 Either
parent or the custodial party may open a child support case
by completing an application. Child support applications may
be picked up at any child support office, or may be requested
over the phone. For office locations and phone numbers, click
here.
CalWORKS, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care
Cases
A case will automatically be opened for any child receiving
CalWORKS, Foster Care, or Medi-Cal benefits. In these cases,
the Department of Social Services will refer the case to the
Department of Child Support Services, unless a good
cause exemption is granted. In order to maintain their
grant eligibility, parents who apply for public assistance
must cooperate with the child support caseworker to establish
paternity and to obtain child support payments. Except
in a foster care case, the first $50 of child support collected
each month for children receiving public assistance is paid
directly to the primary custodial party. The remainder of
the child support payment collected goes to the County for
reimbursement of the welfare benefits. For more information
about child support and CalWORKS, Medi-Cal or Foster Care
cases, please refer to the Section 10 of the State
of California Child Support Handbook.
Domestic Violence Cases
The Department of Child Support Services understands the
extremely sensitive nature of situations involving domestic
violence. Special provisions are in place for dealing with
child support cases where domestic violence is an issue. If
you need help collecting child support from a violent or potentially
violent individual, please inform child support staff immediately
so that the proper precautions may be taken to protect you
and the child(ren).
 What
To Bring To Your Appointment with Child Support Services
When opening a child support case, you should gather and
bring to any appointment as much information as possible.
A case can still be opened without all of the information
listed below, but it will be easier to collect child support
with complete information about each parent and child. The
Department of Child Support Services will request the following:
Information about you:
- Full name, address, and phone number
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number
- Paycheck stubs
- Name, address, and phone number of employer or former
employer
- Tax returns for the last two years, including W-2 forms
and 1099 forms
- Existing child support orders
- Marriage license
- Divorce order or separation agreement
Information about the child:
- Each child's full name, address, and phone number
- Each child's date of birth and copy of birth certificate
- Each child's Social Security Number
- Proof of paternity
Information about the other parent:
- Full name, address, and phone number
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number
- Name, address, and phone number of employer or last
employer, union or self-employment information
- A recent photograph or description
- The names and phone numbers of friends or family
- Information about past involvement with the child
- The names of any clubs or organizations
- Information about valuables, such as cars, motorcycles,
boats, RVs, or other property
- Copies of paycheck stubs, bank statements for checking,
savings, or other accounts
- Tax returns for the last two years, including W-2 forms
and 1099 forms
For more information on opening a child support case, please
refer to Section 3 of the State
of California Child Support Handbook.
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