Where and how to send your Texas child support payment

Texas child support payments go to the Office of the Attorney General, Child Support Division, not directly to the other parent. You can pay through several methods: online at TexasOnline.com using your case number, by phone at 1-888-839-4079, by automatic bank draft (ACH), by check or money order mailed to the address on your court order, or in person at a local child support office. The payment method you choose does not change where the money goes — it all routes through the state system.

If you pay through TexasOnline, you can use a debit or credit card, but a fee applies (the amount varies by payment processor). Automatic bank draft has no fee and is the fastest way to may support payments arrive on time. If you mail a check, write your case number on it and allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. Payments received after the due date shown on your court order will be recorded as late, even if you mailed it on time.

Key Takeaways

  • All Texas child support payments go through the state's Office of the Attorney General, and you can pay online, by phone, by automatic draft, or by mail.
  • Online and phone payments charge a fee; automatic bank draft and mailed checks do not, though mailed payments take longer to process.
  • Your case number must appear on every payment so the state can match it to your account.
  • Late payments are recorded even if you mailed the check on time, so plan for processing delays.
  • You can view your payment history and account balance on TexasOnline using your case number and login.

Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed important date

Automatic bank draft is the most reliable way to pay on time every month. You authorize the state to withdraw the payment amount directly from your checking or savings account on the due date. To set this up, contact the Child Support Division at 1-888-839-4079 or visit a local child support office with your case number, bank account information, and routing number. Once approved, the draft happens automatically each month — you do not have to remember to pay.

If your income changes and you need to adjust the payment amount, you cannot straightforward change the draft amount yourself. You must file a motion to modify the court order with the district court that issued it. Until the court approves the change, you still owe the original amount. Stopping automatic payments without a court order will result in arrears (unpaid balance) and can trigger enforcement action.

What happens if you miss a payment or pay late

Late payments are recorded on your account when ready. If you miss a payment, the state will send you a notice. If arrears build up, the Child Support Division can take enforcement action: intercepting your state or federal tax refund, placing a lien on your property, suspending your driver's license, or reporting the debt to credit bureaus. These actions happen automatically — you do not have to be taken to court first.

If you cannot make a payment because of a job loss, illness, or other hardship, contact the Child Support Division right away. You can request a temporary payment plan or ask the court to modify the order based on changed circumstances. Waiting until enforcement action starts makes the process harder. The sooner you communicate with the state, the more options you may have.

Understanding your payment history and account balance

You can check what you owe and what you have paid by logging into TexasOnline with your case number. The system shows your current balance, the due date of your next payment, and a record of all payments received. This record is important: if you dispute a payment or need proof that you paid, TexasOnline is the official source. Do not rely on bank statements alone — the state's record is what the court uses.

If you see a payment on your bank statement but it does not appear in TexasOnline within 10 business days, contact the Child Support Division to confirm it was received. Mailed checks sometimes get lost or misapplied. A phone call can prevent a false late notice from being sent to you.

Paying when you have multiple child support cases

If you owe child support in more than one case (different children or different court orders), each case has its own case number and payment due date. You must pay each case separately — you cannot combine payments. When you pay online or by phone, you enter each case number individually. If you set up automatic draft, you need a separate authorization for each case.

If you have arrears in one case and current payments in another, the state applies new payments to the current case first, then to arrears. This means if you are behind in one case, your payments to the other case may be intercepted to cover the arrears. If your circumstances have changed and you cannot pay all cases in full, contact the Child Support Division to discuss your options before you fall further behind.

Paying child support while incarcerated or unable to work

If you are incarcerated or unable to work due to disability, you still owe child support unless the court modifies the order. However, you can request a modification based on your changed circumstances. To do this, you file a motion to modify with the district court that issued the original order. You will need to show proof of your situation — a commitment order from the prison, a disability information letter, or medical documentation.

While your modification request is pending, you should still try to make whatever payments you can. Even small payments show the court you are attempting to meet your obligation. If you cannot pay at all, the arrears will continue to grow, but the court may reduce or suspend your obligation if it finds you truly cannot pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay child support directly to the other parent instead of through the state?

No. Texas law requires all payments to go through the state system. Paying the other parent directly does not count toward your obligation, and you will still owe the full amount to the state. The only exception is if the court specifically orders a different arrangement, which is rare.

What if I paid late but the other parent says they received the money on time?

The state's record is what matters, not when the other parent received it. If the payment arrived after the due date in the state system, it is recorded as late. The other parent's receipt does not change that. This is why the state system exists — to create an official record independent of both parents.

Do I get a receipt when I pay online?

Yes. When you pay through TexasOnline, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Save this number. You can also log back into TexasOnline within a few days to confirm the payment appears in your account history. Keep your confirmation number in case you need to dispute the payment later.

What if I owe back child support from years ago?

Arrears do not go away. You can make a lump-sum payment toward arrears, or you can contact the Child Support Division to set up a payment plan. If you want to reduce the amount you owe, you must file a motion to modify the order and show the court why the original amount was too high. The court can reduce future payments, but it usually does not forgive arrears.

Can I get a payment extension if I am short on money this month?

The court order sets your due date — you cannot extend it on your own. However, if you contact the Child Support Division before the due date and explain your situation, they may work with you on timing. If you miss the payment, you can still call and ask about a payment plan for the arrears. Acting before the important date gives you more options than waiting until after.