Maryland requires all child support payments to be processed through the Maryland State Disbursement Unit (SDU), the centralized payment processing center for the state. Parents can pay child support through wage withholding (the default method for most cases), online payments via md.smartchildsupport.com with a 2.5% credit card processing fee, ACH direct debit from a bank account, money orders mailed to the SDU, or in-person payments at local Child Support Administration offices. Under Maryland Family Law § 10-120, employers must remit withheld wages within 7 business days, and failure to pay child support can result in license suspension after 60 days of non-compliance, tax refund intercepts for arrears of $500 or more, and interest accrual at 10% annually on unpaid balances.
Key Facts: Maryland Child Support Payments
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Processing Center | Maryland State Disbursement Unit (SDU) |
| Online Payment Portal | md.smartchildsupport.com |
| Credit Card Processing Fee | 2.5% of payment amount |
| Customer Service Line | 1-800-332-6347 |
| Wage Withholding Deadline | Within 7 business days of payday |
| Interest on Arrears | 10% annually (if court-ordered) |
| License Suspension Trigger | 60 days past due |
| Federal Tax Offset Threshold | $500+ in arrears |
Understanding the Maryland State Disbursement Unit
The Maryland State Disbursement Unit processes all child support payments in the state, handling approximately $650 million annually in collections. Under Maryland Family Law § 10-108, the SDU serves as the mandatory intermediary between paying and receiving parents, tracking every payment, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring timely distribution to custodial parents. The SDU operates the online portal at md.smartchildsupport.com where parents can view payment history, set up recurring payments, and access account information 24/7.
The SDU distributes payments to custodial parents within 2 business days of receipt in most cases. Parents can choose to receive their payments through three methods: direct deposit to a checking account (the fastest option), the Way2Go Prepaid MasterCard (automatically issued if direct deposit is not selected), or paper checks (available only for documented hardship cases). Direct deposit enrollment requires submitting the Child Support Direct Deposit Authorization Form with a copy of government-issued identification and a voided check from the receiving account.
Wage Withholding: The Primary Payment Method
Wage withholding is the default and most reliable method for paying child support in Maryland, accounting for approximately 70% of all child support collections statewide. Under Maryland Family Law § 10-120, courts issue Income Withholding Orders (IWOs) directing employers to automatically deduct child support from the paying parent's wages before the employee receives their paycheck. Employers must begin withholding from the first pay period after receiving the order and must remit payments to the SDU within 7 business days of each payday.
Employers may retain a $2 administrative fee per pay period for processing the withholding. Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act limits apply: employers cannot withhold more than 50% of disposable earnings if the employee supports a second family, or 60% if they do not. These limits increase to 55% and 65% respectively when arrears exceed 12 weeks past due. Under Maryland Family Law § 10-122, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees subject to wage withholding orders, including termination or demotion based on the garnishment.
Online Payment Options Through the SDU Portal
The Maryland State Disbursement Unit website at md.smartchildsupport.com allows non-custodial parents to make child support payments online using credit cards, debit cards, or ACH bank transfers. Credit and debit card payments (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover accepted) incur a 2.5% processing fee per transaction. For a $500 monthly payment, this translates to a $12.50 fee. ACH payments from a checking account do not incur processing fees, making this the most cost-effective online option.
To make an online payment, parents must first create an account at md.smartchildsupport.com using their case number and personal identifying information. The portal allows one-time payments or recurring automatic payments scheduled to coincide with paydays. Payment confirmation appears immediately on screen, and the SDU sends email confirmations for all transactions. Payments made before 3:00 PM Eastern Time on business days are typically processed the same day. The pay-by-phone system is also available for parents who prefer telephone transactions, accessible through the same SDU contact number at 1-800-332-6347.
Mailing Payments to the State Disbursement Unit
Parents who prefer traditional payment methods can mail checks or money orders directly to the Maryland State Disbursement Unit. All mailed payments must include the case number written on the check or money order to ensure proper crediting. Payments should be made payable to "Maryland State Disbursement Unit" and mailed to: Maryland State Disbursement Unit, P.O. Box 17396, Baltimore, MD 21297-1396. Personal checks, cashier's checks, and money orders are all accepted, but cash should never be sent through the mail.
Mailed payments typically take 5-7 business days to process from the date of receipt. Parents should factor in additional time for mail delivery when timing payments to meet court-ordered due dates. The SDU date-stamps all incoming mail and credits payments based on the date received, not the date mailed or the date the check clears. For urgent situations where immediate payment crediting is necessary, online payment or in-person payment at a local office is recommended over mailing.
In-Person Payment at Local Child Support Offices
Maryland maintains 24 local Child Support Administration offices throughout the state where parents can make child support payments in person. These offices accept cash, checks, money orders, and in some locations, credit and debit cards. Office locations and hours vary by county, and parents should contact the Customer Care Center at 1-800-332-6347 or visit the Maryland Department of Human Services website to find the nearest office. In-person payments are credited to the account the same day they are received, making this option useful for last-minute payments.
Local offices also provide case management services beyond payment processing. Staff can help parents understand their child support orders, set up payment plans for arrears, request modifications, and answer questions about enforcement actions. Parents facing financial difficulties can discuss options such as the Payment Incentive Program (PIP), which offers eligible parents a path to arrears reduction. First-time visitors should bring their case number and government-issued identification.
Setting Up Direct Deposit for Receiving Parents
Custodial parents in Maryland can receive child support payments through direct deposit into their checking account, providing the fastest and most secure payment method available. Direct deposit payments are typically available within 2 business days of the SDU receiving funds from the paying parent. To enroll, parents must complete the Child Support Direct Deposit Authorization Form and submit it with a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID and a voided check (starter checks are not accepted) from the account where deposits should be made.
The enrollment form can be downloaded from the Maryland Department of Human Services website, requested by calling 1-800-332-6347, or obtained in person at any local Child Support Office. Completed forms should be mailed to: CSA Direct Deposit Enrollment Application, Post Office Box 17615, Baltimore, Maryland 21297. Processing takes approximately 30-45 days from receipt of the completed application. Parents who do not enroll in direct deposit are automatically issued a Way2Go Prepaid MasterCard approximately 30-45 days after their first payment is received by check.
The Way2Go Prepaid Card Program
Maryland automatically enrolls custodial parents who do not opt for direct deposit into the Way2Go Prepaid MasterCard program. This debit card functions like any standard debit card and can be used at ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, and for online purchases wherever MasterCard is accepted. The card arrives in the mail approximately 30-45 days after the first child support payment is received. Customer service for Way2Go cardholders is available at 1-844-768-0043 or through the online portal.
The Way2Go card offers several free services: online account access, one free ATM withdrawal per deposit at participating ATMs, direct deposit of child support payments, and purchase transactions at point-of-sale terminals. Additional ATM withdrawals and certain other services may incur fees. The card does not require a bank account and provides a convenient option for parents without traditional banking relationships. Lost or stolen cards can be replaced by calling the customer service line, with expedited shipping available for an additional fee.
What Happens When Payments Are Late
Missing child support payments in Maryland triggers escalating enforcement actions under Maryland Family Law § 10-119 and related statutes. Interest on unpaid child support accrues at 10% annually when the court order specifies this provision. After 60 days of non-compliance, the Child Support Administration reports the delinquency to credit bureaus, which can significantly damage credit scores. At the same time, the administration initiates driver's license suspension proceedings through the Motor Vehicle Administration.
Professional license suspension begins after 120 days of non-compliance. This affects licenses issued by Maryland licensing boards including real estate, nursing, accounting, cosmetology, and dozens of other professions. Arrears of $500 or more trigger automatic federal tax refund intercepts, with notices sent 30 days before certification. Arrears exceeding $2,500 can result in passport denial or revocation by the U.S. Department of State. The Maryland Child Support Administration can also intercept lottery winnings for past-due support when arrears reach $150 or more.
Modifying Your Child Support Payment Amount
Maryland allows either parent to request a child support modification when there has been a "material change in circumstances" since the last order was issued. Under Maryland Family Law § 12-104, a change in income of 25% or more generally qualifies as material. Other qualifying changes include job loss, disability, significant medical expenses, or changes in custody arrangements. Modifications are not automatic and require filing a formal motion with the Circuit Court or requesting a review through the Child Support Administration.
Parents whose cases are administered through the Child Support Administration may request a review every three years without showing changed circumstances. To request a review, contact the Customer Care Center at 1-800-332-6347. For cases not administered through the CSA, parents must file Form CC-DR-006 (Motion to Modify Child Support) with the Circuit Court that issued the original order. Important: informal agreements between parents to change support amounts are not legally enforceable. Only court-ordered modifications change the legal obligation, and arrears continue to accrue under the original order until a court approves a modification.
2026 Update: The Multifamily Adjustment
Effective October 1, 2025, House Bill 275 introduced the Multifamily Adjustment to Maryland's child support guidelines under Maryland Family Law § 12-201(c). This significant change allows parents with children from other relationships to reduce their countable income before calculating support for the child in the current case. The adjustment applies when a parent has a legal duty of support for additional children living with them for more than 92 overnights per year.
To calculate the adjustment, courts use the parent's individual income (without the other parent's income) and multiply the theoretical basic child support obligation by 0.75. This amount is then deducted from the parent's adjusted actual income before applying the standard child support guidelines. Documentation required includes birth certificates, school enrollment records, or custody agreements proving the additional children reside with the parent. This change particularly benefits parents who have remarried or have children from subsequent relationships while still supporting children from a prior relationship.
Payment Records and Documentation
Maintaining accurate payment records is essential for all child support cases. The SDU maintains official payment records accessible through the md.smartchildsupport.com portal, where both paying and receiving parents can view complete payment history, download statements, and print confirmation receipts. Parents should retain their own records as backup, including bank statements showing automatic deductions, credit card statements for online payments, and receipt copies for money orders or in-person payments.
Official payment history from the SDU is the definitive record in any court proceeding regarding child support. Parents can request certified payment records from the Child Support Administration for use in court hearings or other legal matters. When disputing whether payments were made, SDU records take precedence over personal records. For this reason, paying parents should avoid cash transactions that cannot be independently verified and should always include their case number on every payment to ensure proper crediting.
Contacting the Maryland Child Support Administration
The Maryland Child Support Administration provides multiple contact options for parents with questions about payments, enforcement, or case management. The Customer Care Center at 1-800-332-6347 operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Spanish-speaking representatives are available, and language interpretation services can be arranged for other languages. The online portal at md.smartchildsupport.com provides 24/7 access to account information, payment history, and the ability to make payments.
For in-person assistance, 24 local Child Support offices serve Maryland's counties and Baltimore City. The myDHR portal at myDHRbenefits.dhr.state.md.us allows parents to view case details, update contact information, and access various forms. Correspondence can be mailed to: Maryland Child Support Administration, Department of Human Services, 311 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Parents should include their case number on all written communications. Response times for written inquiries average 10-15 business days, while phone inquiries typically receive immediate assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a child support payment online in Maryland?
Visit md.smartchildsupport.com to create an account using your case number, then select your payment method. Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) incur a 2.5% processing fee, while ACH bank transfers are free. Payments made before 3:00 PM ET on business days process the same day.
What happens if my employer does not withhold child support correctly?
Under Maryland Family Law § 10-120, employers who fail to withhold or remit payments within 7 business days are liable for damages equal to the missed withholding amount. Report employer non-compliance to the Child Support Administration at 1-800-332-6347 for enforcement action.
Can I pay child support directly to my child's other parent instead of through the SDU?
No. Maryland law requires all child support payments to process through the State Disbursement Unit for proper tracking and enforcement. Direct payments to the other parent do not count toward your obligation and will not be credited in court records.
How long does it take for the custodial parent to receive my payment?
Payments made through wage withholding or online are typically disbursed within 2 business days of SDU receipt. Mailed payments take 5-7 business days to process after receipt. Direct deposit recipients receive funds fastest, while Way2Go card holders see deposits within the same timeframe.
What is the interest rate on unpaid child support in Maryland?
Interest accrues at 10% annually on unpaid child support under Maryland Family Law § 10-119.1, but only when the court order specifically includes this provision. Interest is not automatic and must be ordered by the judge at the time of the initial order or modification.
How do I set up recurring automatic payments for child support?
Log into md.smartchildsupport.com and navigate to the payment section. Select ACH bank transfer to avoid the 2.5% credit card fee, enter your bank account information, and choose your payment frequency. You can schedule payments to align with your pay dates.
What enforcement actions can happen if I fall behind on payments?
Enforcement escalates progressively: credit reporting and driver's license suspension after 60 days, professional license suspension after 120 days, federal tax refund intercept for arrears of $500+, passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500, and potential lottery winning interception for arrears of $150+.
Can I get my child support order changed if I lose my job?
Yes. Job loss typically qualifies as a material change in circumstances under Maryland Family Law § 12-104. File Form CC-DR-006 with the Circuit Court immediately, as modifications only apply from the filing date forward. Document your job search efforts, as courts may impute income to voluntarily unemployed parents.
How do I enroll in direct deposit to receive child support payments?
Download the Child Support Direct Deposit Authorization Form from dhs.maryland.gov, complete it with your checking account information, and mail it with a copy of your government-issued ID and a voided check to: CSA Direct Deposit Enrollment, P.O. Box 17615, Baltimore, MD 21297. Processing takes 30-45 days.
What is the Way2Go card and do I have to use it?
The Way2Go Prepaid MasterCard is automatically issued to custodial parents who do not enroll in direct deposit. It provides free direct deposit of child support, one free ATM withdrawal per deposit at participating ATMs, and works anywhere MasterCard is accepted. You can switch to direct deposit at any time by completing the enrollment form.