Nevada parents can pay child support through eight different methods administered by the State Collection and Disbursement Unit (SCaDU), with convenience fees ranging from $0 for eCheck ACH to $8.95 per $1,000 for credit card payments. The most common payment method is automatic wage withholding under NRS 31A.090, which requires employers to deduct child support directly from paychecks and remit payments within seven days of each payroll date. For parents who need to make direct payments, the iPayOnline portal at ipayonline.nvscadu.net accepts credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App with processing times of 3-4 business days.
Key Facts: Nevada Child Support Payments
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Processing Center | State Collection and Disbursement Unit (SCaDU) |
| Online Portal | iPayOnline (ipayonline.nvscadu.net) |
| Phone Payment Line | 1-855-288-2352 (24/7) |
| Mail Address | SCaDU, P.O. Box 98950, Las Vegas, NV 89193-8950 |
| Minimum Support | $100 per child per month (NRS 125B.080(4)) |
| Employer Fee | $2.00 per withholding (NRS 31A.075) |
| Processing Time | 3-4 business days for online payments |
| Interest on Arrears | Prime rate + 2% |
How Nevada Child Support Wage Withholding Works
Wage withholding is the primary method for paying child support in Nevada, with employers required to deduct court-ordered amounts directly from employee paychecks and submit payments to SCaDU within seven days of each payroll date under NRS 31A.090. Employers with 50 or more employees must submit child support payments electronically using Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) in either the CCD+ or CTX820 format as outlined by the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA). This automatic withholding ensures consistent, timely payments without requiring the paying parent to take any action each pay period.
Nevada law under NRS 31A.075 requires employers to deduct a mandatory $2.00 fee from each employee subject to a Nevada wage withholding for child support, collected up to two times per month. This fee is deducted from the obligor's income after the child support withholding and must be sent separately to the Nevada State Treasurer. The $2.00 fee applies only to withholding orders directing payments to the Nevada State Collections and Disbursement Unit, and out-of-state employers must also collect this fee when specified as a sum certain amount in the Income Withholding Order.
Employers can structure child support withholding to match their payroll system as long as they transmit the full monthly amount each month and remit within the seven-day deadline. When an employee subject to a child support withholding order terminates employment, the employer must notify the enforcing authority of the termination. Failure to comply with withholding orders can result in employer liability for the amounts that should have been withheld.
Online Payment Portal: iPayOnline Registration and Usage
The iPayOnline portal at ipayonline.nvscadu.net provides Nevada parents with 24/7 access to make child support payments using multiple digital payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, eCheck ACH, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App. Registration requires your Social Security Number, 10-digit Participant ID number (format: 10xxxxxxxx), child support case number (format: 32xxxxxxxx), and current contact information including address, phone number, and email address. Payments made through iPayOnline are credited to your account within 3-4 business days from the date the payment is made.
The fee structure for iPayOnline varies by payment method, with eCheck ACH payments currently processing at no cost for registered users making recurring payments. Credit card, debit card, and digital wallet payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App) incur a convenience fee of 2.95% per payment. The maximum single payment amount is $5,000, so parents owing more than $5,000 must make multiple transactions. One-time payments without registration are available but eCheck ACH is not offered for these transactions.
To register as an individual on iPayOnline, visit ipayonline.nvscadu.net and select the Individual Registration option. You will create login credentials and link your payment methods for future use. Employers can also register on the portal to submit bulk employee withholdings electronically. The portal displays your payment history, current balance, and upcoming obligations, providing transparency for both paying and receiving parents.
Phone Payment Options Through SCaDU
Parents can pay child support by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling the State Collection and Disbursement Unit at 1-855-288-2352 and following the automated prompts. Phone payments accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit and debit cards with a flat convenience fee of $8.95 per $1,000 payment, with a maximum payment amount of $5,000 per transaction. This option provides immediate payment confirmation and is useful for parents who prefer not to use online systems or need to make an urgent payment outside business hours.
The $8.95 fee structure means a $500 payment incurs an $8.95 fee (1.79% effective rate), while a $1,000 payment also costs $8.95 (0.895% effective rate), making larger payments more cost-efficient. Multiple transactions may be required to pay amounts exceeding $5,000. Phone payments are processed through the same SCaDU system as online payments and typically post to your account within 3-4 business days.
Cash Payment Locations and Retail Options
Nevada offers multiple cash payment options for parents who prefer to pay child support without using bank accounts or credit cards. PayNearMe locations accept cash payments with a $2.99 fee per transaction up to $1,000, making it the most affordable fee option for in-person payments. MoneyGram, available at over 25,000 U.S. agent locations including Walmart, CVS Pharmacy, and Rapid Cash, charges a $3.99 convenience fee per payment.
Select retail locations in Nevada, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington accept cash child support payments with a $3.95 convenience fee for payments up to $4,000. This multi-state network allows Nevada parents who travel frequently or live near state borders to make payments conveniently. All retail cash payments route through SCaDU and credit to your account, though processing times may be slightly longer than electronic payments.
In-person payment kiosks are located at the Child Support Center of Southern Nevada lobby at 1900 E. Flamingo Rd, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89119, open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. An additional kiosk at the Clark County Detention Center lobby at 330 S. Casino Center, Las Vegas, NV 89101, operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These kiosks accept various payment types and provide immediate receipts for your records.
Mailing Child Support Payments to SCaDU
Parents can mail child support payments to SCaDU at P.O. Box 98950, Las Vegas, NV 89193-8950, but must use cashier's checks, money orders, or business checks only as personal checks are not accepted. Each payment must include your Social Security Number or Participant ID number and the case number to ensure proper crediting. Allow 7-10 business days for mailed payments to be processed and posted to your account.
The prohibition on personal checks protects the payment system from insufficient funds and fraud, ensuring that payments credited actually clear. Money orders are available at most banks, post offices, and convenience stores for fees typically ranging from $1.00 to $5.00. Business checks must be drawn on a business account and cannot be from the paying parent's personal business if operated as a sole proprietorship without a separate business account.
How Custodial Parents Receive Child Support Payments
Nevada no longer issues paper checks for child support payments unless the recipient qualifies for a specific exemption under hardship provisions. Custodial parents must choose between direct deposit into a bank account or receiving payments through the Nevada Child Support Debit Card (Way2Go Card), a prepaid Mastercard issued by Comerica Bank. Both options provide faster access to funds than paper checks and eliminate risks of mail theft or lost payments.
Direct deposit, also called electronic funds transfer (EFT), delivers child support payments directly to your bank account, making funds available sooner than any other method. To set up direct deposit, complete the Child Support Payment Authorization form, attach a voided check or bank letter verifying your account information, and submit to the Child Support office. The child support program does not charge any fees for using the direct deposit service.
The Nevada Child Support Way2Go Card is automatically issued to recipients who do not request direct deposit, and can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted for purchases and ATM withdrawals. The card vendor changed from US Bank ReliaCard to Comerica Bank's Way2Go Card, and existing recipients received new cards during the transition. While the child support program does not charge fees for the card, ATM withdrawals and certain transactions may incur fees according to the card's terms and conditions, available from Comerica Bank.
Nevada Child Support Calculation Under NRS 125B.070
Nevada calculates child support using a tiered percentage-of-income formula applied to the obligor parent's gross monthly income under NRS 125B.070 and NAC Chapter 425, which replaced the flat-percentage system on February 1, 2020. For one child, a parent pays 16% of the first $6,000 in gross monthly income, 8% on income between $6,001 and $10,000, and 4% on income exceeding $10,000. The tiered system means higher-income parents pay a lower percentage on income above certain thresholds, though the 2020 update removed all presumptive caps, potentially increasing obligations for high earners.
For two children, the percentages are 22%, 11%, and 6% across the same income brackets. For three children, rates climb to 26%, 13%, and 6%. Each additional child beyond three adds 2% to the base-tier rate. The minimum child support award is $100 per child per month under NRS 125B.080(4), unless the court makes a written finding that the obligor cannot pay even this minimum amount.
| Number of Children | $0-$6,000/month | $6,001-$10,000/month | Over $10,000/month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 child | 16% | 8% | 4% |
| 2 children | 22% | 11% | 6% |
| 3 children | 26% | 13% | 6% |
| 4+ children | +2% per child | +1% per child | +2% per child |
When parents share joint physical custody (each parent has the child at least 40% of the time, or approximately 146 days per year), Nevada courts calculate each parent's individual obligation under the standard percentages and then offset the amounts against each other. This offset calculation typically results in the higher-earning parent paying the difference between the two calculated amounts.
Enforcement Consequences for Non-Payment
Nevada's Child Support Enforcement program employs aggressive collection tools under NRS Chapter 31A and NRS 201.020, including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, bank account levies, property liens, passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500, credit bureau reporting, and contempt of court proceedings. Interest accrues on unpaid child support at the prime rate charged by Nevada's largest bank plus 2%, as determined by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions on January 1 or July 1 of each year.
Criminal penalties for willful non-payment under NRS 201.020 depend on the amount owed. A first violation involving less than $10,000 in arrears is a misdemeanor carrying maximum penalties of six months in jail, $1,000 in fines, and restitution of the full arrears amount. Arrears exceeding $10,000 constitute a felony punishable by 1-5 years in state prison, up to $10,000 in fines, and full restitution. There is no statute of limitations on collecting past-due child support when a court order exists, meaning arrears can be pursued indefinitely.
Contempt of court is the most common initial enforcement action, requiring the non-paying parent to appear before the family court judge and explain why they should not be held in contempt for failing to meet their support obligation. Courts can order immediate payment of arrears, establish payment plans, suspend driver's licenses, suspend professional and recreational licenses, and impose jail time for willful non-compliance. The purpose of contempt proceedings is to compel payment rather than punish, but repeated violations can result in incarceration.
Modifying Child Support Orders in Nevada
Nevada parents can request a child support modification by filing a Motion to Modify Child Support with the district court that issued the original order when there has been a change in circumstances since the last order. Filing fees for modification motions range from $25 to $75 depending on the county, with Clark County (Las Vegas) typically at the higher end as of March 2026. Fee waivers are available for parents whose income falls below 150% of the federal poverty level or whose monthly expenses exceed income by filing an Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis.
The motion must include documentation of changed circumstances such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, proof of job loss, or evidence of the child's changed needs. Common grounds for modification include significant income changes (increase or decrease), job loss, disability, the child's increased needs, or changes in custody arrangements. Nevada courts will not modify support retroactively beyond the filing date, making timely filing critical when circumstances change.
Employer Responsibilities for Child Support Withholding
Nevada employers receiving Income Withholding Orders must begin deducting child support within one pay period of receiving the order and continue withholding until notified otherwise by the court or child support agency. Under NRS 31A.090, employers with 50 or more staff must submit withheld amounts electronically using EFT in CCD+ or CTX820 format. All employers must remit withheld amounts to SCaDU within seven days of each payroll date and ensure the total monthly obligation is transmitted each month.
The mandatory $2.00 administrative fee under NRS 31A.075 must be deducted from the employee's remaining income after the child support withholding, up to twice per month, and sent separately to the Nevada State Treasurer. Employers must notify the enforcing authority when an employee subject to a withholding order terminates employment. Failure to properly withhold and remit child support can result in employer liability for the amounts that should have been withheld, plus potential penalties.
New hire reporting requirements under federal law require Nevada employers to report all newly hired employees to the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) within 20 days of hire, enabling child support agencies to quickly locate obligor parents and issue withholding orders. This includes re-hired employees who were separated for 60 days or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to pay child support in Nevada?
eCheck ACH payments through iPayOnline have no processing fee for registered users making recurring payments, making it the most cost-effective option. PayNearMe cash payments cost $2.99 per transaction, while MoneyGram costs $3.99. Credit card and digital wallet payments incur a 2.95% fee online or $8.95 per $1,000 by phone.
How long does it take for a Nevada child support payment to process?
Online and phone payments made through SCaDU typically post to your account within 3-4 business days from the date of payment. Mailed payments take 7-10 business days due to postal delivery and manual processing time. Wage withholding payments are processed within 2-3 business days after the employer submits them.
Can I make child support payments in cash in Nevada?
Yes, Nevada accepts cash payments at PayNearMe locations ($2.99 fee), MoneyGram locations ($3.99 fee), select retail locations in 10 states ($3.95 fee), and in-person kiosks at the Las Vegas Child Support Center and Clark County Detention Center. PayNearMe offers the lowest fee at $2.99 per transaction up to $1,000.
What happens if I miss a child support payment in Nevada?
Missed payments accrue interest at the prime rate plus 2%, and enforcement actions can include wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, bank levies, and contempt of court. Criminal charges apply for arrears under $10,000 (misdemeanor, up to 6 months jail) or over $10,000 (felony, 1-5 years prison). There is no statute of limitations on collecting arrears.
How do I sign up for direct deposit of child support payments in Nevada?
Complete the Child Support Payment Authorization form available from the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, attach a voided check or bank letter verifying your account, and submit to the Child Support office. Direct deposit has no fees and provides faster access to funds than the debit card option. Call 1-800-992-0900 for assistance.
What is the Nevada Child Support Debit Card?
The Nevada Child Support Way2Go Card is a prepaid Mastercard issued by Comerica Bank that automatically receives your child support payments if you do not enroll in direct deposit. The card works anywhere Mastercard is accepted for purchases and ATM withdrawals. The child support program charges no fees, but ATM and transaction fees may apply per the card's terms.
How much does my employer deduct for child support administration fees?
Nevada law requires employers to deduct a $2.00 fee from employees subject to wage withholding for child support, collected up to twice per month under NRS 31A.075. This fee is deducted after the child support amount and sent separately to the Nevada State Treasurer. The fee applies only to orders directing payments to SCaDU.
Can I pay child support online without registering for iPayOnline?
Yes, iPayOnline offers one-time payment options for credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets without full registration, though you will need your Social Security Number or Participant ID number. However, eCheck ACH (the free option) is only available for registered users making recurring payments. One-time payments incur the standard 2.95% convenience fee.
What is the minimum child support payment in Nevada?
The minimum child support award is $100 per child per month under NRS 125B.080(4). Courts can only order less than $100 per child if they make a written finding that the obligor parent is unable to pay even this minimum amount. Willful underemployment is not grounds to deviate below the $100 minimum.
How do I get a receipt for my child support payment?
Online payments through iPayOnline generate automatic email confirmations and are viewable in your payment history. Phone payments provide a confirmation number at the end of the call. Cash payments at retail locations and kiosks print receipts immediately. Mail payments should include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you need a receipt mailed back.