Office of Child Support Services

Family Services | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)

All New Yorkers regardless of immigration statusFamilies with childrenCaregiver

OCSS helps parents and guardians establish and collect child support, so children get the financial and medical support they need.

Heads Up

Your child can receive child support until age 21, even if the other parent isn't involved. Are you a custodial parent? Once you have a child support order from Family Court, OCSS collects and sends payments to you. Are you a noncustodial parent? OCSS provides help finding work or reducing your child support debt.What we doEstablish child support orders. We can help you get a court order even if the other parent can't currently afford to pay. Collect child support. Most child support payments come from your paycheck automatically, but you can also pay anytime through the free ACCESS HRA app (no fees and easier than the NYS Child Support website).Help for noncustodial parents. Get connected with employment or debt relief programs if you're behind on child support payments. Help with related issues. OCSS doesn't handle custody or visitation but can refer you to mediation services and other help.
  • If you're receiving cash assistanceMissing appointments or ignoring child support notices can affect your benefits.
  • Your Cash Assistance can be reduced by 25%
  • You could lose Medicaid coverage
  • You may lose eligibility for some rental assistance programsDon't ignore official notices. Call the number on your appointment notice if you need to reschedule.
  • Modify your child support orderCircumstances changed? Two ways to request a modification if your income, employment, or custody changes:Option 1: Family CourtRequest through the court directly.Option 2: MOTS (Modifying Orders through Stipulation)
  • Uses the same guidelines as Family Court
  • Both parents must agree
  • Usually takes one court hearing to finalize

    • Eligibility

    You qualify if you:

  • Are a parent or guardian of a child under 21, and
  • Are the child's primary caregiverNot sure? Apply anyway — OCSS will review your situation.

    Required Documents

    Bring the following documents to your interview

  • Completed application
  • Child’s birth certificate
  • A recent photo of the other parent is helpful but not required

    Get Help

  • Visit the Child Support Services (http://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/child-support-services.page) website to learn more about available services. 
  • Visit an OCSS office (https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/ocss-locations.page) in your borough or the OCSS Customer Service Walk-in Center to get help in person:Customer Service Walk-in Center151 West Broadway, 4th Floor (between Worth and Thomas Streets), New York, NY 10013Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (except holidays)
  • For more information, call the Child Support Helpline at 888-208-4485 (mailto:[email protected]) (or 866-875-9975 (http://ww2.nycourts.gov/COURTS/nyc/family/faqs_custodyandvisitation.shtml) if you have trouble hearing).
  • OCSS offices are open. However, due to the pandemic, OCSS encourages clients to email [email protected] to request a customer service phone appointment or get an email response.
  • Please provide your name, Child Support case number, a description of your concern(s), phone number, and the best time to reach you. Write “Requesting a Customer Service Appointment” in the subject line of your email.
  • For information on custody and visitation, visit the Family Court website.

    • Back to Top