Paying child support is an important responsibility for parents in Washington state. Thankfully, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services makes it easy to pay your monthly child support online or by phone. This convenient electronic payment option saves you time and ensures your payments are always on time.
Overview of Washington Child Support Payments
Parents ordered to pay child support in Washington have a few options
- Mail a check or money order to the Washington State Support Registry (WSSR).
- Pay by phone through the automated PayNOW system.
- Pay online anytime via the DSHS Parent Portal website.
When you pay electronically either by phone or online, the funds are transferred from your bank account or credit/debit card. Payments made by 11:59pm PST are processed the next business day.
If paying by mail, make checks payable to “DSHS” and allow 7-10 days for processing. Electronic payments are faster with funds disbursed to the receiving parent within 2 business days.
Why Pay Online in Washington?
Paying your Washington child support online has many benefits
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Convenient – Make payments 24/7 without leaving home.
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Automatic – Set up recurring payments to be made automatically each month.
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Fast – Funds disburse to the receiving parent quickly.
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Secure – Parent Portal website uses encryption to protect your data.
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Organized – Payment history is stored in your online account.
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Alerts – Get text or email alerts when payments are made.
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Support – Live chat available if you need help.
Paying online with a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer is the quickest and most convenient way to stay on top of your monthly support obligation.
How to Pay Child Support Online in Washington
Follow these steps to make a child support payment online:
Step 1: Visit the DSHS Parent Portal
Go to https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/division-child-support and click “Make a Payment” to access the portal.
Step 2: Log In to Your Account
If it’s your first time, click “Sign Up” to create an account. Otherwise enter your username and password.
Step 3: Select Payment Method
Choose bank account transfer (ACH), credit card, or debit card. Avoid fees by using your bank account.
Step 4: Enter Payment Details
Select if it’s a one-time or recurring payment. Enter the amount, date, case number, etc.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Double check that all payment details are correct before submitting.
Once submitted, funds transfer within 2 business days. The receiving parent is then issued a disbursement.
Tips for Online Child Support Payments
Keep these tips in mind when paying child support online in Washington:
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Save time by scheduling recurring payments. Just update the amount if it changes.
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Make payments 5 business days before due to allow for processing time.
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Notify the registry if your address, employment, or bank account changes.
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Keep your username, password, and security questions private.
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Check your account for accurate payment history and details.
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Contact the call center for help setting up your account or making payments.
Paying online ensures child support gets where it needs to go quickly and securely. Establish a routine for speedy monthly payments.
What If I’m Unable to Pay in Washington?
If you are struggling to make child support payments on time, take action right away:
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Request a modification to lower your monthly amount if income decreased substantially.
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Ask about hardship reprieve options that temporarily reduce payments.
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Contact the registry to set up a payment plan if you fall behind.
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Don’t ignore delinquent payments as enforcement actions like license suspension will result.
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Keep records proving inability to pay in case your enforcement is contested.
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Seek resources like budgeting help, public assistance, or local charities if needed.
Communicate with the child support agency if you anticipate having trouble making payments. Don’t let arrears pile up.
Does Washington Offer a Mobile App?
Yes, Washington offers a free Child Support Pay app that allows you to conveniently:
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Make one-time payments by card or bank account.
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View payment history and balance info.
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Set up text or email payment confirmations.
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Securely store your payment information.
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Access customer support and FAQs.
The app is available for Apple iOS devices through the App Store and Android devices through Google Play. Just search “Washington Child Support Pay” to download it.
Now you can easily pay your child support bill on the go from your smartphone or tablet in Washington!
What if I Have Questions About Online Payments?
Don’t hesitate to contact the Washington child support call center if you have any questions about online payments, your account, or payment history.
You can reach them at 1-800-442-KIDS or [email protected]. Live chat with an agent is also available on the Parent Portal website for assistance.
Some common questions the call center can help with:
- How do I reset my online account password?
- Why didn’t my payment go through?
- How do I cancel a recurring payment?
- When will funds be disbursed after I pay online?
- Can I change my bank account or card number?
- What is my current balance and how much do I owe?
The Washington child support call center and website provide plenty of support if you have trouble with online payments. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
Paying child support through the Washington Parent Portal website is the most convenient way to stay on top of your monthly obligation. Funds transfer quickly, you save on postage, and you have 24/7 account access.
Just be sure to communicate with the child support agency right away if you will have trouble making payments for any reason. Consistent on-time payments ensure your child continues receiving the support they need.
Child Support Pays Bills
FAQ
Can you pay child support online Washington State?
Pay at the office near you, or send it to Washington State Support Registry PO Box 45868 Olympia, WA 98504 by mail. You can also pay online or by telephone. Contact DCS to find out how at www. dshs. wa. gov and click on “Child Support”, and then click on “How do I pay my Child Support”.
What happens if child support is not paid in Washington state?
You may not be able to receive your tax refund. Your name could be placed on the Washington Division of Child Support Most Wanted list. Your driver’s license could become suspended. You could be held in contempt of court.
What time do child support payments post in Washington state?
The payment will be credited to your child support account after 5:00 p. m. MT two (2) full business days after the payment date. The payment will be available to your county caseworker on the 3rd business day.
Do you pay child support on a 50/50 custody in Washington state?
A child support transfer payment is usually still made even if both parents share a residential schedule (each parent spends half of the time with the child), even if their incomes are different. A shared residential schedule may be a reason for a lower child support transfer payment, but not always.
How do I pay my state of Washington child support payments?
Sign in: This is a service from Value Payment Systems that lets you pay your State of Washington bills online. Your account will be charged for all payments right away, and the money will be added to your child support account two (2) full business days after the payment date. Please click “Continue” to proceed to the next step.
When will I receive my child support payment?
All payments are charged to your credit card or debit account immediately. The payment will be credited to your child support account after 5:00 p. m. MT two (2) full business days after the payment date. The payment will be available to your county caseworker on the 3rd business day.
How do I get child support in Washington State?
Call 1-800-457-6202 and ask for CRU or send an email to dcs-cru@dshs. wa. gov. KIDS Line: 1-800-442-KIDS (5437) is an automated phone system for all kind of information, including case-specific payment information. It can connect you to the office which handles your child support case.
How do I authorize DCS to take child support payments?
Additional information: User Guide for Electronic Child Support Payments. Employers tell DCS to take payments automatically from their bank accounts until the employer tells DCS to stop or make payments. Employers who use this option need to submit a completed EFT Authorization Form.
How secure is child support online payment service?
Child Support Internet Payment service through Secure Access Washington (SAW) DCS Online DCSOnline is secure and free. Users create their own SAW Account, User ID, and Password, along.
Do employers have to pay child support online?
Most employers are required to pay electronically. It is easy to do and saves money by reducing paperwork, handling costs, and bank charges. See below for payment options. Secure Access Washington (SAW) DCS Online offers an Internet payment service for child support. If playback doesn’t start soon, try restarting your device.
