The 4D, or IV-D, program is an effort at the federal, state and local level to collect child support on behalf of custodial parents. The child support enforcement programs works in every state and even works with the assistance of some foreign countries as well. If you want to collect child support for your children, you don't have to go it alone: Your local child support enforcement agency will help you every step of the way.
Click the "U.S. Department of Health and Human Service: State Child Support Enforcement Offices" link (see Resources) to locate your state's child support enforcement office.
Call your state's child support office for information. To apply for services, you'll usually be asked to appear in person at the nearest child support services office.
Fill out the required paperwork to apply for child support help. The child support enforcement agency will provide you with the relevant paperwork. The exact paperwork will depend upon what level of services you need. For example, the paperwork required to collect on an existing child support court order will be different than if you have no order and need assistance obtaining one.
Attend every required meeting or appointment. For example, you may be required to take your child in for a DNA test to establish paternity.
Tips
How many years back child support you can collect will depend upon your state's laws. In general, you'll be able to collect back child support for a longer period of time if you have an existing child support order. If you don't have an order, the time may be limited to four or five years.
References
- Cook Country Clerk of Court: Service and Resources Child Support Assistance
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Service: Administration for Children & Families
- Department of Justice. "Citizen's Guide to the U.S. Federal Law on Child Support Enforcement." Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
- Office of Child Support Enforcement. "Child Support Handbook: Chapter 5 - Collecting Support," Page 1. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
- Office of Child Support Enforcement. "Multistate Financial Institution Data Match Specifications Handbook," Page 1. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
- Office of Child Support Enforcement. "Child Support Handbook: Chapter 5 - Collecting Support," Page 2. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
- 104th Congress, Session 2. "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996," Pages 138-148. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
- Office of Child Support Enforcement. "Overview of National Directory of New Hires." Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.
Tips
- How many years back child support you can collect will depend upon your state's laws. In general, you'll be able to collect back child support for a longer period of time if you have an existing child support order. If you don't have an order, the time may be limited to four or five years.
Writer Bio
Stephanie Ellen teaches mathematics and statistics at the university and college level. She coauthored a statistics textbook published by Houghton-Mifflin. She has been writing professionally since 2008. Ellen holds a Bachelor of Science in health science from State University New York, a master's degree in math education from Jacksonville University and a Master of Arts in creative writing from National University.