How to pay North Carolina child support
North Carolina routes most child support payments through a central collection agency called the North Carolina Child Support Centralized Collection and Disbursement Unit (also called the state disbursement unit, or SDU). You do not pay the other parent directly. Instead, you send your payment to this state office, which records it, verifies it was received, and forwards it to the custodial parent.
The state offers several payment methods: automatic bank withdrawal, online payment through the state portal, phone payment, mail, or in-person payment at a local child support office. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need to pay and whether you want the payment to happen automatically each month.
Your child support order will specify the amount due and the due date. If you fall behind, the state can intercept tax refunds, garnish your wages, suspend your driver's license, or report the debt to credit bureaus. Staying current protects your license and avoids these consequences.
Key Takeaways
- All North Carolina child support payments go to the state disbursement unit, not directly to the other parent, so the state can track and record every payment.
- You can pay by automatic bank withdrawal, online portal, phone, mail, or in person at a local child support office.
- Your payment due date is set in your child support order, and missing payments can result in wage garnishment, tax refund interception, or driver's license suspension.
- The state disbursement unit forwards your payment to the custodial parent after recording it, usually within one to two business days.
Setting up automatic bank withdrawal
Automatic withdrawal is the most reliable method because the payment leaves your account on the same day each month without you having to remember. To set this up, contact the North Carolina Child Support Centralized Collection and Disbursement Unit directly at 1-800-992-9999 or visit the state's child support payment portal at www.nccses.dhhs.nc.gov.
You will need to provide your bank account number, routing number, and the amount of your monthly payment. The state will deduct the payment automatically on or shortly after your due date. If your payment amount changes because of a modification to your child support order, you must update your bank information with the state.
Automatic withdrawal typically takes three to five business days to set up. Once it is active, you can still make additional payments online or by phone if you want to pay ahead or catch up on arrears.
Paying online through the state portal
The North Carolina child support payment portal lets you pay by debit card, credit card, or bank transfer without setting up automatic withdrawal. Go to www.nccses.dhhs.nc.gov, log in with your case number and PIN, and select "Make a Payment."
Online payments are processed the same business day you submit them if you pay before 5 p.m. Eastern time. The state charges a processing fee for credit and debit card payments (the fee varies and is shown before you confirm the payment), but bank transfer payments have no fee. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after payment.
Keep your confirmation number for your records. The state will post the payment to your account within one business day, and it will be forwarded to the custodial parent shortly after.
Paying by phone or mail
You can pay by phone by calling the North Carolina Child Support Centralized Collection and Disbursement Unit at 1-800-992-9999. A representative will take your payment information over the phone. Phone payments are processed the same business day and incur a processing fee similar to online credit card payments.
To pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address listed on your child support order or on the state's website. Write your case number on the check. Mail payments take longer to process — typically five to ten business days from the date you mail them — so mail your payment early if your due date is approaching.
Do not send cash by mail. If you need a receipt, request one when you call, or use online or in-person payment methods that provide when ready confirmation.
Paying in person at a local child support office
You can walk into any North Carolina child support office and pay cash, check, or money order in person. Find your local office by visiting the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website or calling 1-800-992-9999 for the address and hours nearest you.
In-person payments are recorded when ready and you receive a receipt on the spot. This method is useful if you do not have a bank account or prefer to pay with cash. Office hours vary by location, so call ahead to confirm when your office is open.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment is late, the state will first send you a notice. If you continue to fall behind, the state can take several enforcement actions: intercepting your state or federal tax refund, garnishing your wages (taking money directly from your paycheck), suspending your driver's license, or reporting the debt to credit bureaus.
If you cannot pay the full amount by your due date, contact your local child support office or the state office at 1-800-992-9999 to discuss your situation. You may be able to request a temporary reduction in your payment amount or a payment plan. Staying in contact with the state is better than ignoring the debt, because it shows you are trying to meet your obligation.
If your income has changed significantly since your child support order was issued, you can request a modification to lower your monthly payment. A modification requires filing paperwork with the court, but it can reduce your payment going forward and may clear some of your arrears if the court agrees.
Understanding your payment receipt and case status
Every time you make a payment, you should receive a confirmation or receipt showing the date, amount, and confirmation number. Keep these records for at least three years. If a dispute arises about whether you paid, your receipt is proof.
You can check your case status and payment history anytime by logging into the state portal at www.nccses.dhhs.nc.gov or by calling 1-800-992-9999. The portal shows your current balance, due date, payment history, and any arrears you owe. If you see an error — a payment that did not post, for example — call the state office to report it.
The state forwards your payment to the custodial parent within one to two business days of receiving it. If the custodial parent does not receive the payment on time, they should contact the state office, not you, because the state is responsible for the transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay child support directly to the other parent instead of through the state?
No. North Carolina requires all payments to go through the state disbursement unit so the state can track and verify them. Paying the other parent directly does not count toward your legal obligation, even if they accept the money. Always pay through the state office or approved payment methods.
What if I lose my job and cannot pay?
Contact your local child support office or call 1-800-992-9999 to explain your situation. You can request a modification to your child support order, which may lower your payment temporarily or permanently depending on your new income. Do not straightforward stop paying — the state will pursue enforcement actions. Filing for a modification protects you.
How long does it take for my payment to reach the other parent?
The state typically forwards your payment within one to two business days of receiving it. If you pay online or by phone before 5 p.m. Eastern time, the state receives it the same day. Mail payments take five to ten business days to arrive at the state office before being forwarded.
Can I pay ahead or pay extra to clear arrears faster?
Yes. You can make additional payments online, by phone, or in person at any time. The state will explore extra payments to your arrears first, then to future payments. This reduces the total amount you owe and can help you avoid enforcement actions like wage garnishment or license suspension.
What if I disagree with the amount I owe?
Contact your local child support office to request a review of your case. If your income has changed or you believe the order is incorrect, you can file for a modification with the court. Until the court changes your order, you must continue paying the amount listed in your current order.