Maine parents required to pay child support have multiple payment options available through the Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery (DSER). The primary methods include wage withholding (mandatory for most orders), the iPayOnline payment portal (free for ACH payments), direct mail to the State Disbursement Unit, and employer-submitted payments through ExpertPay. Under 19-A MRSA § 2652, nearly all Maine child support orders include immediate income withholding provisions effective from the date of the support order, regardless of whether payments are past due. Non-TANF collections are typically processed within 2 business days of receipt, and recipients can receive funds via the U.S. Bank ReliaCard or direct deposit to a personal bank account.
Key Facts: Maine Child Support Payments 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Payment Portal | iPayOnline (ipayonline.mesdu.net) |
| ACH/eCheck Fee | Free |
| Credit/Debit Card Fee | 2.95% flat fee |
| Employer Fee | $2 per pay period (per 19-A MRSA § 2103) |
| Processing Time | 2 business days (non-TANF) |
| Mail Address | IVD Cashiers, P.O. Box 1098, Augusta, ME 04332 |
| Recipient Options | U.S. Bank ReliaCard or Direct Deposit |
| Contact | (207) 624-4100 or 1-800-371-7179 |
How to Pay Child Support in Maine Through iPayOnline
Maine's official child support payment portal is iPayOnline, accessible at ipayonline.mesdu.net/iPayOnline, where obligors can submit payments electronically without fees when using ACH or eCheck methods. The portal accepts debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Cash App for a flat 2.95% processing fee. Parents who need to make one-time payments or supplemental payments beyond wage withholding should use this portal for the fastest processing, typically completing within 2 business days for non-TANF cases.
To make a payment through the iPayOnline child support payment portal, parents need their case number and basic identifying information. The system allows scheduling of recurring payments, which can help self-employed obligors or those without traditional W-2 employment maintain consistent payment schedules. Payment confirmation emails provide documentation that can serve as proof of payment if disputes arise later.
iPayOnline Payment Options Comparison
| Payment Method | Processing Fee | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACH/eCheck | Free | 2-3 business days | Regular payments |
| Debit Card | 2.95% | Same day | Urgent payments |
| Credit Card | 2.95% | Same day | Emergency situations |
| PayPal/Venmo | 2.95% | 1-2 business days | Mobile users |
| Apple Pay/Google Pay | 2.95% | Same day | Quick mobile payments |
Wage Withholding for Child Support in Maine
Maine law requires immediate wage withholding child support deductions from an obligor's income effective from the date of the support order under 19-A MRSA § 2652, regardless of whether payments are past due. This mandatory income withholding applies to wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, and other forms of regular compensation. Employers must deduct child support from each paycheck and remit payments to the Maine State Disbursement Unit, adding a $2 fee per pay period as required by 19-A MRSA § 2103.
The wage withholding child support system ensures consistent, automatic payments that reduce the risk of falling behind on obligations. Under Maine law, employers cannot discipline, fine, or terminate employees because of income withholding orders. Employers who violate this protection can face fines and potential lawsuits from affected employees. The withholding amount includes the current support obligation plus any arrears payment ordered by the court.
What Income Can Be Withheld
Maine's income withholding provisions extend beyond traditional wages to include multiple income sources. The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery (DSER) can garnish funds from:
- Wages, salaries, and commissions from employment
- Bonuses and overtime pay
- Regular Social Security Disability benefits (not SSI)
- Unemployment compensation benefits
- Workers compensation payments
- Pension and retirement distributions
- Federal and state tax refunds
- Lottery winnings over certain thresholds
Mailing Child Support Payments in Maine
Parents who prefer to pay child support by mail must send checks or money orders payable to "Treasurer, State of Maine" to the IVD Cashiers at P.O. Box 1098, Augusta, ME 04332. Each payment must include the obligor's case number to ensure proper crediting to the correct account. Mailed payments take longer to process than electronic submissions, typically requiring 5-7 business days from the postmark date to appear in the recipient's account.
When mailing payments, obligors should retain proof of mailing such as certified mail receipts or tracking numbers from the postal service. The state disbursement unit processes thousands of payments monthly, and proper identification on each payment prevents delays or misapplication of funds. Money orders provide a more secure payment method than personal checks, as they cannot bounce and create additional fees.
ExpertPay for Employers Submitting Child Support
Maine employers can register for ExpertPay, a web-based portal that simplifies child support withholding submissions for businesses with employees under support orders. ExpertPay debits the company's bank account each pay period and transfers funds directly to the State Disbursement Unit, eliminating the need for paper checks and manual processing. Multi-state employers benefit particularly from ExpertPay, as the platform allows submissions to every state where child support is owed through a single interface.
Employers can register for ExpertPay at expertpay.com/employerapp or contact customer support at 1-800-403-0879 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The system enables tracking, managing, and printing reports on all child support withholdings. While Maine DSER also offers traditional Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for employers who prefer to originate payments through their own banks, ExpertPay provides additional convenience features including payment history and compliance documentation.
Receiving Child Support via Direct Deposit or ReliaCard
Maine child support recipients have two primary options for receiving payments: direct deposit to a personal bank account or the U.S. Bank ReliaCard prepaid debit card. All parents who apply for child support services are initially enrolled in the ReliaCard program and issued debit cards. The ReliaCard functions like any standard debit card, allowing purchases and cash withdrawals at ATMs, with funds typically available within 2 business days of payment processing.
Parents who prefer direct deposit can request this option after their child support order is established by contacting DSER at (207) 624-4100 to obtain the necessary paperwork. The Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) enrollment process takes approximately 5 business days to complete the prenote verification. State disbursement unit direct deposit eliminates the need for recipients to cash checks or manage prepaid cards, with funds depositing directly into their existing checking or savings accounts.
ReliaCard Benefits and Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Network | Visa |
| ATM Access | Free at in-network ATMs |
| Online Access | Yes, via usbankreliacard.com |
| Mobile App | Yes, with balance alerts |
| Bill Pay | Online bill pay available |
| Customer Service | 24/7 support line |
| Replacement Card | Available upon request |
Maine Child Support Guidelines Under 19-A MRSA § 2006
Maine calculates child support using the Income Shares model established in 19-A MRSA § 2006, which combines both parents' gross incomes and determines each parent's proportional share of the total support obligation. The basic support entitlement is determined from the Maine child support table, with additional costs for health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary expenses added to reach the total obligation. When combined annual gross income exceeds $400,000, the table is not applicable, though support is presumed to be at least the amount listed for $400,000.
The Income Shares model reflects the principle that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have enjoyed if the family remained intact. Gross income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security benefits, pensions, rental income, interest, dividends, and spousal support received. Allowable deductions include taxes, FICA contributions, mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and prior support obligations. A self-support reserve protects obligors earning less than $22,800 annually, limiting their obligation to 10% of weekly gross income.
Shared Custody Support Calculation
When each parent has the children at least 35% of overnights (128 nights annually), Maine applies a shared custody formula with a 1.5 multiplier on the basic support obligation. Each parent's proportional share is calculated based on income, then offset against the other, with the higher-earning parent paying the difference to the lower-earning parent. When parties have equal annual gross incomes and provide substantially equal care, neither party pays support, though they share equally in childcare costs, health insurance premiums, and uninsured medical expenses.
Child Support Enforcement Penalties in Maine
Maine enforces child support obligations through multiple mechanisms when obligors fall behind on payments. Under 19-A MRSA § 2603-A, courts can suspend driver's licenses, revoke occupational and professional licenses, and cancel hunting, fishing, and recreational licenses for non-payment. DHHS can begin wage garnishment when payments are more than 30 days past due, and license suspensions may begin after 60 days of arrears. The state intercepts federal and state tax refunds and lottery winnings to apply toward outstanding child support debts.
Courts can hold delinquent parents in contempt of court for willful non-payment, with potential fines up to $1,000 for failure to appear at enforcement hearings. While jail time remains rare in Maine for child support non-payment, judges retain this option as a last resort in extreme cases. Maine does not charge interest on missed support payments, but there is no statute of limitations on enforcement of child support orders, meaning arrears can be collected indefinitely. Anyone with a valid support order can apply for DSER assistance when payments are more than 30 days late.
Modifying Child Support Orders in Maine
Maine allows child support modifications when circumstances change substantially under 19-A MRSA § 2009. A 15% or greater variation from the current order constitutes a substantial change of circumstances, triggering mandatory review by the court. Within 3 years of the original order, parents must demonstrate that income changes would result in at least a 15% difference in the support amount. After 3 years, courts review orders automatically without requiring proof of changed circumstances if the current amount differs from guideline calculations.
Filing a motion to modify child support in Maine costs $0, as there is no filing fee for standalone modification petitions. Modifications take effect from the date the motion is filed, not the hearing date, making prompt filing essential when circumstances change. Courts cannot retroactively modify support to dates before the motion filing, so any arrears that accrue under the existing order remain enforceable. Significant changes that may justify modification include job loss, substantial income changes, changes in childcare costs, or major shifts in health insurance expenses.
How to Contact Maine Child Support Services
The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery (DSER) provides customer support through multiple channels for parents with questions about how to pay child support in Maine or check payment status. The main office is located at 11 State House Station, 19 Union Street, Augusta, Maine 04333. Parents can call the Case Initiation Unit at (207) 624-4100 or check weekly collection amounts through the automated line at 1-800-371-7179.
The DSER Customer Portal at gateway.maine.gov provides online access to case information, payment history, and the ability to submit questions electronically. Parents can apply for child support services through the online portal or download application forms for mail submission. The portal allows both custodial and non-custodial parents to track payments, view case details, and communicate with caseworkers without phone wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paying Child Support in Maine
How do I make a child support payment online in Maine?
Maine parents can pay child support online through the iPayOnline portal at ipayonline.mesdu.net/iPayOnline using ACH/eCheck for free or credit/debit cards for a 2.95% fee. The portal accepts PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Cash App. Payments typically process within 2 business days for non-TANF cases.
What is the $2 employer fee for child support in Maine?
Under 19-A MRSA § 2103, Maine employers must deduct an additional $2 fee per pay period from employees with child support wage withholding orders. This fee helps offset the administrative costs of the state disbursement unit. The fee has been effective since July 1, 2012.
Can I pay child support directly to the other parent in Maine?
Yes, Maine allows direct payments between parents through methods like Venmo, direct deposit, or personal checks. However, payments made outside the official system may not be properly documented, creating risk of disputes. DSER recommends using official channels for payment tracking and legal protection.
How long does it take for child support payments to process in Maine?
Non-TANF child support payments in Maine typically process within 2 business days of receipt by the State Disbursement Unit. Mailed payments require additional time for postal delivery, usually 5-7 business days total. Direct deposit prenote verification takes 5 business days to establish.
What happens if I miss a child support payment in Maine?
Missing child support payments in Maine triggers enforcement actions starting at 30 days past due with potential wage garnishment. After 60 days, DHHS may suspend driver's licenses and professional licenses. The state can intercept tax refunds and lottery winnings. There is no statute of limitations on collecting arrears.
How do I change my child support payment method in Maine?
To change from ReliaCard to direct deposit, contact DSER at (207) 624-4100 to request the Electronic Funds Transfer enrollment form. Obligors wanting to change payment methods can switch between iPayOnline, mail payments, or negotiate wage withholding adjustments through their employer. Changes take approximately 5 business days to process.
Can my employer be penalized for not withholding child support in Maine?
Yes, Maine employers face fines for intentionally failing to withhold income for child support orders. Employers are required to report all hiring and rehiring to DHHS and cannot discipline or terminate employees because of income withholding orders. Employees can sue employers who violate these protections.
How do I check my child support payment balance in Maine?
Parents can check child support balances through the DSER Customer Portal at gateway.maine.gov, by calling the automated line at 1-800-371-7179, or by contacting the Case Initiation Unit at (207) 624-4100. The online portal shows payment history, amounts owed, and recent transactions in real-time.
What income sources can Maine garnish for child support?
Maine can garnish wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, regular Social Security Disability benefits (not SSI), unemployment benefits, workers compensation, pension distributions, federal and state tax refunds, and lottery winnings. Self-employment income can also be subject to collection actions.
Is there a filing fee to modify child support in Maine?
No, there is no filing fee for standalone child support modification motions in Maine. However, modifications filed as part of a divorce action carry the standard $120 filing fee. Modifications take effect from the filing date, not the hearing date, so prompt filing is essential when circumstances change.