Child support

"Either parent can call our office at 1-844-MYGADHS (1-844-694-2347) to get information about how to open a case. Anyone who receives help from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program or receives certain Medicaid benefits can get help from DCSS without having to apply. All others must complete an application form and pay a fee of $25. You may fill out an application online or you may download an application or you can request an application be emailed to you by calling 1-844-MYGADHS (1-844-694-2347).

Step 2: Locate the noncustodial parent (NCP)To get a support order, establish paternity or enforce a support order, DCSS must know where the noncustodial parent lives and/or works. It may take several months to get child support if you do not know where the other parent lives or if the address is out of state. There is no guarantee the other parent will be found, but the more information you provide, such as the other parent's date of birth and social security number, the easier it will be.

Before a court can order child support and medical support, paternity must be established. If paternity has not already been established or paternity has been established but is being disputed, DCSS will order that a paternity test be conducted. Testing is done by buccal swabbing (saliva) or by drawing a blood sample. The test is more than 99 percent accurate."