Learn More About Child Support Orders

Most child support orders can be reviewed every 36 months, based on when the order was first set or last reviewed.

In some cases, a review may happen sooner than 36 months if there is a major change. This may happen because a parent or caregiver asks or because new information is received.

Examples of changes that may lead to an earlier review include:

• A change in income
• A change related to a child
• A change in child care or health care costs
• Other changes that affect the support order

Some reviews happen automatically, such as when a family receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or when new Social Security income information is received.

DCSE looks at both parents’ income and expenses for the child. Each may be asked to provide documents, such as:

• Proof of income
• Child care costs
• Health care costs

If a change is needed, DCSE updates the administrative order or asks the court to update the court order.

If no change is needed, the order stays the same and the 36-month review period starts over.

Child support orders can be set in different ways.

Administrative Support Orders

Some orders are set by the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) without going to court. DCSE can review these orders and make changes when needed.

Court Orders

Other orders are set by a judge. DCSE can review these orders, but any change must be reviewed and entered by the court.

If you would like to ask for a review, you can choose to:

• Start the Request for Review and Adjustment through the MyChildSupport portal.
• Download and complete the Request for Review and Adjustment, then upload it through the MyChildSupport portal (registration with the portal is required).
• Request a copy of the Request for Review and Adjustment by contacting DCSE Customer Service.
• Pick up or drop off a completed Request for Review and Adjustment at a DCSE District Office.

Start a review request in MyChildSupport

Some child support orders are established or reviewed when a family receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). TANF is a program that provides eligible families with monthly cash payments to help meet basic needs.

When a family receives TANF:

• A child support order is established or reviewed as part of the program.
• The law requires a review every 36 months.
• A review can happen even if neither parent asks for one.

Some child support orders are reviewed when a parent receives benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). These benefits may affect how child support is set.

This may include:

• Social Security Disability benefits
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

When benefit information is received:

• DCSE may review the child support order
• The review looks at whether the benefits affect the support amount
• A review does not always mean the order will change

These reviews help make sure the order reflects current income and benefits.