How to Request Child Support

The first step to establishing child support is completing an application.  However, customers who receive medical and case assistance through South Central Ohio Job and Family Services (SCOJFS) do not need to apply.  You may obtain an application online, call the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA), or come into the agency.

To help prevent delays, please complete all sections that apply, sign and date the application.  Please provide any court orders that are finalized when returning the application.

Child Support Initiation
The child support process also is initiated in the following ways:

  • State-Mandated Cases: The CSEA receives a referral from the SCOJFS when a customer received case assistance.
  • Court Orders: A court may order the CSEA to conduct DNA testing to determine paternity, establish a child support order or collect payments ordered by the court.
  • Foster Care Cases: The CSEA receives referrals and support orders as a result of a child being placed in a different home.

How Support Orders Are Established
Child support orders are established in one of two ways:

  • Administrative: The CSEA hearing officer conducts a hearing at the CSEA office. Both parents should be present for this hearing and each must provide:
    • 6 to 8 current pay stubs
    • Documentation of other biological children in the household
    • Health insurance costs
    • Most recent 3 years tax information
    • Notarized document of child-care costs
    • Proof of mandatory expenses related to job performance (tools, uniforms, union dues, etc.)

    Custody and visitation issues cannot be addressed or determined by the CSEA, only by a court.

  • Court: If child support is not established through the administrative process, a court date will be set to determine support.
Public Assistance

Public assistance refers to government programs that provide funding to communities, individuals and families in need. Examples include: Cash Assistance, Food Assistance, Medicaid, Child Care Assistance, Transportation Assistance and Fraud.

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Child Support

Child Support is money paid by a parent, who isn’t living with his or her children, to help cover the cost of their care. Child Support helps guarantee that children’s basic needs are met: from food, shelter and clothes to education, transportation and medical expenses.

Protective Services

We provide protective services to the elderly and children who are in danger of harm, unable to protect themselves, and/or have no one else to assist them. SCOJFS is mandated to investigate and evaluate all reports of suspected abuse and neglect.