Louisiana parents who owe child support must make payments through the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Centralized Collection Unit in most cases. Under La. R.S. 9:303, courts order immediate income assignment (wage withholding) upon entry of any child support order unless both parties agree to an alternative arrangement. Payments can be made through ExpertPay online portal with no fee for bank account payments, by mail to PO Box 260222 in Baton Rouge, through employer wage withholding, or via MoneyGram with a $3.99 convenience fee. Recipients receive payments by direct deposit or U.S. Bank ReliaCard within 48 hours of posting.
Key Facts: Louisiana Child Support Payments
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Payment Portal | ExpertPay (www.expertpay.com) |
| State Disbursement Unit | DCFS Centralized Collection Unit, PO Box 260222, Baton Rouge, LA 70826 |
| Customer Service | 1-888-LAHELP-U (1-888-524-3578) |
| Wage Withholding Law | La. R.S. 9:303 (immediate income assignment required) |
| Employer Processing Fee | Up to $5.00 per pay period (La. R.S. 46:236.3) |
| Maximum Wage Garnishment | 50% of disposable earnings (La. R.S. 13:3881) |
| Arrears Interest Rate | 8.25% judicial interest (simple, per annum) |
| Child Support Guidelines | La. R.S. 9:315 et seq. (Income Shares Model) |
How Louisiana Child Support Payments Work
Louisiana processes approximately 250,000 child support cases annually through its State Disbursement Unit operated by DCFS. Under La. R.S. 9:303, all child support orders issued since January 1, 1994 require immediate income assignment unless the parties file a written alternative agreement with the court. The paying parent (obligor) submits payments to the Centralized Collection Unit, which then disburses funds to the receiving parent (obligee) within 48 hours via direct deposit or ReliaCard. This centralized system creates an official payment record that is admissible as prima facie proof under La. R.S. 46:236.11.3, protecting both parents in disputes over payment history.
The Louisiana CAFÉ (Common Access Front End) Self-Service Portal allows parents to access case information, view payment history, and check balances 24 hours a day. Parents can call the Interactive Voice Response system at 1-888-524-3578 to hear information on their last five payments, current arrearages, and financial obligation balances.
Wage Withholding (Income Assignment) in Louisiana
Wage withholding is the default and most common method of paying child support in Louisiana, accounting for over 70% of all collections statewide. Under La. R.S. 9:303, courts must order immediate income assignment upon entry of any support order unless both parties sign a written agreement choosing an alternative method or the court finds good cause not to require it.
Once the court issues an income assignment order, the obligor or DCFS provides written notice to the employer. Employers must implement withholding no later than the first pay period following receipt of the notice and remit amounts withheld within seven business days. Under La. R.S. 13:3881, employers may withhold up to 50% of the obligor's disposable earnings for child support. Employers may also deduct a processing fee of up to $5.00 per pay period under La. R.S. 46:236.3.
Employers who willfully fail to withhold or remit payments face penalties of up to $50 per day plus a judgment for the total amount not withheld. Employers who discharge, discipline, or penalize an employee because of a wage withholding order may be ordered to reinstate the employee and pay restitution.
How to Set Up Wage Withholding
- Call the DCFS Customer Service Center at 1-888-524-3578 to provide employer contact information
- DCFS sends the Income Withholding for Support (IWO) form to the employer
- Employer begins withholding from the next available pay period
- Employer remits payments via ACH, ExpertPay, or mail within 7 days
- DCFS disburses to the custodial parent within 48 hours of receipt
ExpertPay Online Payment Portal
ExpertPay is Louisiana's official online child support payment platform, allowing obligors to pay directly using bank accounts, credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal. Payments made via bank account (ACH) carry no convenience fee, making this the most cost-effective online option. Credit card and PayPal payments incur convenience fees that vary based on payment amount.
To make a payment through ExpertPay, obligors visit www.expertpay.com and create an account using their Social Security number and Louisiana child support case number (LASES number). Payments are typically processed within one to two business days for ACH transfers. The platform is available 24/7 and provides instant confirmation receipts.
Employers can also use ExpertPay to remit wage withholdings electronically, eliminating the need to mail checks. Employers should call DCFS at (225) 924-5990 before making their first electronic submission to set up ACH credentials.
Alternative Payment Methods
Beyond wage withholding and ExpertPay, Louisiana offers several additional payment options for obligors who need flexibility in how they pay child support.
Mail Payments
Obligors may mail payments directly to the Centralized Collection Unit at PO Box 260222, Baton Rouge, LA 70826. All payments must be made payable to DCFS and must include the payer's full name, current address, Social Security number, and LASES case number on the payment instrument. Personal checks, cashier's checks, and money orders are accepted. Mail payments typically take 5-7 business days to process and post to the account.
MoneyGram
Obligors can pay through MoneyGram online at www.moneygram.com or at retail locations using receive code 10257. A convenience fee of $3.99 applies to all MoneyGram transactions. Payments are typically available within 24 hours.
E-ChildsPay
The E-ChildsPay platform at www.e-childspay.com allows credit card payments with a convenience fee. This option provides immediate confirmation and rapid processing for obligors who need to make urgent payments.
Phone Payments
Obligors can call ExpertPay at 1-866-645-6347 to make payments by phone using a bank account at no additional fee or using a credit/debit card with applicable convenience fees.
Payment Method Comparison
| Method | Fee | Processing Time | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wage Withholding | Up to $5.00/pay period (employer fee) | Each pay period | Automatic |
| ExpertPay (Bank Account) | $0 | 1-2 business days | 24/7 online |
| ExpertPay (Credit Card) | Variable convenience fee | 1-2 business days | 24/7 online |
| MoneyGram | $3.99 | 24 hours | Online or retail |
| Mail (Check/Money Order) | $0 | 5-7 business days | Anytime |
| E-ChildsPay | Variable convenience fee | 1-2 business days | 24/7 online |
How to Receive Child Support Payments in Louisiana
Custodial parents in Louisiana receive child support payments through electronic disbursement only. DCFS offers two options: direct deposit to a bank account or the U.S. Bank ReliaCard prepaid debit card. Payments are typically available within 48 hours after DCFS posts the payment to the case.
Direct Deposit Setup
To set up direct deposit, custodial parents must complete the Direct Deposit Authorization Form (DD1), available at www.dcfs.la.gov/DirectDeposit. For checking accounts, submit a voided check or a letter from the financial institution showing the account and routing numbers. For savings accounts, a financial institution letter is required. Mail the completed form to DCFS - CSE Direct Deposit, PO Box 65245, Baton Rouge, LA 70896.
Processing takes approximately 2-4 weeks while DCFS verifies the account information with the bank. During this verification period, payments will be issued by paper check. Once verified, all future payments will be deposited directly.
U.S. Bank ReliaCard
Parents who do not set up direct deposit automatically receive a U.S. Bank ReliaCard prepaid debit card. The card arrives in a plain white envelope with an Indianapolis, IN return address and must be activated before use. Cardholders can check balances at www.usbankreliacard.com or through the U.S. Bank ReliaCard mobile app. To report lost, stolen, or damaged cards, contact U.S. Bank at 1-855-274-0374.
Paying Arrears (Past-Due Child Support)
Louisiana applies 8.25% annual judicial interest (simple interest) to all child support arrears, calculated from each payment's due date under La. R.S. 13:4202. Each missed payment becomes a judgment by operation of law, meaning the custodial parent does not need to return to court to establish the debt. This interest compounds the financial burden significantly over time. For example, a $10,000 arrearage accrues $825 in interest annually.
Obligors with arrears may negotiate payment plans with DCFS Child Support Enforcement. Payment plans typically require the obligor to pay current support plus an additional amount toward the arrearage. The income withholding order can be modified to include both current support and arrears payments, subject to the 50% maximum garnishment limit under La. R.S. 13:3881.
Unlike some states, Louisiana does not offer debt compromise or forgiveness programs for child support arrears. However, obligors who experience a significant change in financial circumstances may petition the court for a modification of the support order going forward. Modifications do not reduce arrears that accumulated before the modification request was filed.
Enforcement Consequences for Non-Payment
Louisiana employs aggressive enforcement measures against parents who fail to pay child support. DCFS Child Support Enforcement uses multiple tools to collect current support and arrears, and consequences escalate based on the amount owed and duration of non-payment.
Administrative Enforcement
DCFS can take administrative action without returning to court for many enforcement measures. These include intercepting federal and state tax refunds, seizing lottery winnings over $600, reporting arrears to credit bureaus (damaging credit scores), placing liens on real and personal property, and denying or revoking U.S. passports for arrears exceeding $2,500.
License Suspensions
Louisiana suspends driver's licenses, professional licenses, occupational licenses, and recreational licenses (hunting and fishing) for child support non-payment. License suspension notices are sent when arrears reach certain thresholds, and licenses remain suspended until the obligor establishes a payment plan or pays the arrears in full.
Contempt of Court
Custodial parents or DCFS may file a Rule for Contempt when the obligor willfully fails to pay support. Louisiana courts may impose penalties of up to $500 in fines, up to three months in jail, or both. However, the judge may suspend the jail sentence if the obligor pays the full amount due plus court costs at the contempt hearing.
Criminal Prosecution
Under Louisiana's Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act (La. R.S. 14:75), criminal charges apply when an obligor has not paid support for more than six months or owes more than $2,000. First offenses carry fines of up to $500 and imprisonment of up to six months. For arrears exceeding $15,000 or unpaid for at least one year, penalties increase to fines of up to $2,500 and imprisonment with or without hard labor for up to two years.
DCFS Child Support Enforcement Services
Louisiana DCFS provides comprehensive child support services to parents who apply for assistance. Services include locating absent parents, establishing paternity through genetic testing, establishing initial support orders, modifying existing orders when circumstances change, and enforcing payment through all available legal tools.
Application and Fees
To apply for DCFS services, submit an application with a fee of $10 (if the non-custodial parent's Social Security number is known) or $14 (without SSN). Once enrolled, parents receiving IV-D services pay a $35 annual fee that is deducted from collections only after support payments exceed $550 in a federal fiscal year.
Modification Services
DCFS provides free child support review services to parents receiving enforcement services. Parents may request a review every three years or sooner if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Reviews typically take 30-90 days. If DCFS determines a modification is warranted, they file a motion with the court on the parent's behalf at no additional cost.
Private modification actions require filing a Rule to Modify Child Support in the parish where the original order was issued. Filing fees range from $50 to $200 depending on the parish, plus service fees of $50 to $100 unless both parties file jointly.
Direct Payments Between Parents
While Louisiana law generally requires payments through the State Disbursement Unit, some parents choose to make direct payments to each other. Under La. R.S. 9:315.8, the non-custodial parent's obligation is calculated as a money judgment to the custodial parent, minus any court-ordered direct payments for specific expenses such as child care costs, health insurance premiums, and extraordinary medical expenses.
Direct payments are risky because they may not create an official record. If a dispute arises, the paying parent must prove payments were made and received. The certified payment record maintained by the State Disbursement Unit under La. R.S. 46:236.11.3 is admissible as self-authenticating evidence and constitutes prima facie proof of payments. Direct payments lack this legal protection.
Parents who wish to make direct payments should obtain a court order specifically authorizing this arrangement and maintain meticulous records including canceled checks, receipts signed by the recipient, and bank statements showing transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to pay child support in Louisiana?
ExpertPay online payment using a bank account (ACH) is the fastest free method, with payments posting within 1-2 business days. Credit card payments through ExpertPay or MoneyGram process within 24 hours but incur convenience fees of $3.99 or more. Wage withholding, while automatic, processes on the employer's pay schedule.
Can I pay Louisiana child support without using DCFS?
No, in most cases. Under La. R.S. 9:303, all child support orders require payments through the State Disbursement Unit unless both parties have a written agreement approved by the court or the court finds good cause for an exception. Paying directly to the other parent without court approval may not count as official payments.
How do I check my Louisiana child support payment history?
Access the Louisiana CAFÉ Self-Service Portal online or call the IVR system at 1-888-524-3578 to hear information on your last five payments, current arrearages, and balances. The IVR is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Registered CAFÉ users can view complete payment history online.
What happens if my employer does not withhold child support?
Employers who willfully fail to withhold face penalties of up to $50 per day and a judgment for the full amount not withheld. Report non-compliance to DCFS at 1-888-524-3578. The agency will contact the employer directly and can pursue legal action if necessary.
How much can Louisiana garnish from my paycheck for child support?
Louisiana allows garnishment of up to 50% of disposable earnings for child support under La. R.S. 13:3881. Disposable earnings means gross pay minus mandatory deductions such as taxes and Social Security. This limit applies to the combined total of current support and arrears payments.
Does Louisiana charge interest on past-due child support?
Yes. Louisiana charges 8.25% judicial interest (simple interest) per year on child support arrears. Interest accrues from each payment's due date. Each missed payment becomes a judgment by operation of law, meaning the custodial parent does not need court action to establish the debt.
Can child support arrears be forgiven in Louisiana?
No. Louisiana does not offer debt compromise or forgiveness programs for child support arrears. Obligors must pay the full amount owed plus accrued interest. However, parents may petition for modification of future support if circumstances have changed substantially.
How do I set up direct deposit to receive child support in Louisiana?
Complete the Direct Deposit Authorization Form (DD1) at www.dcfs.la.gov/DirectDeposit and mail it with a voided check (checking) or financial institution letter (savings) to DCFS - CSE Direct Deposit, PO Box 65245, Baton Rouge, LA 70896. Processing takes 2-4 weeks while DCFS verifies your account.
What is the ExpertPay fee for child support payments?
ExpertPay charges no fee for bank account (ACH) payments, making it the most economical online option. Credit card and PayPal payments incur convenience fees that vary based on payment amount. Visit www.expertpay.com/obligorapp/#/fee for current fee schedules.
When does child support end in Louisiana?
Child support terminates when the child reaches age 18 under La. R.S. 9:315.22. Support continues until age 19 if the child is unmarried, enrolled full-time in secondary school, in good academic standing, and dependent on either parent. Louisiana does not require support for college-age children beyond this exception.
Additional Resources
Louisiana DCFS Child Support Enforcement: www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/childsupport
ExpertPay Payment Portal: www.expertpay.com
Louisiana CAFÉ Self-Service Portal: www.cafe.la.gov
U.S. Bank ReliaCard: www.usbankreliacard.com
Customer Service: 1-888-LAHELP-U (1-888-524-3578)
Filing fees and court procedures: Contact your parish clerk of court for current fees and forms. Fees range from $50 to $200 for modification filings as of April 2026.
This guide provides general information about Louisiana child support payment methods and should not be construed as legal advice. For specific questions about your case, consult a Louisiana family law attorney or contact DCFS Child Support Enforcement.