When you fall behind on child support, you build up child support debt.

Sometimes called “arrears,” “past-due support,” or “back child support,” child support debt can have serious impacts.

Many impacts of child support debt are financial. These impacts typically continue until you pay off the debt.

When you fall behind on child support, you may end up having:

• Interest added to your debt

• Negative reports on your credit

• Your regular child support payment increased to pay down the debt

• Money taken from your account in a bank or other financial institution

• Some benefits partially withheld. For example: unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and workers’ compensation

• Lump sum payments withheld in whole or in part. For example: state and federal tax refunds, lottery winnings, or legal settlements

Other impacts may not directly affect your finances but are still important. For example: suspending your driver’s license or having a lien placed on your property.

Read more about our enforcement powers and the court’s.

In California, interest begins to add up as soon as unpaid child support becomes child support debt.

The annual interest rate on child support debt in California is 10%.

Policies on interest vary across the country. Check with your state or tribal child support program to understand how interest works in your case.

You cannot reduce or eliminate child support debt through bankruptcy.

If you are having trouble paying your child support, contact us. We have more ways to help than we used to.

For example, California has expanded its program to reduce child support debt owed to the government. Learn more about the Debt Reduction Program or contact us today for details.