OCSS Custodial Parents - HRA

Human Resources Administration

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Repaying A Claim
Repaying a Lien

Adult Protective Services

Burial Assistance

Child Support Services

Disability Access

Domestic Violence Support

Energy Assistance

Immigrant Resources

LGBTQI Support

Repaying A Claim

Repaying a Lien


Child Support for Custodial Parents

The custodial parent is the parent, relative, or guardian who lives with and is the primary caretaker of the child or children.

To apply for the child support program, any mother, father, or guardian who cares for a child can go to the Family Court or Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) office in the borough they live in, regardless of immigration status and where the other parent (also called the noncustodial parent) resides. Child Support is a national and international program, so custodial parents are encouraged to apply for services even if the other parent does not live in New York City.
Refer to the Custodial Parent Handbook for more information

Services for parents include:

Locating the other parent (noncustodial parent)

Assisting with preparing a petition to establish legal fatherhood (parentage) at Family Court. Even if you believe the noncustodial parent cannot afford to pay child support right now, you should still get a child support order. Establishing legal fatherhood or parentage just by itself can benefit your child.

Assisting with preparing a petition to establish child support and medical support orders at Family Court

Collecting and distributing support payments to the custodial parent or guardian

Enforcing child support orders

Connecting noncustodial parents to jobs

Offering noncustodial parents debt reduction options

Providing summons service

In New York State, child support ends when the child turns 21 or emancipates, whichever occurs first.

Establishing custody and visitation orders is done in a separate part of the New York City Family Court. Learn more on the Court's Custody & Visitation webpage.
If you would like to discuss whether custody & visitation orders are right for you, OCSS can refer you and the other parent to mediation services. Cusody & visitation orders are not required to establish a child support order.

Access to mediation can also help you settle child support debt that is owed to you – whether it’s a smaller amount in exchange for forgiving all or part of the past-due child support or you decide not to take action and continue with your child support case. Mediation can also help you and the other parent work through issues that can make co-parenting difficult.

Below is a basic summary of the child support process.

If you need to contact us, please use one of the methods listed on contact list. Also available in:

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Click a topic, or press the enter key on a topic, to reveal the details.

Open a new child support case

How to Enroll for Child Support Services

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Use the Access HRA Child Support Mobile App to complete and submit the Child Support Enrollment form (step by step instructions provided)

Child Support Enrollment Form (LDSS-5258)

Get translations for the enrollment form

Establishing Parentage
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Guided Easy to Complete Court Forms

Child Support for Parents Who Live Outside of New York State and learn more on the NYC Law Department website

DNA Testing Services

Child Support Standards Chart and Calculator

Custody/visitation and Mediation Services

Custodial Parents with a Divorce Decree

Serving a Child Support Summons
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Custodial Parent Handbook

Custodial Parent Handbook in:

English

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Child Support and Cash Assistance

Cash Assistance and Child Support (FLY-1172)

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Cash Assistance - Why Comply With NYC Child Support (FLY-1172a)

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Cash Assistance - Child Support Application And What To Bring (FLY-1172b)

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Cash Assistance - Next Steps After Appointment (FLY-1172c)

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OCSS Appointment Notice (Sample) (OCSS-91)

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To stop a sanction for non-compliance with child support, contact the local OCSS Borough Office as soon as possible.

Getting child support safely

Notice of Responsibilities and Rights for Support (LDSS-4279)
Get LDSS-4279 translations

Information for all potential child support applicants about getting child support safely
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Agreements (define the child support order details before the court hearing)

Child Support Agreements
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Prepare for Court

Family Legal Care can support your technology needs with computers, internet access, phones, scanners, printers/fax, and assistance with Court navigation support. Visit the Family Legal Care Tech Hub page for more information.

Manage or modify your Child Support case

Account Information

View Payments and Disbursements

Receive Child Support by Direct Deposit

Receive Child Support by Debit Card

Change or Stop Your Child Support Order

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Request for Administrative Case Closure

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Get free financial counseling through the NYC Financial Empowerment Centers | NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Book an appointment online and create/login to your Financial Empowerment Portal account OR call 311 to book an appointment.

Child Support Case Enforcement

Enforcement Actions

Petition the Court to enforce the child support order

Videos

You can access the OCSS Playlist on YouTube. The videos listed below are relevant to custodial parents.

Child Support: Facts for Custodial Parents

How To Request a Phone Appointment with OCSS

How to Change Your Address or Employment Information

How to Fill Out the Direct Deposit Enrollment Form

Child Support: The Court Order

NYC Child Support Guide - Custodial Parent

NYC Sustento de Menores - Padres con Custodia

Additional Resources

AccessHRA: Apply for some HRA benefits, submit documents for your application, manage your case, and much more

AccessNYC: Find help in NYC with food, money, housing, work, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to questions many parents have. Contact us for assistance with case specific questions.