Division of Child Support

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Changes made to the Washington State Child Support Schedule during the 2025 legislative session went into effect Jan. 1, 2026. The Economic Table, which is used to calculate child support obligations, has adjusted monthly income amounts to a minimum of $2,200 and a maximum of $50,000. The self-support reserve has also increased from 125% to 180% of the federal poverty level for a one-person family. These changes are reflected in the WSCSS instructions and worksheets, Quick Child Support Estimator and Automated Child Support Worksheets. See RCW 26.19.065 to learn more.   

DCS began withholding child support from Paid Family Medical Leave benefits in September 2025. Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program gives people paid time off for specific family and medical reasons if they worked 820 hours in Washington state the prior year. The Washington Employment Security Department runs the PFML program, determines eligibility and pays benefits. Like unemployment compensation, PFML is considered income and is subject to withholding (see RCW 50A.15.080). In September 2025, DCS began withholding up to 50% of PMFL benefits from parents required to pay child support. For more information or if you have questions about how this change might affect your PFML benefits or child support payments, call 800-442-KIDS (5437) to talk with your case manager.

All Division of Child Support offices are open to the public. However, we are unable to accept payments in our offices or over the phone. Please see Paying Child Support to learn how to make a payment. If you have questions, we're always happy to assist you by phone at 800-442-KIDS (5437).

Can We Help You?

Questions about child support?

Please call us at 800-442-KIDS (5437). This automated system allows quick access to your case manager by entering your case number. If you do not have a case, or do not know your number, press "0" for staff assistance. For further information on how to use the KIDS line, please read the full instructions.

Are you struggling to pay child support?

Contact our Alternative Solutions program specialists who can help you identify and overcome barriers to paying child support. Watch this video and learn how Alternative Solutions worked for one parent. If you think the program makes sense for you, call us at 800-604-1146.

 

This website is partially supported by grant money from the Office of Child Support Services within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Child Support Services.