How to Check on Child Support Payments
By Grace Ferguson
Child support payment information can be obtained through your state's child support division. Procedures vary by state. As a general rule, the legal parent, guardian or caretaker of the child and the non-custodial party involved in the case can receive payment data.
Access Your Account Online
States typically allow child support payers and recipients to view payment information through a web portal. You must create an account to be able to view payments online. Expect to provide identifying information such as your Social Security number, case number and driver's license number when registering.
After logging into your account, you can access your payment history . This information might include payment dates and amounts sent to the custodial person. If you pay by check, it should include check numbers and which checks have been cashed. You might be able to view only a certain number of payments, such as those made in the last two years.
After logging into your account, you can access your payment history . This information might include payment dates and amounts sent to the custodial person. If you pay by check, it should include check numbers and which checks have been cashed. You might be able to view only a certain number of payments, such as those made in the last two years.
Read More: How to Access an Online Child Support Account to Check the Status
Call the Agency
If you cannot, or prefer not to, access the information online, you can call the child support division's toll-free or local number. Phone numbers for payment information are usually listed on the state government's website, which you can also use to look up the field office nearest you.
Phone information may be available 24 hours a day via an automated response system. You will be required to provide identifying information, such as your Social Security number, when you call.
Visit Your Field Office
A trip to your field office can give you not only payment data, but also information that might not be available online or by phone. For example, this might include a more detailed payment history that goes beyond the dates that you can see online. Call ahead to see if an appointment is necessary. When you visit the office, carry identifying information with you, such as your case number and driver's license.
Tips
The scope of information available to custodial and non-custodial parents varies from one state to the next. For example, the custodial parent might be able to view the history of payments she received as well as those posted to the non-custodial parent's account. The non-custodial parent might be able to see only payments and fees posted to his account.
Warnings
Though you might be able to print a copy of the information you receive online, the data might be only for informational purposes. It might not be admissible as proof in a court case.
Writer Bio
Grace Ferguson has been writing professionally since 2009. With 10 years of experience in employee benefits and payroll administration, Ferguson has written extensively on topics relating to employment and finance. A research writer as well, she has been published in The Sage Encyclopedia and Mission Bell Media.