Streamlining Child Support Payments in Washington State

Paying child support can be a confusing and frustrating process for parents in Washington state. However the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) provides several convenient online and offline options to make paying child support easier. In this article, we’ll break down the various methods for paying child support in Washington, and provide tips for streamlining the process.

Overview of Child Support in Washington

In Washington state, the Division of Child Support (DCS) under DSHS is responsible for establishing, enforcing and collecting child support obligations from non-custodial parents. Once a child support order is established through DCS, the non-custodial parent is legally required to pay the custodial parent on a regular basis until the child turns 18.

Child support payments typically are deducted automatically from the non-custodial parent’s paycheck. However, the non-custodial parent has the option to pay child support directly to DCS through other methods.

Online Payment Options

For parents who want the convenience of paying online, DCS has partnered with several third-party vendors to provide quick and secure online payment processing:

Secure Access Washington Portal

Parents can make one-time or recurring child support payments using the Secure Access Washington (SAW) portal. SAW allows electronic payments directly from a bank account using direct debit

Third-Party Vendors

In addition to SAW, parents can pay child support through authorized third-party vendors:

• ChildSupportBillPay – Make one-time credit/debit card payments by phone or online.
• LexisNexis – Pay by credit/debit card online or by phone.
• MyPaymentPortal – Process credit/debit card payments online.
• TouchPay – Pay online or by phone with credit/debit card.

Each vendor charges a small transaction fee for payments. It’s a good idea to compare fees before choosing a provider.

Offline Payment Options

For those who prefer offline options, parents can pay child support by money order, cash payment, or check:

• Money orders – Inexpensive option available at most banks, post offices, and retailers. Be sure to include identifying information like SSN.

• Cash payments – Make a cash payment through MoneyGram or similar cash transfer service. Transmitted electronically.

• Check – Mail check payments to the Washington State Support Registry:

  Washington State Support Registry
  PO Box 45868
  Olympia, WA 98504-5868

Be sure to include the non-custodial parent’s SSN on mailed checks and money orders.

Tips for Smooth Payment Processing

To avoid delays and issues with child support payments, keep these tips in mind:

• Have identifying information ready – When paying online or by phone, have SSN and case number handy for quick verification.

• Allow time for processing – Online and mailed payments take 2-3 business days to process. Plan ahead to avoid late payments.

• Check for holidays – Holidays and weekends may cause delays. Refer to processing schedules.

• Sign up for payment reminders – Many vendors offer text or email reminders to help stay on schedule.

• Review payment history online – Log in to DCS online portal to view payment history and confirm credits.

• Save payment receipts – For mailed payments, save receipts and money order stubs to verify payments.

• Update contact information – Keep your contact info current with DCS so they can reach you if needed.

• Communicate payment issues – If expected payment credits don’t appear, contact DCS right away.

Special Payment Processing Situations

Some special circumstances may impact the child support payment process:

• Back child support – Existing unpaid obligations must continue to be paid down even when making current payments.

• Changing income – Request a modification if income changes substantially to adjust monthly payment.

• Temporary changes in custody – Continue paying support as ordered even if custody changes temporarily.

• Probation violations – Lapsed payments due to probation violations still accrue and must be repaid.

• Incarceration – Incarceration does not eliminate obligation to pay support. Work with DCS on modified payments.

• Out-of-state – Out-of-state parents must continue making Washington child support payments as ordered.

• Emancipation – Support payments end when the child turns 18 unless conditions like disability extend obligation.

Get Help from DCS

Don’t hesitate to reach out to DCS if you need assistance with child support payments in Washington. DCS provides many resources to help parents navigate the payment process:

• Talk to a case worker – Your assigned DCS case worker can answer questions and help with payment issues.

• Call the customer service line – Explain your situation and get personalized guidance over the phone.

• Schedule an office appointment – Meet in-person with DCS staff for hands-on help.

• Access online support resources – Articles, guides and FAQs provide a wealth of payment information.

Paying child support can feel overwhelming at times for non-custodial parents. But understanding all the payment options and using available resources will help Washington parents pay their child support obligation with less stress. Reach out to DCS to get personalized assistance optimizing the payment process.