The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) makes children the priority through helping mothers, fathers and guardians in opening and maintaining child support cases. A child can get child support until age 21 even if the other parent isn't involved in the child’s life. Parents who pay child support can get help finding a job and managing their child support debt. Other services are also available.
Heads Up
The Office of Child Support Services’ Training Institute offers free online information sessions on topics that are important to parents as well as community-based organizations. (
https://www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/services/child_support/ocss-training-institute-flyer-en.pdf) See the list of upcoming sessions and register today (mailto:
[email protected]) ! Office of Child Support Services
You don't have to be a citizen to get this service. You won't be asked about your immigration status.This service doesn't help with custody or visitation but it can guide you to services that do, such as mediation.Get a child support order even if the other parent can't afford to pay right now. They can get help finding work and may qualify for financial protections.Parents who are behind on their child support payments may qualify for a program to lower their debt.Noncustodial parents can also get connected to job services if they are unemployed or underemployed.Avoid extra credit card fees: make child support payments on the ACCESS HRA Child Support mobile app instead of the NYS Child Support website.If you're a custodial parent applying for or get cash assistance on your child's behalf - not responding to your child support notice or missing a child support appointment might lead to:your Cash Assistance benefit being reduced by 25%loss of Medicaid coverage for yourselfloss of eligibility for some rental assistance programs.Modifying Orders through Stipulation (MOTS) is a program that can reduce a child support order based on both parents' incomes.MOTS uses the same guidelines as Family Court. The agreement is then reviewed in Family Court with all parties present.A modified order is usually issued after one hearing. For assistance, please call the phone number on your appointment notice or email OCSS at [email protected]
Eligibility
To be eligible for child support services, you should be able to answer yes to these questions:
Are you a single parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of 21?Are you primarily responsible for the child's day-to-day life?
Required Documents
When you go to your interview, you’ll need to bring the following documents:
Your completed applicationYour child’s birth certificateA recent photo of the other parent is helpful but not required
How to Apply
To enroll for Child Support Services
Enroll online using the NYC Child Support - ACCESS HRA Child Support Mobile App. Download the app for free through the (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nyc-child-support-access-hra/id1587924041) App Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.nyc.hra.ChildSupport) (Apple) and (https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/child-support-services.page?question=faq1) Google Play (http://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/5143.pdf) (Android) in English, Spanish, Korean, Arabic, Russian, Traditional Chinese, and French.If you already have an ACCESS HRA account for SNAP, Cash Assistance, or Medicaid, you can use the same login information. Mail your enrollment form.Complete the child support enrollment form by downloading the form (http://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/5143.pdf) or asking for a copy to be mailed to your home. Mail your form to: (http://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/5143.pdf) (http://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/5143.pdf) Office of Child Support Services (http://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/5143.pdf) (https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/ocss-locations.page) PO Box 830 Canal Street Station New York, NY 10013If you're applying for or receiving cash assistance or medical assistance on your child's behalf, you need to interview at the OCSS Borough Office to open a case.Provide as much information as you can about the child's other parent. Examples include their date of birth, Social Security number, address, and employer's name. A photo is also helpful.
Online
Apply online using the NYC ACCESS HRA Child Support Mobile App
Enroll in child support via your phonePay child support by credit, debit or PayPal with no feesComplete child support forms and apply to debt reduction programsScan and upload required documentsLearn more about the mobile app at NYC ACCESS HRA Child Support Mobile App (https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/childsupportmobile.page) or download the app for free from the (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nyc-child-support-access-hra/id1587924041) App Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.nyc.hra.ChildSupport) (Apple) and Google Play (Android.)
Apply online
By Mail
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 the OCSS Customer Service Walk-in Center or the OCSS Family Court (https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/ocss-locations.page) office in your borough 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.
