Tennessee's Online Child Support Payment System
Tennessee allows you to pay child support online through the state's centralized payment system, which is managed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services. You can make payments using a bank account (ACH transfer) or a debit or credit card. The system accepts payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you'll receive confirmation when ready after each payment.
The online portal is called the Tennessee Online Payment System (TOPS). You don't need to create an account in advance — you can pay as a guest using your case number and other identifying information. Payments typically post to your account within one to two business days, though the exact timing depends on your payment method.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay Tennessee child support online through TOPS using a bank account, debit card, or credit card at any time of day or night.
- You'll need your case number and personal identifying information to make a payment, but you don't have to register ahead of time.
- ACH transfers (payments from your bank account) typically cost nothing, while card payments usually include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent.
- Payments post within one to two business days, so plan ahead if your payment is due on a specific date.
- You can also pay by phone, mail, or automatic bank draft if online payment doesn't work for your situation.
How to Make a Payment Through TOPS
Go to the Tennessee Online Payment System website. You'll see a payment entry form that asks for your case number, your Social Security number or date of birth, and the amount you want to pay. You do not have to log in or create an account — the system verifies your identity using the information you provide.
Choose your payment method: ACH transfer (from a checking or savings account), debit card, or credit card. If you use ACH, you'll enter your bank's routing number and your account number. For card payments, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Review the amount and confirm the payment. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready — save this for your records.
The system will show you any fees before you submit. ACH transfers have no fee. Card payments typically charge 2 to 3 percent of the amount you're paying, though the exact percentage varies. The fee is added to your payment total, so if you pay $500 by card with a 2.5 percent fee, you'll be charged about $512.50.
Payment Methods and Associated Fees
Tennessee offers three ways to pay online, each with different costs and processing times:
| Payment Method | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| ACH (bank account) | None | 1–2 business days |
| Debit card | 2–3% of payment | 1–2 business days |
| Credit card | 2–3% of payment | 1–2 business days |
ACH is the cheapest option if you have a bank account. Debit and credit card payments are convenient if you don't want to share your bank account information, but the fee adds up over time. If you make a $500 payment by card every month, you'll pay roughly $150 to $180 per year in fees alone.
Other Ways to Pay Child Support in Tennessee
If online payment doesn't work for you, Tennessee offers several alternatives. You can pay by phone by calling the Tennessee Child Support Hotline during business hours — they can process card or bank account payments over the phone. You can also set up automatic payments directly from your bank account, which means the payment happens on a schedule you choose without you having to log in each time.
You can mail a check or money order to the Tennessee Department of Human Services at the address provided on your child support order or statement. Include your case number on the check so the payment reaches the right account. Mail payments take longer to post — usually 5 to 10 business days — so don't use this method if your payment is due soon.
Some employers offer payroll deduction for child support, which means the payment comes directly out of your paycheck before you receive it. This is the most reliable method because it happens automatically, but it requires coordination between your employer, the state, and the obligor (the person paying support). Ask your employer's human resources department whether they offer this option.
What Happens After You Pay
You'll receive a confirmation number when ready after your online payment is submitted. Write this down or take a screenshot — it's your proof that you made the payment. The confirmation shows the amount, the date you submitted it, and the payment method you used.
The payment itself posts to your child support account within one to two business days. This means the state's system records that the money arrived and applies it to your balance. If you're behind on payments, the state applies new money to the oldest debt first. If you're current, the payment goes toward future support.
You can check the status of your payment by logging into the Tennessee Child Support Services website using your case number. The site shows your current balance, your payment history, and any amounts still owed. If a payment doesn't appear after three business days, contact the Tennessee Child Support Hotline to confirm it was received.
Fees and What They Cover
Card payment fees (2 to 3 percent) go to the payment processor, not to the state or the child support program. These fees are separate from any child support amount you owe — they're added on top. For example, if your monthly support is $500 and you pay by card, you'll send $512.50 to cover the $500 support plus the $12.50 fee.
ACH payments have no fee, so the full amount you enter goes toward your child support obligation. This is why ACH is the most cost-effective option if you have access to a bank account. Some people use ACH for regular payments and reserve card payments for emergencies when they need to pay when ready and don't have time to set up a bank transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay child support online if I don't have a case number?
You need your case number to use the online system. If you don't have it, contact the Tennessee Child Support Services office or call the hotline — they can look it up using your name and Social Security number. Once you have the number, you can pay online.
What if my payment is due on a weekend or holiday?
You can submit your payment online any time, including weekends and holidays. However, the payment won't post to your account until the next business day. If your due date falls on a weekend, submit your payment on Friday to make sure it posts on time.
Do I have to pay the card processing fee?
The fee is optional in the sense that you can choose a different payment method — ACH has no fee, and mail and phone payments don't charge fees either. But if you choose to pay by card, the fee is required and will be added to your payment total.
Can I set up automatic payments online?
The TOPS system doesn't offer recurring automatic payments through the website itself. However, you can set up automatic payments through your own bank's bill pay feature, or you can call the Tennessee Child Support Hotline to arrange automatic bank draft payments directly from your account.
What if I overpay or need a refund?
If you pay more than you owe, the overage stays in your account and applies to future child support payments. You cannot request a refund of overpayments — the money is held as a credit. Contact the Tennessee Child Support Services office if you believe you've overpaid and need to discuss your account.