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Apply for Child Support

a father and young son sit on a sofa; the father has his arm around his son and they are smiling

Establishing a child support order is a legal process that results in an order that sets a monthly amount of money to be paid by the noncustodial parent for the support of the child(ren), or by both parents when a child is in foster care or in the care of a guardian or relative. The order also establishes who will be responsible to provide medical support.

Eligibility

A child support order can be established when:

  • The child or children on the case are under the age of 18.
  • Paternity is established.
  • The parents are separated or divorced and did not have a child support order established at the time of their divorce.
  • The parents were never married. 
  • A caretaker, agency, or other party has custody of the child or children.
  • Both parents are given proper legal notice that child support will be established. If a parent does not respond within the required time period, an order for support may be entered. This is called a "default order." It is legally valid and enforceable.

The child support order is based on Arizona Child Support Guidelines. The guidelines consider factors such as the needs of the children and the finances of both parents, as well as ability to pay. These guidelines are available through the Arizona Supreme Court Guidelines.

Establish Medical Support:

The Arizona courts and the DCSS require health insurance coverage and/or cash medical support for children when setting up a child support order.

The DCSS will list either the mother or the father to provide health coverage. Both parents can also share this responsibility. Only the support payor can be required to pay cash medical support. Public medical coverage may also fulfill this requirement.

Items You May Need to Apply

  • The name of the other parent
  • A copy of each child’s birth certificate
  • The other parent’s Social Security number (if available)
  • The other parent’s most recent employer (employer name and address), if known
    • Applicants should provide as much information and documents as possible for all children listed on the application:
      • Birth certificates
      • Copies of any orders relating to paternity
      • Copies of any existing or previous support orders
        • A record of payments that have been made directly to you, through a court or a clearinghouse outside of Arizona.
      • Copies of adoption documents
    • If you have been married:
      • Copies of your marriage license(s)
      • Copy of any decree(s) of dissolution of divorce

Applying for Child Support

Apply Online

Applying for Child Support services is easier than ever! You can apply online through the AZCARES Child Support Customer Portal.

If you prefer, you can also submit a paper application by following these steps:

  1. Complete one of the following application forms:
  2. Follow the instructions on the application. Provide as much information and as many documents as you can.

Important: If you are applying for services for more than two children with the same father, complete a Child Supplemental Page form for each child.

  1. Submit the completed Request for Child Support Services:
    • Ensure the application is signed before submitting. An unsigned application will delay your service.

Submit via:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mail: P.O. Box 40458 Phoenix, AZ 85067
  • Drop off in a secure document drop box at a local DCSS office.

After the Application

After your application is processed, a case will open. Both parents will get a letter about the next steps.

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