electronic Payment Withdrawal (EPW) is a payment option. This service lets our qualifying customers pay support electronically, rather than through income withholding or sending checks or money orders. This service allows the Child Support Program to electronically pull monthly support from a financial institution account. There are two types of EPW: EPW 1 and EPW 2.

EPW 1 is an exception to income withholding. Automatic monthly payments may be set up instead of regular income withholding when the parent receiving support (or the child attending school, if applicable) agrees and there is no past-due support owed. The person paying support may request one or two withdrawal dates per month, as long as the full monthly amount is paid on or before the court-ordered due date.
EPW 2 is in addition to income withholding or an alternative if income withholding is not possible. Automatic monthly payments may be set up to supplement regular income withholding, or when income withholding is not available because the parent paying support is self-employed, underemployed, or unemployed. EPW 2 may be set up for active cases or those with a judgment only. The case may have arrears, and does not need to be currently accruing monthly support. The person paying support may elect any withdrawal amount, and may request one or two withdrawal dates in the month the payment is due.

How are EPW 1 and EPW 2 alike?

Both types of EPW require an active child support case. If there are other signers on the bank account, they must agree in writing to an EPW plan. Other signers are approved users whose names are associated with the bank account. The account must be with a bank that is a member of the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) ». The applicant cannot have any dishonored payments (bounced checks) within the last 12 months. The appropriate EPW enrollment form must be completed.

How can I qualify for EPW 1?

You can qualify if your case is current (no past-due support). You must also have written consent from the receiving party. We cannot approve your enrollment if we do not get a signed consent form. You must also submit a completed EPW 1 enrollment form.

How can I qualify for EPW 2?

You can qualify if you want to make a payment in addition to income withholding or if withholding is not available because you are self-employed, under-employed or unemployed. Your case may have past-due support and does not need to be currently accruing monthly support. You must also submit a completed EPW 2 enrollment form.

How do I obtain an EPW enrollment form?

You may request an EPW enrollment form from your case manager or you may contact the EPW Specialist at 503-986-0532.

Can I fax in a copy of my EPW enrollment form?

Yes, our fax number is 503-986-2416. Be sure to include a preprinted voided check or letter from your financial institution with the required information.

What happens if my request for EPW is not approved?

You will receive a notice in the mail explaining why your EPW request was not approved.

How will I know when my EPW is activated?

You will receive a notice in the mail prior to the first withdrawal. We must run a “test cycle” through your bank. This test will be run during the first month after the enrollment is approved. Keep making your support payment(s) as ordered until your first electronic withdrawal.

Can my EPW be revoked after it is approved?

EPW can be revoked for a number of reasons, including two or more dishonored payments or if authorization is revoked.

What happens if my payment isn’t available in my bank account?

If you do not have adequate funds in your bank account at the time your support is due, we will make two additional attempts to secure the funds. If the third attempt is unsuccessful, your EPW will be suspended and may be canceled.

What does "dishonored payment" mean?

A dishonored payment is a payment that was returned unpaid to the Oregon DOJ Division of Child Support from your bank. Payments can be returned dishonored due to a lack of funds in your account, a closed account, an inaccurate account number, or similar reasons.

What if I have more than one dishonored payment?

If you have two dishonored payments within 12 months, your EPW will be revoked. You will not be able to have EPW for 12 months from the day it is revoked.

Are there any fees charged to me if I send in a payment that is not honored by my bank?

Yes. A $35 fee will be charged for dishonored payments, as allowed by Oregon law. This fee applies to checks and electronic payments. Only one fee will be charged per payment even if we try to deposit it more than once.

What if I have more EPW questions ?

You may contact your case manager or the EPW specialist at 503-986-0532.

EPW: General Questions

Can I fax in a copy of my EPW enrollment form?: Yes, our fax number is 503-986-2416. Be sure to include a preprinted voided check or letter from your financial institution with the required information.
What happens if my request for EPW is not approved?: You will receive a notice in the mail explaining why your EPW request was not approved.
How will I know when my EPW is activated?: You will receive a notice in the mail prior to the first withdrawal. We must run a “test cycle” through your bank. This test will be run during the first month after the enrollment is approved. Keep making your support payment(s) as ordered until your first electronic withdrawal.
Can my EPW be revoked after it is approved?: EPW can be revoked for a number of reasons, including two or more dishonored payments or if authorization is revoked.

EPW: Dishonored Payments

What happens if my payment isn’t available in my bank account?: If you do not have adequate funds in your bank account at the time your support is due, we may make two additional attempts to secure the funds. If the third attempt is unsuccessful, your EPW will be suspended and may be canceled.
What if I have more than one dishonored payment?: If you have two dishonored payments within 12 months, your EPW will be revoked. You will not be able to use EPW for 12 months from the day it is revoked.
What does "dishonored payment" mean?: A dishonored payment is a payment that was returned unpaid to the Oregon DOJ Child Support Division from your bank. Payments can be returned dishonored due to a lack of funds in your account, a closed account, an inaccurate account number, or similar reasons.
Are there any fees charged to me if I send in a payment that is not honored by my bank?: Yes. A $35 fee will be charged for dishonored payments, as allowed by Oregon law. This fee applies to checks and electronic payments. Only one fee will be charged per payment, even if we try to deposit it more than once.

Receiving Payments

Visit our Receiving Support Payments page for additional information, or click here to learn more about overpayments.

Direct Deposit

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Overpayments

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What caused my receivable (overpayment)?

An overpayment debt (which creates a receivable) can result from three different situations:

Money sent to you was later discovered to have been sent in error. This could happen for several reasons. The notice sent explains how it happened.
A payment was sent to you, but the funds were later reversed by the source (IRS or the Oregon Department of Revenue took back the money or reversed the payment).
We received a payment from you, or on your behalf, but the bank later reversed the funds from the Oregon Child Support Program's account because the payment was dishonored (usually for insufficient funds).

I received a notice telling me I owe an overpayment debt (creating a receivable). What if I disagree with the notice?

Your written request for an administrative review of the debt must be received within 30 days from the date of the first notice you received. We will complete the review within 30 days of your request and send a written response.

If the error was not my fault, am I still responsible?

Yes. No matter what - or who - caused the error, you received a financial benefit and are responsible for repayment. Either funds were sent to you that should not have been, or you received credit for a payment, but we did not receive the related funds. The receivable amount created by the overpayment must be collected back by the Oregon Child Support Program.

Am I going to be charged a fee?

You may be charged a fee in some circumstances. If your receivable resulted from a dishonored payment, you may be charged a fee of $35. This fee applies to checks and electronic payments. We will charge the fee one time only, even if we try to deposit your payment more than once.

If you do not repay the receivable, and we must send the debt for collection to the Oregon Department of Revenue, a fee up to 30 percent of the referred amount may be added to cover the cost of collections.

Do I have the option to make multiple payments?

You will receive a payment agreement with your notice. The agreement allows you to select different repayment options. Fill out the payment agreement and mail it to:

Oregon Department of Justice
Oregon Child Support Program
Attn: Overpayments
PO Box 14320
Salem, OR 97309

Or email a copy of the agreement to ChildSupportOverpayments@doj.oregon.gov.

If the debt has been sent to the Oregon Department of Revenue, may I still make my payment to the Oregon Child Support Program?

Yes. We will notify the Oregon Department of Revenue of the dollar amount of any payments we receive and the Department of Revenue will adjust its records. The Department of Revenue may still charge a fee.

May I pay by credit or debit card?

Yes. On MyPaymentPortal.com, you may make a payment toward a receivable debt caused by an overpayment. You must have the account number from the notice you received to use this option. The account number is 10 digits long and begins with a 2.

Will this affect the current child support I receive?

Maybe. You may voluntarily request we use future support to pay the receivable caused by the overpayment. Or, if you do not send us a payment or comply with a payment agreement, we can withhold 20% of each of your future child support payments until the debt is repaid. Even if an agreement has been made, if no payments are received on a receivable account within 90 days of the date on the first notice, it may be referred to the Oregon Department of Revenue for collection. If a payment is not received on a receivable account at least once every 90 days, the debt also may be referred to the Department of Revenue.

Child Attending School

Children at least age 18 and under 21 who are attending school may be entitled to receive child support payments from their parents if there is a current Oregon support order. Visit our Support for Students Ages 18 – 21 page for more information.

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Can support continue after a child turns 18?

Yes, most Oregon child support orders include support for children who continue their education after turning 18. If another state issued your original support order, it depends on the laws of that state. You will need to review your specific child support order.

What should I do for child support to continue under my Oregon order?

If your order has Child Attending School provisions and the child plans to continue in school, the child must follow the instructions on the section above under "Apply for or Modify a Child Attending School Support Order." To qualify as a Child Attending School, the child must:

be enrolled in school at least one-half time, as defined by the school.
make satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the school.
notify us and the paying parent(s) of the child’s intent to attend school.*
consent to the release of information by the school to the paying parent(s) regarding the child’s enrollment status, academic progress, class schedule and grades.*
tell us and the paying parent in advance of changing schools.

*If the Oregon Child Support Program has entered an order for non-disclosure, the child will send any required documents only to us.

Does support continue during regularly scheduled breaks from school?

Support continues during regularly scheduled breaks if the child intends to return to school the next term or semester.

When does support stop for an Oregon order?

Support ends when the child:

reaches 18 years old, or up to 21 years old if child qualifies as a Child Attending School.
marries.
is otherwise emancipated (usually through a court finding).
fails to respond to an objection from a paying parent.
fails to provide required information (written notice of intent to attend or continue to attend school; school authorization to disclose information).
provides written notice they no longer qualify as a Child Attending School.
reaches the date they told us they planned to graduate or stop attending school and did not provide written notice they planned to continue in school.

What if a child is not enrolled at least one-half time or stops making satisfactory academic progress?

The child should immediately notify us and the paying parent(s).
A paying parent can file a written objection. The child will have 30 days to prove they qualify as a Child Attending School. If the child does not respond, or does not qualify, we will suspend the child’s support.

I'm a Child Attending School and my support order was suspended. How can I start support again?

You must complete the steps described above to qualify as a Child Attending School.

Can a child between age 18 and 21 in Oregon Youth Authority custody qualify for support as a Child Attending School?

Although we do not collect support on behalf of OYA, depending on the terms of your order, support may be due directly to a child between the ages of 18 and 21 if they are in school. You can find information about child attending school requirements here. Contact the Oregon Child Support Program’s Child Attending School team at 503-986-5137 or CAST@doj.oregon.gov to determine the appropriate next steps for your case.

What if I think I might have a safety risk?

To learn how to address safety risks in the child support process, visit the Confidentiality in Unsafe Situations page.

How can I get more information?

For more information, you may call the Child Attending School team during business hours.

Child Attending School Team

Division of Child Support
Oregon Department of Justice
3210 Del Webb Ave NE
Salem, OR 97301

Phone: 503-986-5137
Fax: 503-986-0543
TTY: 1-800-735-2900

Email: CAST@doj.oregon.gov

Employers

We have answers to the most common child support questions from employers. Visit our Employer Resources Overview page for more information.

Most employer obligations and tasks can be managed easily online using the Oregon Employer Services Portal ».

If you cannot find an answer to your question here, please contact Employer Services.

Child Support Assistance

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Does the Oregon Child Support Program issue amended income withholding orders to change the payee to another jurisdiction?

In certain circumstances, a jurisdiction providing services to the parent receiving support may request the Oregon Child Support Program amend the income withholding order to require the employer to send payments directly to the other jurisdiction.

Am I required to honor an income withholding order from a foreign country?

No, Oregon employers are not required to honor foreign income withholding orders.

Do I need to report independent contractors as new hires?

Yes, Oregon law (ORS 25.790) requires all Oregon employers report new and rehired employees, as well as engaged and reengaged individuals—not companies—who are independent contractors. The report must occur within 20 days if submitting the new hire form by mail, fax, or online—or within 12 to 16 days, if transmitting the data electronically through the Oregon Employer Services Portal.

How do I know when and how much to withhold when I receive an “Income Withholding for Support”?

Withholding income must begin the first pay period occurring after you receive the Income Withholding for Support (CSF 11 0210 (PDF) »). The notice indicates the amount to be withheld. You must send the withheld income within seven business days of the pay date and date of withholding. Send the withheld income to the address under “remittance information” in the notice.

Can I charge the employee a fee for processing the withholding?

In Oregon, a fee of up to $5.00 per month per case can be charged to each employee. This fee is deducted from the employee’s remaining income and not the child support payment unless withholding is 50 percent of the employee’s disposable income. In this case, withhold the fee from the amount you send to us or the issuer of the order and notice. Oregon law (ORS 25.414) states the amount withheld, including the employer’s fee, cannot exceed 50 percent of the employee’s disposable income.

What is "disposable income"?

Disposable income is defined as the part of an individual’s income remaining after the deduction of any amounts required to be withheld by law. In Oregon, mandatory deductions are federal, state, and local income taxes, Social Security, Medicare, workers compensation, and any statutory retirement payments.

What if my employee’s available disposable income is less than the pay period amount on the order?

Cash support (including spousal support) is withheld first, health care coverage premiums second, and “other” last. If the employee has multiple withholdings, first withhold cash support (current and arrears) for all cases on a proportionate-share basis, then equally apply any remaining amounts to all orders with arrears. If any income is left after cash support is withheld, then withhold for the health care coverage, and “other” would follow.

Do I have to withhold at the frequency on the notice?

Employers do not have to vary their pay cycles to comply with the income withholding. For the convenience of the employer, the income withholding order provides the total to be withheld and the corresponding amounts for weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, and monthly pay cycles. Send the payment to the Oregon Child Support Program within seven business days of the pay date and date of withholding.

What if there is an existing IRS levy or a garnishment for the employee and I receive an order to withhold income for child support?

A levy from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) takes priority over a child support income withholding order only if the IRS levy was served before the original child support order was established. Oregon law states that an income withholding order for child support has priority over any other garnishment, regardless of which was served first. Questions regarding the levy or garnishment must be directed to the issuing entity of the levy or garnishment.

Should I withhold child support from lump-sum type payments?

Yes, child support should be withheld up to 50 percent of a lump-sum payment after mandatory deductions. The definition of income is money owed to an employee and includes but is not limited to: money paid for personal services, including wages, salary, bonus, commission, pension, or retirement payments. Income received as an independent contractor, cash dividends from stocks or bonds, unemployment compensation, disability, and workers compensation benefits are all considered income as well.

If the employee is due to receive any type of lump sum or benefit, you may be required to withhold from that income. Contact Employer Services at 866-907-2857 or ChildSupportEmployerServices@doj.oregon.gov for assistance.

Do I have to tell the employee that I have received a notice to withhold income for child support?

The Oregon Child Support Program sends the employee a copy of the income withholding order sent to the employer. If the income withholding order was sent by another state, you must provide a copy of it to the employee.

Why did I receive an income withholding order when the parent does not work here? What do I do now?

The nation’s child support programs receive employment information from different sources and methods. Unfortunately, not all information received is the most current. Complete the termination information section in your employer packet, and fax or mail it to the address listed. If available, please include any information regarding subsequent employment if the parent worked for you, or note they never worked for you.

What should I do if the employee says the information on the income withholding order is wrong?

Employers are not responsible for answering questions about the information on the income withholding order. Refer the employee to the child support office that issued the income withholding. The IWO includes your employee’s contact information, which is different than yours. Employer Services is available to assist employers. The income withholding order remains in effect until you are notified by us to stop or amend the withholding amount.

Can I verify the balance owing on my employee’s case for payroll purposes?

Yes. Contact Employer Services if the withholding order is from the Oregon Child Support Program. If it was not issued by the Oregon Child Support Program, contact the issuing entity.

The notice from another state references the issuing state’s laws instead of Oregon laws. Which do I follow?

Follow the withholding laws of the state in which the employee works regarding:

Employer fee (maximum allowed)
Employer fee frequency
Disposable earnings exclusion
Exceptions to federal CCPA limits
Allocation of multiple orders
Exception to seven business day remittance
Order retention when employee terminates
Maximum withholding amounts

If the employee works in different states, follow the laws of the state to which you report quarterly payroll earnings.

What if my employee wants to make a voluntary deduction for child support, or increase the amount withheld in excess of the income withholding order?

The employee will need to contact the appropriate child support agency, either the Oregon Child Support Program or another state or Tribe’s child support agency. You are required to withhold the amount noted on the income withholding. An employee can make additional payments by personal check or money order to the issuing entity.

Who handles questions about payment processing issues or the income withholding orders?

You may contact the issuing agency as noted on the income withholding or Employer Services at 866-907-2857 or ChildSupportEmployerServices@doj.oregon.gov for assistance.

Can I send withheld income from several different employees in one check?

Yes. You may combine withheld amounts for more than one employee in a single payment. However, the information that must be provided about each employee is:

Name
Child support case numbers, and specific amount to be applied to each case
Date of the withholding (i.e., the actual pay date, not the time period when earnings accrued)

Why is my employee now delinquent when I’ve paid every payment on time since the employee started working for me?

There are several reasons the employee’s child support case may show as delinquent. For example, there could have been a recent change in the child support amount, or you may not have received the income withholding order in time for payroll to process it the first month it was issued, and a payment was missed. The missed payment would have caused a delinquency in the case. If you have questions, contact Employer Services at 866-907-2857 or ChildSupportEmployerServices@doj.oregon.gov for assistance.

When does the Oregon Child Support Program send income withholding orders?

The Oregon Child Support Program may send an Income Withholding for Support to the employer within two days of learning about a parent’s employment. An amended income withholding order may also be issued whenever a change in the child support amount occurs on an existing child support case.

What do I receive as the employer?

The Oregon Child Support Program issues the federal form Income Withholding for Support, along with an Income Withholding for Support Address Cover Letter. These forms provide a summary of all the information you need to comply with the income withholding order.

Does an Income Withholding for Support always come from the Oregon Child Support Program?

No. Federal law allows every state to send orders to employers in another state. Therefore, an income withholding order may also come directly from another state, a private attorney, or a custodial parent. Please see the Office of Child Support Services Income Withholding - Answers to Employers' Questions » for more information.

Will employer packets vary?

Yes. Although the income withholding order for child support should be the same from every state because it is a standardized federal form, each state has different forms that will accompany the withholding order.

Can I discipline, discharge, or refuse to hire an employee because of a child support withholding order?

No. Oregon law (ORS 25.424) provides that an employer commits an unlawful employment practice if the employer discharges, refuses to hire, or in any other manner discriminates, retaliates, or takes disciplinary action against an employee because of the entry or service of a withholding order, or because of the obligations the order imposes on the employer.

What if I do not comply with the income withholding order?

You may be liable for the full amount of support not withheld from the employee’s pay. You may also be subject to a fine and be required to pay reasonable costs of a civil action to recover the amounts subject to withholding, including attorney fees.

Can I send my payments by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)?

Electronic funds transfer is available to employers. See Income Withholding and Methods of Payment.

ACH Payments

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What business information is requested by the Oregon Child Support Program to set up an ACH Credit transfer?

We ask for the following information from all entities making electronic funds transfers. See Request for Bank Information & Authorization (PDF)».

Registered business name
Doing Business As (DBA) name
Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
Contact name or title
Mailing address
Phone number
Fax number
Email address
Estimated date of prenote or first electronic funds transfer
Number of employees with Oregon Child Support Program income withholdings

Why do you need my business information?

If problems occur with your account or payment, this information allows us to quickly contact your business and better serve your needs.

Where do I obtain an example of the ACH Credit record layout?

The record layout is described in ACH Credit Record Layouts (XLS) ».

Is my business information secure?

Yes. We recognize the need to keep information secure. Your information is sent through the ACH network to the Oregon Child Support Program bank account. The ACH network is safe, reliable, and independent from the internet. The Oregon Child Support Program incorporates the use of hardware encryption to retrieve and stores your bank information on our secured mainframe.

How do I get the child support banking information to complete an ACH transaction to DCS?

Once the Oregon Child Support Program receives your Request for Oregon DOJ Bank Information & Authorization (PDF)», you will be sent an EFT ACH Credit Authorization Agreement.

Whom should I contact if I have problems or errors to resolve?

Contact Employer Services at 866-907-2857 or ChildSupportEmployerServices@doj.oregon.gov.

If funds are paid in error, how will they be returned?

Once the error has been confirmed, the funds may be returned by check and mailed to your business address.

Is my business required to make EFT payments?

In most instances, yes. Please see Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 137-055-5035 (PDF)» for detailed information.

If my business is not required to make EFT payments, how should the child support payments be made?

Even if not required, employers are encouraged to make electronic transfers using one of the EFT processes. If you remit a payment via check, the Oregon Child Support Program requests that with each check you:

Make your check payable to the Oregon Child Support Program
Include the child support case numbers
Designate the name of the individual on whose behalf the payment is being made
Designate the amount to be applied to each case if there is more than one
Include the withholding date

I have reviewed OAR 137-055-5035 and would like to request an exemption to the EFT requirement. What should I do?

Contact Employer Services at 866-907-2857 or ChildSupportEmployerServices@doj.oregon.gov to explain why your business is unable to comply with the OAR.

Can an employee (parent paying support) make their own payments, instead of us having to enforce the income withholding order?

No. Unless you receive an order terminating the income withholding order, you are required by law to continue withholding and forwarding the payments to the Oregon Child Support Program.

Can disability (short or long term) payments be paid through an EFT payment?

Yes. Disability payments are eligible for EFT.

Can workers' compensation (time loss or lump sum payments) be paid through an EFT?

No. We are unable to receive workers' compensation payments through EFT.

Should I include the medical support indicator in the file?

Yes. See ACH Credit Record Layouts (XLS) for more information.

How many business days after the employee pay date do I have to originate the ACH credit transfer?

If the employee works in Oregon, the withholding must be submitted within seven business days. If you are an out-of-state employer, you must follow the laws of the state where the employee is employed. The Office of Child Support Services provides state-by-state income withholding information.

Is it necessary to send a dollar amount with the test file?

No. The Oregon Child Support Program recommends you send a test file for zero dollars before your first electronic funds transfer.

Why do I need to send a prenote?

This validates our ability to begin to receive your transfers.

How can I reconcile my employee’s child support information before initiating the ACH credit transfer process?

You need to fax your list to Employer Services at 877-877-7416. Your list must include the name of the employee, Social Security number, and the applicable child support case numbers.

Medical Support Notice (NMSN)

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What is the National Medical Support Notice (NMSN)?

The NMSN is a two-part notice sent to employers by child support agencies. It is required when enforcing a child support order. Its purpose is to ensure the children for whom child support is ordered also receive health care coverage when available. Nationally, all child support agencies have the authority by their state’s law to issue the standardized form to simplify the work required of employers and plan administrators.

What is included in the NMSN?

Part A of the NMSN includes a Notice to Withhold for Health Care Coverage, information about limitations on withholding, and priority of withholding. It also includes an Employer Response form and general instructions to the employer, which includes employer responsibilities.

Part B of the NMSN includes a Medical Support Notice to the plan administrator, the Plan Administrator Response form, and Instructions to Plan Administrator. It also includes an addendum for plan administrators to provide health insurance details and information about when children are no longer eligible for coverage under the plan.

Will the NMSN always come from the Oregon Child Support Program?

No. Federal law allows states to serve employers outside their state. All states are required to use the NMSN to enforce health care coverage. Your company may receive a NMSN from another state.

When is the NMSN sent to employers?

Once an employer is matched to a child support case in which the employee is the parent ordered to provide health care coverage for their children, and no coverage is being provided, federal and state laws require the NMSN be sent to the employer within two working days of receipt of the new employer information.

When must health care coverage withholding start?

The notice for health care coverage requires withholding for the cost of health care as soon as Part B of the NMSN is returned and the employer determines the employee’s income is sufficient.

When will health care coverage withholding stop?

The NMSM remains in effect until you are notified by the Oregon Child Support Program or receive a court order regarding any changes. However, even if we dismiss the NMSN, the employee may still elect to continue coverage.

What if the employee terminates?

You must notify us promptly when the employee leaves, providing the termination date and the employee’s last known home address. If known, you may also provide the new employer’s name and address, as well as any other provider of a health benefit plan.

Oregon law states that withholding is a continuing obligation. The withholding remains in effect and is binding upon the employer until further notice from us or the court. Therefore, you are required to keep a record of the Income Withholding for Support and the National Medical Support Notice. You are also required to enforce those notices if the employee returns to work.

You are also required to report the employee as a new hire if they return to work.

What is the maximum amount the employer can withhold from the employee’s pay for child support (monetary or financial) and medical support (health care coverage premium)?

The total withholding cannot exceed the amounts set by state and federal law, as specified in the “Limitations on Withholding” section in the NMSN. In Oregon, the limit is set at 50 percent of disposable income for all cash child support orders and health care coverage premiums combined for employees working. However, the employer must follow the withholding laws of the state where the employee is principally employed with regards to:

Maximum withholding limits – exceptions to federal Consumer Credit Protection Act limits
Employer processing fee and frequency
Disposable earnings exclusions
Allocation of multiple child support withholding orders
Exception to seven-day payment remittance to the Oregon Child Support Program
Order retention upon employee’s termination

Each state’s information regarding income and health care coverage withholding is available online.

Are employers and plan administrators required to comply?

Yes. Federal law requires all employers and plan administrators who offer dependent coverage to make health care coverage available to children of employees who are eligible and qualify for such coverage pursuant to a child support order. The NMSN forms were developed for this purpose by the federal departments of Health and Human Services and Labor in consultation with payroll professionals, as well as sponsors and administrators of group health plans.

Who completes Part A of the NMSN?

The employer completes Part A, indicating whether the employee is eligible for dependent health care coverage. If the employer determines the employee is eligible, the employer retains Part A and forwards Part B to the plan administrator.

Who completes Part B of the NMSN?

The plan administrator completes Part B. (The plan administrator may also be the employer.) The plan administrator is the person or entity responsible for enrolling participants in a health care coverage plan. Once enrollment is complete, the plan administrator notifies us and the employer, so health care coverage premium deductions, if required, can begin.

How soon must both parts of the NMSN be completed?

Within 20 business days of the date of the NMSN:

The employer must complete Part A of the NMSN and either return it to issuing agency or forward Part B to the plan administrator, as appropriate.

Within 40 business days of the date of the NMSN or sooner if reasonable:

The plan administrator must complete and return Part B to us and the employer
The employer must either begin withholding or, if the amount exceeds the limits, return Part A to us, and notify the plan administrator to remove the dependents from health care coverage immediately. The plan administrator must then notify us and the parent receiving support of the health insurance coverage termination.

What if the employee has health care coverage available for themselves and dependents but are not enrolled and don’t want to enroll. What is the employer’s responsibility when they receive a NMSN?

The NMSN requires the children be enrolled if coverage is available at reasonable cost and accessible to the employee.

If the employee is not enrolled in a health benefit plan, is not enrolled in a plan that offers dependent coverage, or only one plan with dependent coverage is offered, that plan shall be selected.

The employer should send Part B of the NMSN to the plan administrator. The plan administrator must enroll the dependents and, if necessary to enroll the dependents, also enroll the employee.

Multiple plans available and accessible.

Plan selection criteria:

Employee already enrolled:
- If the employee is enrolled in a health benefit plan that offers dependent coverage, that plan shall be selected.
Employee not enrolled, multiple plans available and accessible to children:
- If the employee is not enrolled in a health benefit plan or is not enrolled in a plan that offers dependent coverage, and if more than one plan with dependent coverage is offered, the plan administrator shall enroll the dependents. If necessary, the employee will also be enrolled in the health benefit plan selected by the issuing agency in consultation with the custodial parent, or in any default option if no response is received from the issuing agency.

You must provide us with copies of applicable summary plans or other documents that describe available coverage, necessary participant contributions to obtain coverage and whether there is a limited-service area. We have 20 business days from the date you return the response to provide the selected coverage.

Our company's insurer provides open enrollment for all health benefit plans once a year. What happens if the employee cannot enroll the children until the annual open enrollment?

By law, the NMSN requires your company’s insurer to enroll the children in health care coverage at any time. If the employee is not enrolled in a plan that is accessible by the children and one is offered, the employee must change plans to enroll the children if it is reasonable in cost.

When are payments for health care coverage due?

The NMSN requires you apply withheld wages to the cost of health care coverage according to your company’s usual policy.

What if the employee doesn't want to enroll the child for medical coverage?

The NMSN is a child and medical support order. The employee therefore does not have a choice. If coverage is available, the employer is required to enroll the children as instructed in the notice. However, the employer must adhere to limitations imposed on withholding as mandated by withholding laws of the state where the employee is principally employed.

To object, the employee must contact the issuing child support agency as instructed in the notice they received. The employer must comply with the NMSN regardless of whether an objection has been made.

If the employee reports the child is enrolled in the other parent’s health care coverage plan, what should the employer do?

The employer’s responsibilities under the NMSN are not affected by the child’s enrollment in the other parent’s health care coverage plan. The employee may contact the Oregon Child Support Program to determine if a change in the child support order provisions is possible. However, the employer must continue with enrollment until they receive a dismissal of the NMSN.

What if the children are already covered by the employee under another outside plan or a current spouse?

The employer has an obligation to comply with the NMSN until a notice from the Oregon Child Support Program or a court order dismissing the medical withholding order is received. The employee may contact us regarding options available to them.

If withholding limitations preclude the employer from withholding sufficient funds to cover both cash and medical support, which takes precedence? If the employee doesn't earn enough to pay both, what should the employer do?

A NMSN issued by the Oregon Child Support Program will provide detailed instructions on how to prioritize between child support and health care coverage. In some cases, the employer may receive a subsequent notice that the other parent has elected to receive health care coverage over child support. Unless notified, child support will have priority over health care coverage premiums. You may contact Employer Services at 866-907-2857 or ChildSupportEmployerServices@doj.oregon.gov for assistance on how to calculate the child support withholding and health care coverage premium.

If the employee’s principal place of employment is in Oregon, child support takes priority over withholding for health care coverage premiums. If the employee’s principal employment is not in Oregon, please view other state’s withholding priority and limits here.

If the employee doesn’t earn enough to cover both the child support amount and health care coverage premium, check Box 5 of the Employer Response (Part A) and return it to the Oregon Child Support Program. In addition, you should notify the plan administrator to remove the dependents.

The employee and children are eligible for coverage; however, our coverage is limited to within the state and the child lives out-of-state. What do we need to do?

If health care coverage is not “accessible” to the children, contact Employer Services at 866-907-2857 or ChildSupportEmployerServices@doj.oregon.gov for information on how to proceed.

“Accessible” means a health plan either (1) does not have service area limitations (or the health plan provides an option not subject to service area limitation), or (2) it has service area limitations, but the child lives within 30 miles or 30 minutes, whichever is less, of a primary care provider under the plan.

Health Care Coverage (HCC) in Oregon is defined by ORS 25.321 (6).

What must I do once notice is received from the plan administrator that the children are enrolled?

You will determine whether the combined cost of child support and health care coverage is within the limits of withholding. Limits are determined by state law where the employee is principally employed. View individual state withholding limits here.

If the amount is within the legal limits, begin withholding the contribution from the employee’s wages. If the combined amount exceeds the limit, complete Section 4 of Part A of the NMSN, and then return the completed Part A to the Oregon Child Support Program. You must also notify the plan administrator to immediately remove the children from the health care plan.

The plan administrator must also notify the other parent immediately that health care coverage will not be provided.

What if the child is covered under the Oregon Health Plan (OHP)?

Oregon Health Plan or any other Medicaid program is not considered a substitute for health care coverage. You must comply with the medical withholding order.

What if I receive more than one health care coverage notice for the same employee?

Determining the best way to handle multiple orders can sometimes be complicated. If you have specific questions regarding the medical notice or regular income withholding, contact Employer Services at 866-907-2857 or ChildSupportEmployerServices@doj.oregon.gov.

Can I terminate the employee to avoid having to enroll them in health care coverage?

No. Oregon law (ORS 25.337) states that an employer who discriminates, retaliates, or takes disciplinary action against an employee because of the medical support notice or income withholding order, commits an unlawful employment practice. An employee may bring a civil action to recover compensatory damages or may file a complaint with the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

Our company is small and does not offer group health coverage. Do we have to purchase group health care coverage for the NMSN?

No. Your employee is required to provide health care coverage for a dependent if it is available at a reasonable cost and accessible to the children. If your company does not offer this coverage to any of its employees, you are not obligated to provide it for this purpose.

Within 20 business days of the date of the NMSN, mark checkbox 2 in Section 1 – No Enrollment Possible of the Employer Response (Part A) and return the completed Part to us.

What if a union provides health care coverage?

You should consider the union as the plan administrator and forward Part B of the NMSN to the union. Otherwise, you may mark checkboxes 1, 2, or 3 in the Section 1 – No Enrollment Possible of the Employer Response (Part A) of the NMSN.

My employee terminated and I must issue a COBRA letter to the other parent. Should I send it to the Oregon Child Support Program if I do not have an address for them?

Yes, we will forward the letter to the parent’s last known address. View each state’s information regarding income and health care coverage withholding here.

Domestic Violence Concerns

Child Support and Notice to the Other Parent

When a parent enrolls in child support services and a case is opened, the other parent will receive a notice called a “Hello Letter.” The letter will contain the names of the parents, children, and information about the Oregon Child Support Program.

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How do I flag my case for family violence, so my contact information is not included in the notice or shared?

We will never include your contact information in the notice when a case is opened, but your information may need to be shared for legal reasons after a proposed child support order has been served or when an order is filed in court. We have options available to protect your personal information for legal proceedings.

The following options are available to help protect your information:

Claim of Risk – This option protects your personal information from being released during a legal action. With this option, you provide us an alternative mailing address that is safe to be released to the other parent, also known as a contact address, for the Oregon Child Support Program to use for all legal documents.
Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) – You may apply for this free mail-forwarding service if you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. The Oregon Department of Justice provides ACP to help shield their physical address.
Good Cause – You can request “good cause” when the above options do not work in your situation, and it is not safe to pursue child support or establish a legal father for the child. You can claim good cause if helping the Oregon Child Support Program could bring harm to you or the child, or when you are working with a public or private social agency to help you decide about adoption.

When and how will the other parent be contacted?

When a case opens, we notify the other parent by U.S. mail that the Oregon Child Support Program is now providing services. However, we will not send the Hello Letter if there is a question about who the parent of a child is.

Child Support and Paternity Testing

A genetic test, also known as a paternity or DNA test, may be required to determine who is the child’s father.

Can I have a different time or testing location than the other parent?: Yes. The Oregon Child Support Program will not schedule you for genetic testing at the same time and location. You can always contact your child support case manager if you have additional questions.

Child Support and Your Address

Your address may be on forms sent to the other parent or the court.

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How do I flag my case for family violence so my address isn’t shared with the other parent, included in the national child support database, or included on court documents?

To flag your case for family violence, you can request a Claim of Risk, apply for the Address Confidentiality Program, or claim Good Cause (which will close your case).

Claim of Risk – This option protects your personal information from being released during a legal action. With this option, you provide us an alternative mailing address that is safe to be released to the other parent, also known as a contact address, for the Oregon Child Support Program to use for all legal documents.
Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) – You may apply for this free mail-forwarding service if you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. The Oregon Department of Justice provides ACP to help shield their physical address.
Good Cause – You can request “good cause” when the above options do not work in your situation, and it is not safe to pursue child support or establish a legal father for the child. You can claim good cause if helping the Oregon Child Support Program could bring harm to you or the child, or when you are working with a public or private social agency to help you decide about adoption.

Child Support and In-Office Meetings

Can we meet in court instead?: The Oregon Child Support Program does most actions administratively, not in court. If you do not agree with the proposed child support amount, you have the right to request an administrative hearing. Administrative hearings are held by phone, not in person.
Can I schedule my meeting on a different day than the other parent?: Yes, we can schedule parents to come into the office on different days.
Can I participate in meetings by phone or videoconference?: Yes, we can schedule phone or videoconference appointments.
Will I be asked to meet with the other parent in the child support office?: No, we do not ask parents to come into the office at the same time. Also, we can handle many things without the need for an in-person meeting.

Child Support and the Courts

You may have to go to court to work out the details of the child support order.

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Can I bring an advocate from a domestic violence program or a friend for support?

An advocate or support person may come with you and stay in the courtroom during your case hearing. If you are planning to have them testify as a witness, they may be asked to stay outside of the courtroom until called.
Usually, only parties to a case or a licensed legal representative may sit at the tables in front of the judge. However, some judges will allow an advocate or support person to sit with you. You can ask the judge at the start of your hearing if they will allow the person to sit with you. If the judge allows them to sit with you, they cannot speak on your behalf or participate in your case.

Will security be notified about my safety concerns?

You can ask to have a law enforcement officer present. To do this, call the courthouse ahead of time and explain you have a hearing and are concerned for your safety. Let them know you would like an officer in the courtroom during the hearing.
Visit the OJD website for state court contact information.

Can I attend by phone or videoconference?

Every court has a way for you to ask to appear by phone or video. This usually requires a written “motion.” Contact your local court to get specific instructions. The request usually needs to be submitted well in advance of the hearing date. We recommend you provide specific details for your concerns in your request. You must send a copy of this request to the other parent, and they can tell the court they object to you appearing remotely. It is up to the judge to decide, and the judge may want you to appear in person.

Are there waiting areas where I won’t have to see the other parent?

Physical space in some courtroom settings may be limited, and there is no guarantee there will be an area for you to stay completely separated from the other parent. However, if there is a protection or no-contact order in place, that person must stay a reasonable distance from you and not speak or interact with you. If something inappropriate occurs while at the courthouse, immediately contact a court employee.

What are the safety options for getting into and out of the courthouse without contact with the other parent?

You can ask to have a law enforcement officer present. To do this, call the courthouse ahead of time, and explain that you have a hearing and are concerned for your safety. Let them know you would like an officer in the courtroom during your hearing.
When the hearing is over, you can ask the judge to keep the other parent in the courtroom until you can leave the building or have a deputy walk with you to the entrance of the courthouse or to your car.

Child Support and Parenting Time

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What happens if I don’t agree with the other parent on parenting time?

When the court order or written agreement is no longer current, or if there is a dispute in the number of overnights used in the child support guidelines calculation, the parents may:

Submit a new signed parenting time agreement
Obtain a new court order for parenting time
Request an administrative hearing—an administrative law judge (ALJ) may determine actual parenting time for the purpose of calculating support

Will the child support order include parenting time?

No. Actions to establish a child support order that are started by the Oregon Child Support Program do not include requests to establish parenting time or custody. We cannot advise you about parenting time or custody matters. Those issues must be resolved by written agreement between the parents or by court order.

If the order establishes , the law says that the parent who has physical custody when the order is initiated has sole legal custody of the children unless or until a court has entered a custody order. [ORS 109.175]

Does the amount of time the children spend with each parent affect how much support must be paid?

Yes, the amount of time each parent spends with their children can be factored into the calculation. When parents have a written agreement about parenting time, we will use the agreement to calculate child support.

Child Support Orders and Collection

Will I be notified before collection actions are taken?: When the Oregon Child Support Program is providing services, we will work with the other parent to comply with the support order by using all the tools available and appropriate for your case. We are not required to send advance notice of collection actions being taken. However, if you have a question about how we are addressing compliance for your order, you can contact your case manager, or Customer Service by phone at 800-850-0228 or email at ChildSupportCustomerService@doj.oregon.gov.
What happens if the other parent does not pay?: Most child support in Oregon is collected voluntarily, but that’s not always the case. When parents owe past-due support and don’t pay through income withholding or other voluntary ways, the Oregon Child Support Program can take other actions to help collect the ordered support. These actions include intercepting federal and state tax refunds, liens against property, garnishing lottery winnings or bank accounts, suspending licenses and passports, credit reporting, and if appropriate, contempt actions.
How will child support be collected?: In Oregon, most parents pay child support by payroll deduction. If granted an exception, the parent who pays support may choose an alternative method of payment, such as electronic payment withdrawal from their bank account, payment by check, or payment by money order.