Where to send your Missouri child support payment

Missouri child support payments go to the Missouri Family Support Payment Center, a state office that collects and distributes all court-ordered payments. You do not send money directly to the other parent or to the court. The Payment Center processes your payment, records it against your case, and forwards the money to the custodial parent.

The Payment Center's mailing address is:

Missouri Family Support Payment Center PO Box 104 Jefferson City, MO 65102

If you are paying by check or money order, write your case number on the payment itself. The case number appears on your court order and on any notices you receive from the state. Without it, the Payment Center may not know which account to credit.

Key Takeaways

  • All Missouri child support payments go through the state Payment Center in Jefferson City, not directly to the other parent.
  • You can pay by check, money order, automatic bank transfer, or credit card, and each method has different fees.
  • The fastest and most reliable way to pay is through automatic withdrawal from your bank account, which the Payment Center can set up for you.
  • If you pay late or miss a payment, the state can report it to credit bureaus, suspend your driver's license, and intercept tax refunds.
  • Missouri allows you to request a payment plan or modification if your income has changed and you cannot pay the full amount.

Payment methods and how they work

Missouri offers four ways to pay child support, and the method you choose affects how fast the Payment Center records your payment and whether you pay a fee.

Automatic bank transfer is the most common method. You authorize the Payment Center to withdraw money from your checking or savings account on a set date each month. There is no fee, and the Payment Center receives the payment reliably. To set this up, contact the Payment Center by phone at 573-751-4301 or request a form from their website. You will need your bank account number and routing number.

Check or money order sent by mail reaches the Payment Center at the address above. Write your case number on the payment. Mail takes several days, so the Payment Center may not record your payment for a week or more after you send it. There is no fee, but the delay means you could be marked late even if you mailed the check on time.

Credit card or debit card payments can be made through a third-party processor. The Payment Center's website lists the current processor and the fee, which is typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount. This method is fast — the Payment Center usually records it the same day — but the fee adds to your cost.

Phone payment by automated system or with a representative is also available through the Payment Center. Call 573-751-4301 to learn the current phone payment options and any associated fees.

What happens if you miss or are late on a payment

Missouri tracks every payment and reports missed or late payments to credit bureaus after 30 days. A single late payment can lower your credit score and make it harder to borrow money, rent an apartment, or get a job that requires a background check.

If you fall behind, the state can take several enforcement actions. The Missouri Department of Revenue can intercept your state income tax refund and explore it to your balance. The state can also suspend your driver's license, making it illegal to drive. If you owe a large amount, the state may report you to the federal offset program, which can intercept federal tax refunds as well.

The state can also file a contempt of court motion, which means you could be ordered to appear in court or face jail time if you cannot show you made a good-faith effort to pay. This is a serious consequence and should be avoided.

Requesting a payment plan or modification

If your income has dropped or your circumstances have changed, you may be able to request a modification of your child support order. A modification is a court order that changes the amount you owe each month. This is different from a payment plan — a modification changes the legal obligation itself, while a payment plan lets you catch up on what you already owe.

To request a modification, you must file a motion with the court that issued your original order. You will need to show that your income has changed significantly — usually a loss of job, a serious illness, or a major reduction in hours. The court will review your current income and expenses and may lower, raise, or leave your payment the same.

While your modification request is pending, you are still legally required to pay the original amount. If you stop paying while waiting for the court to decide, you will still be reported for non-payment. Contact the Missouri Family Support Payment Center or your local Family Support Division office to discuss your options before you fall behind.

How the Payment Center records and distributes your money

When the Payment Center receives your payment, it credits your case account when ready or within one business day, depending on the payment method. The Payment Center then distributes the money to the custodial parent, usually within one to three business days. If there is an arrearage (money you owe from past months), the Payment Center applies your payment to the arrearage first, then to the current month's obligation.

You can check your payment history and current balance by logging into the Missouri Family Support Payment Center's online portal or by calling 573-751-4301. Have your case number ready. The portal shows every payment received, the date it was recorded, and how much you still owe.

Automatic income withholding and wage garnishment

If you are employed, your employer may already be withholding child support from your paycheck. This is called income withholding, and it is automatic in most Missouri cases. Your employer sends the withheld amount directly to the Payment Center, and it is applied to your obligation just like any other payment.

If you change jobs, your new employer must receive a withholding order from the state. There is usually a short gap between when you leave one job and when the new employer starts withholding. During that gap, you are still responsible for paying the full amount yourself. Contact the Family Support Division to make sure the withholding order has been sent to your new employer.

If you are self-employed or paid in cash, income withholding does not explore. You must pay the Payment Center directly using one of the methods described above.

Keeping records and getting proof of payment

Keep records of every payment you make, especially if you pay by check or money order. Write down the date, amount, and case number. If you pay by automatic transfer or card, the Payment Center sends you a receipt or confirmation. Save these documents in case there is ever a dispute about whether you paid.

If you need proof that you have paid child support — for a loan process, a court hearing, or any other reason — you can request a payment history from the Missouri Family Support Payment Center. Call 573-751-4301 or visit their website to request a certified statement of your account. There may be a small fee for this service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot afford to pay the full amount this month?

Contact the Missouri Family Support Payment Center or your local Family Support Division office before the payment is due. Explain your situation and ask about a temporary payment plan or a modification request. Paying even a partial amount is better than paying nothing, because it shows good faith and may prevent enforcement action.

Can I pay child support directly to the other parent instead of the Payment Center?

No. All payments must go through the Missouri Family Support Payment Center. Even if the other parent agrees to accept payment directly, it will not be recorded as an official payment, and you could still be reported for non-payment. Always use the official Payment Center.

How long does it take for a payment to show up in my account?

It depends on the payment method. Automatic bank transfers and card payments usually show within one business day. Checks and money orders sent by mail can take a week or more. Call the Payment Center at 573-751-4301 to confirm receipt if you are unsure.

What if I paid but the Payment Center says I did not?

This sometimes happens with mailed checks or money orders. Contact the Payment Center with your payment details — the date you sent it, the amount, and how you sent it. Ask them to search their records. If the payment was lost in the mail, you may need to stop payment on the original check and send a new one, or provide a copy of a cancelled check as proof.

Can I pay child support online?

The Missouri Family Support Payment Center website has information about online payment options, which may include credit card or debit card payments through a third-party processor. Visit their website or call 573-751-4301 to learn what online methods are currently available and what fees explore.