British Columbia parents paying child support must send all payments through the BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA), the provincial enforcement program that processes approximately 33,500 payments monthly and has distributed over $5 billion to BC families since 1988. Understanding how to pay child support in British Columbia requires knowing the available payment methods, enrollment requirements, and enforcement consequences for non-payment.
Key Facts: Child Support Payments in British Columbia
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Agency | BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA) |
| Monthly Payments Processed | 33,500 payments per month |
| Average Monthly Order | Approximately $400 per month |
| Interest Rate on Arrears | Bank of Canada prime rate (4.45% as of April 2026) |
| Grace Period for Late Payments | 15 days before interest accrues |
| Enrollment Cost | Free for all BC residents |
| Governing Legislation | Family Maintenance Enforcement Act, Family Law Act |
How the BC Family Maintenance Agency Payment System Works
The BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA), formerly known as the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program (FMEP), processes all child support payments in British Columbia through a centralized payment system that records, tracks, and distributes funds to recipients typically on the same day payments are received. Under BC Family Law Act Section 147, each parent and guardian has a legal duty to provide support for their child until the child turns 19, and BCFMA enforces this obligation through its comprehensive payment infrastructure.
BCFMA requires that all child support payments flow through their system rather than being paid directly to the recipient parent. This centralized approach ensures accurate record-keeping, enables enforcement actions when payments are missed, and provides both parents with documented payment histories. The agency has managed more than 179,000 cases since its establishment in 1988, making it one of Canada's most established child support enforcement programs.
When you enroll with BCFMA, you receive a personalized account number that identifies all your payments. The agency tracks outstanding support obligations, calculates interest due on late payments, and can impose enforcement actions when financial support is not provided. Enrollment in BCFMA comes at no cost to either parent.
Electronic Payment Methods for Child Support in British Columbia
BCFMA strongly recommends electronic payment methods as the fastest and most secure way to make child support payments in British Columbia. Electronic payments are recorded immediately and disbursed to recipients on the same day, ensuring that receiving parents have timely access to funds needed for their children's care.
Online Banking Bill Payment
Payors can send child support payments using online banking by setting up a bill payment option for BCFMA using their personalized account number. Most major Canadian banks support BCFMA as a payee, allowing you to schedule one-time or recurring payments directly from your bank account. This method eliminates mail delays and provides immediate confirmation that your payment has been sent.
To set up online banking payments for child support, log into your online banking portal, navigate to the bill payment section, and add BCFMA as a payee using your case-specific account number. You can then schedule payments to align with your payment due dates established in your parenting order or agreement.
Telebanking
For parents who prefer telephone-based banking, most Canadian financial institutions allow you to make bill payments through their automated telephone systems. Contact your bank to confirm BCFMA is available as a payee and to set up payments using your personalized account number.
BCFMA My Account Portal and Mobile App
BCFMA provides clients with online account access through My Account on their website and a dedicated mobile app launched to make case management easier than ever. Through these platforms, payors can view their payment history, check their current balance owing, receive time-sensitive documents, and manage their case information.
As of January 21, 2026, BCFMA introduced two-step verification for all client web accounts, requiring both your password and a verification code to access your account. This security enhancement protects your financial information and ensures unauthorized parties cannot access your payment records.
To create a My Account, visit the BCFMA website and register using your email address. After signing in, use your Case ID to link your case to your new account. The mobile app provides the same functionality as the website, allowing you to manage your child support payments from your smartphone.
Alternative Payment Methods for Child Support
While electronic payments are preferred, BCFMA accepts alternative payment methods for parents who cannot pay electronically due to banking limitations or international residence.
Cheques and Post-Dated Cheques
If electronic payments are not possible, payors can send payments by cheque. BCFMA recommends mailing a series of post-dated cheques to ensure timely payments even during mail disruptions. All cheques should be made payable to the Director of Maintenance Enforcement and mailed to:
BCFMA Payment Services Box 9233 Victoria, BC V8W 9J1
Post-dated cheques provide convenience by allowing you to submit several months of payments at once while ensuring each payment is processed on its due date. However, cheques are subject to mail delays and processing time, so electronic methods remain preferable when available.
Western Union for International Payors
For parents living outside Canada who do not have Canadian bank accounts, BCFMA accepts payments through Western Union. This option enables international payors to fulfill their child support obligations even when traditional Canadian banking methods are unavailable. Western Union payments can be made online, in person, or via Interac e-Transfer depending on your location and banking arrangements.
Direct Deposit for Child Support Recipients
BCFMA distributes child support payments to recipients through direct deposit to their bank accounts. This method ensures recipients receive funds on the same day BCFMA receives the payment from the payor, eliminating mail delays and providing secure, reliable access to support funds.
Recipients should sign up for direct deposit by completing a Direct Deposit Application through the BCFMA My Account portal or by submitting the paper form available on the BCFMA website. Direct deposit is particularly important during postal disruptions, as cheque recipients may experience significant delays in receiving their support payments.
Wage Garnishment and Automatic Deductions
Wage garnishment is one of BCFMA's primary enforcement tools, allowing child support to be deducted directly from the paying parent's income before they receive their pay. Under the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act, BCFMA can order employers to withhold child support amounts from wages, ensuring consistent and timely payments.
When wage garnishment is implemented, the employer receives a garnishment order specifying the amount to be deducted from each pay period. The employer then remits these funds directly to BCFMA, which records the payment and distributes it to the recipient. This arrangement removes the need for the payor to actively send payments, reducing the risk of missed or late payments.
BCFMA can also garnish bank accounts, certain federal government payments including income tax refunds and employment insurance benefits, and other sources of income. These broad garnishment powers ensure that payors with non-traditional income sources still meet their child support obligations.
Child Support Amounts and Federal Guidelines
Child support amounts in British Columbia are calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which establish monthly payment amounts based on the paying parent's gross annual income and the number of children requiring support. Under BC Family Law Act Section 150, courts must determine child support amounts in accordance with these guidelines.
The Federal Child Support Tables provide specific dollar amounts for each income level and number of children. For example, a BC parent earning $60,000 per year with two children would pay approximately $892 per month under the October 2025 tables (the most recent update as of April 2026). A parent earning $23,000 per year with two children would pay approximately $348 per month.
| Gross Annual Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | ~$252 | ~$404 | ~$509 |
| $50,000 | ~$452 | ~$724 | ~$922 |
| $60,000 | ~$557 | ~$892 | ~$1,137 |
| $80,000 | ~$763 | ~$1,206 | ~$1,537 |
| $100,000 | ~$942 | ~$1,490 | ~$1,899 |
Note: These are approximate table amounts based on 2025 Federal Child Support Guidelines. Actual amounts may vary. Verify current amounts at justice.gc.ca.
Interest on Late Payments and Arrears
BCFMA charges daily simple interest on late child support payments, with all interest collected payable to the recipient rather than to the agency. The interest rate applied depends on whether your court order or agreement specifies a rate: if it does, that rate applies; if not, BCFMA uses the Bank of Canada prime rate, which is currently 4.45% as of April 2026. The prime-rate-based interest is updated every six months on January 1st and July 1st.
A 15-day grace period applies between when a payment is missed and when interest begins to accumulate. If you pay within 15 days of the due date, no interest will be applied. However, if payment extends beyond 15 days, interest is charged retroactively to the original due date.
Under certain circumstances, interest does not accrue on arrears. If the payor was receiving income assistance, disability assistance, or Indigenous income assistance during the period of non-payment, they can apply to have interest charges waived for that period.
Default Fees
In addition to interest charges, BCFMA may impose default fees when payments are consistently missed. Any payment received by BCFMA will first be applied to support owed to the recipient before going toward default fees. If default fees remain unpaid when the recipient withdraws from BCFMA, the payor remains enrolled until those fees are paid.
Enforcement Actions for Non-Payment
BCFMA has extensive enforcement powers to compel payment of child support. These actions can be taken without requiring the recipient to return to court, making enforcement swift and efficient.
License Suspension and Passport Denial
BCFMA can cancel or prevent renewal of driver's licenses and motor vehicle licenses for payors who fail to meet their child support obligations. Additionally, the agency can report arrears to federal authorities, preventing the payor from obtaining or renewing a Canadian passport. These measures create significant practical consequences that motivate compliance.
Property Liens and Asset Seizure
Under Section 26 of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act, a person owed child support can register a charge against real property owned by the payor, even if child support payments are current with no arrears. BCFMA can seize property including bank accounts, vehicles, and other assets to recover unpaid child support.
Credit Reporting and Legal Consequences
Unpaid child support arrears can be reported to credit bureaus, affecting the payor's credit rating and ability to obtain loans, mortgages, or credit cards. In extreme cases of willful non-payment, courts can impose fines or jail time for contempt of court.
The Child Support Recalculation Service (CSRS)
British Columbia offers a free Child Support Recalculation Service (CSRS) that automatically adjusts child support amounts annually based on the paying parent's income tax information, eliminating the need to return to court for routine adjustments. The recalculation process takes approximately four to five months and uses the Federal Child Support Guidelines tables.
To be eligible for CSRS, both parents must be BC residents and have an existing court order or written agreement for child support from the Province of BC. When one parent enrolls, the other parent is automatically enrolled as well. Judges may also register parents directly with CSRS when making child support orders.
CSRS requests current income tax information from the payor (and sometimes the recipient if their income affects the calculation). If the payor fails to provide tax information, CSRS can apply a deemed income increase of 10% to 30% depending on how long it has been since child support was last reviewed.
Contact CSRS at 1-866-660-2684 or visit childsupportrecalc.gov.bc.ca for enrollment.
How to Enroll with BCFMA
Enrollment with BCFMA is free and available to any BC resident with a child support order or agreement. Both the paying parent and receiving parent can initiate enrollment, and once enrolled, both parties have access to case information through My Account.
Steps to Enroll
- Obtain a copy of your court order or written agreement specifying child support
- Visit bcfma.ca or call 1-866-557-2427
- Complete the enrollment application form
- Submit required documents including the court order and identification
- Receive your personalized account number for payment purposes
- Set up your preferred payment method (online banking recommended)
Once enrolled, all payments must flow through BCFMA. The agency will provide the payor with payment instructions and due dates, and will begin tracking all payments and arrears.
BCFMA Contact Information
The BC Family Maintenance Agency operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding statutory holidays.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Toll-Free | 1-866-557-2427 |
| InfoLine | 1-800-663-3455 |
| Outside Canada/US | 1-250-220-4040 |
| Payment Mailing Address | BCFMA Payment Services, Box 9233, Victoria, BC V8W 9J1 |
| Vancouver Office | Box 80449, Burnaby, BC V5H 3X9 (Phone: 604-678-5670) |
| Interior/Northern Office | Box 830, Kamloops, BC V2C 5N1 (Phone: 250-434-6020) |
| Victoria Office | Box 9216, Victoria, BC V8W 9J1 (Phone: 250-220-4040) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to pay child support in British Columbia?
Online banking bill payment is the fastest way to pay child support in BC, with payments recorded and disbursed to recipients typically on the same day they are received. Set up BCFMA as a payee using your personalized account number, and schedule payments to match your due dates. Electronic payments eliminate mail delays and provide immediate payment confirmation.
Can I pay child support directly to my ex-spouse instead of through BCFMA?
No, once enrolled with BCFMA, all child support payments must flow through the agency rather than being paid directly to the recipient. This requirement ensures accurate record-keeping, enables enforcement if payments stop, and protects both parents with documented payment histories. Direct payments may not be credited against your support obligation.
What happens if I miss a child support payment in BC?
Missing a child support payment triggers a 15-day grace period before interest begins accruing at the Bank of Canada prime rate (currently 4.45%). If payment extends beyond 15 days, interest is charged retroactively to the due date. BCFMA may also initiate enforcement actions including wage garnishment, license suspension, or property liens.
How is child support calculated in British Columbia?
Child support in BC is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, based on the paying parent's gross annual income and number of children. For example, a parent earning $60,000 with two children pays approximately $892 monthly. Under BC Family Law Act Section 150, courts must follow these guidelines unless both parties consent to different arrangements.
Can child support amounts be automatically updated without going to court?
Yes, the Child Support Recalculation Service (CSRS) automatically adjusts child support amounts annually based on the payor's income tax information, eliminating court visits for routine adjustments. The free service requires both parents to be BC residents with an existing court order. CSRS can apply a deemed 10-30% income increase if tax information is not provided.
What enforcement powers does BCFMA have for non-payment?
BCFMA can garnish wages, bank accounts, tax refunds, and employment insurance benefits without requiring a court order. The agency can also suspend driver's licenses, prevent passport issuance, register liens against property, and seize assets. In extreme cases of willful non-payment, courts may impose fines or jail time for contempt.
How do I pay child support if I live outside Canada?
Payors living outside Canada can make child support payments through Western Union, which BCFMA accepts for international payments. Western Union offers online, in-person, and Interac e-Transfer options depending on your location. Contact BCFMA at 1-250-220-4040 (outside Canada/US number) for specific instructions on international payments.
Is there interest charged on late child support payments in BC?
Yes, BCFMA charges daily simple interest on late payments at either the rate specified in your court order or the Bank of Canada prime rate (4.45% as of April 2026) if no rate is specified. Interest is updated twice yearly. All interest collected is paid to the recipient, not retained by BCFMA. A 15-day grace period applies before interest begins.
How do I enroll with BCFMA to start paying child support?
Enroll with BCFMA by calling 1-866-557-2427 or visiting bcfma.ca with your court order or written agreement. Submit the enrollment application with required documents. BCFMA will provide your personalized account number for payments. Enrollment is free for all BC residents. Set up online banking with your account number to begin making payments.
Can I get help paying child support if I lose my job?
If your income decreases significantly, you can apply to court to vary (reduce) your child support amount based on changed circumstances. You can also enroll with CSRS for automatic recalculation based on your current income. Child support obligations continue until formally changed, so apply promptly when your income drops. BCFMA interest does not accrue during periods of receiving income assistance.
This guide was prepared by Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. (Florida Bar No. 21022) for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Child support laws and payment requirements may change. For specific guidance about your situation, consult a British Columbia family law lawyer. Filing fees and payment procedures current as of April 2026. Verify current requirements with BCFMA at 1-866-557-2427.