1-800-332-6347
Group of Kids
This program establishes ongoing financial support through locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity, and obtaining and enforcing court-ordered child support. Child Support services are provided at no charge to Temporary Cash Assistance customers. However, anyone not
receiving cash assistance may obtain this service for a small one-time fee. Applications are accepted on a walk-in basis weekdays between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. You may also file an application online at dhr.stat.md.us
Location
As a prerequisite for services to proceed to establish paternity and/or a court order for support, the location of a non-custodial parent must be determined and verified.
Establishment of Paternity
All legal rights of the child/children are ensured by the establishment of paternity. DNA testing is used as necessary. Custodial parents are also encouraged to attend an orientation session during which the child support process is explained and questions are answered.
Establishment of Support
Court orders are obtained to initiate financial support and health coverage for the children involved.
Collection and Disbursement of Child Support
If the custodial parent receives TCA, any child support payments collected will be kept by the state as reimbursement for that benefit. If the custodial parent no longer receives TCA, the current support as well as any payments made on arrears due will be mailed to the custodial parent. If the custodial parent has never received TCA payments, all monies collected will be sent to the custodial parent. Payments will be deposited directly in the bank account, or mailed. Contact the Customer
Care Center at 800-332-6347 to apply for direct deposit of child support payments.
Enforcement of Court Orders
Court orders are reviewed and monitored for compliance. When the non-custodial parent fails to honor the obligation, various enforcement tools are used to encourage compliance. These tools include automatic wage withholding, a nationwide listing of new hires, tax refund intercepts, lottery intercept, credit bureau reporting, and the suspension or revocation of the delinquent parent’s, professional drivers license. Court action is an enforcement tool used when other methods fail.
Modification of Court Orders
When appropriate, court orders are reviewed for recommendations for increases or decreases in the amount of support.