is child support considered alimony
Different programs have different rules. Child support is not taxable income to the recipient (though alimony, which includes for federal tax purposes spousal support, is federal taxable income). Child support is also not a deduction for the payor, though alimony can be. On a loan application, you have the option of considering support as income available to repay the loan or choosing not to disclose it. If you are looking for food stamps, subsidized housing, welfare, etc. it usually is.