North Dakota requires all child support payments to flow through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU) located in Bismarck, ensuring accurate tracking and legal documentation of every payment made. The state collects approximately 70% of child support through income withholding orders issued directly to employers, with the remaining 30% processed through alternative methods including AutoPay, online payments, checks, and money orders. Under N.D.C.C. § 14-09-09.10, child support encompasses not only financial payments for a child's care but also health insurance coverage and medical support obligations ordered by the court.
Key Facts: North Dakota Child Support Payments
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Destination | State Disbursement Unit, PO Box 7280, Bismarck, ND 58507-7280 |
| Primary Collection Method | Income Withholding (70% of collections) |
| Employer Remittance Deadline | Within 7 business days of pay date |
| Employer Processing Fee | $3.00 per month (retained from employee wages) |
| Credit/Debit Card Fee | 2.95% of payment (minimum $4.95) |
| Late Payment Interest Rate | Set annually by State Administrator (10% as of 2023) |
| Payment Information Line | 701-328-5440 or 1-800-231-4255 |
| Online Portal | childsupport.dhs.nd.gov |
Understanding How to Pay Child Support in North Dakota Through the State Disbursement Unit
All child support payments in North Dakota must be processed through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU) when based on a North Dakota court order or another jurisdiction's order enforced in the state. The SDU maintains official payment records that serve as legal documentation of amounts paid and any outstanding balances, protecting both the paying parent (obligor) and the receiving parent (obligee) in any future disputes. Parents who make payments directly to the other parent may not receive credit for those payments in the official system, potentially leaving them vulnerable to enforcement actions despite having already paid.
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services operates the child support enforcement program under N.D.C.C. § 14-09-09.7, which establishes the child support guidelines and collection procedures. When payments arrive at the SDU, they are processed and forwarded to the custodial parent through their chosen disbursement method within 2 business days. The official child support website at childsupport.dhs.nd.gov provides 24/7 access to payment history, balance information, and case details.
Income Withholding: The Primary Child Support Payment Method in North Dakota
Income withholding serves as North Dakota's default and most reliable method for collecting child support payments, accounting for approximately 70% of all collections statewide. When a court issues or modifies a child support order, it simultaneously issues an Income Withholding Order (IWO) to the obligor's employer requiring automatic deduction of support payments from each paycheck. Under federal and state law, employers must begin withholding immediately upon receiving the IWO and remit payments to the SDU within 7 business days of each pay date.
The income withholding process works as follows: the employer deducts the ordered child support amount from the employee's disposable earnings, retains an optional $3.00 monthly processing fee, and transmits the payment to the State Disbursement Unit with the employee's Person Number for proper credit. The Consumer Credit Protection Act limits withholding to 50% of disposable earnings for obligors supporting another family, or 60% for those without other dependents. If the obligor falls behind, an additional 5% may be withheld, raising the maximum to 55% or 65% respectively.
Employer Requirements for Child Support Withholding
North Dakota employers bear specific legal obligations when processing income withholding orders:
- Begin withholding upon receipt of the income withholding order without waiting for the employee's consent
- Remit payments within 7 business days of each pay date to avoid penalties
- Include the remittance identifier (Person Number) and pay date with each payment
- Use electronic payment methods if the employer has more than 25 employees and has received more than 4 income withholding orders
- Notify Child Support within 7 business days if the employee is terminated, laid off, or leaves employment
- Continue withholding during temporary layoffs unless specifically notified otherwise
Employers who fail to withhold or remit child support payments as required may face penalties including liability for the amounts they failed to withhold. The Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) has developed an electronic Income Withholding Order (eIWO) process that enables employers to receive and process orders electronically, streamlining compliance.
Alternative Payment Methods When Wage Withholding Is Not Available
Self-employed parents, those between jobs, or individuals with income sources not subject to traditional withholding must use alternative payment methods to fulfill their child support obligations. North Dakota provides several approved payment channels, all of which route through the State Disbursement Unit to ensure proper crediting and record-keeping.
AutoPay: Automatic Bank Withdrawals
AutoPay allows qualified parents to have child support payments automatically deducted from their bank account on a scheduled basis. To qualify for AutoPay in North Dakota, the obligor must have paid the full amount due each month for the last 9 months or since the obligation began if less than 9 months have passed. Applicants must submit an AutoPay application form along with a voided check to the Child Support Division for approval. Once approved, AutoPay may replace income withholding, providing consistency for self-employed individuals or those with variable income sources.
Check or Money Order Payments
Parents may mail child support payments by check or money order to: State Disbursement Unit, PO Box 7280, Bismarck, ND 58507-7280. Each payment must include the obligor's Person Number for proper credit. If you do not know your Person Number, contact Child Support at 701-328-5440 or 1-800-231-4255 before sending payment. Payments without proper identification may be delayed or credited incorrectly.
Credit Card and Debit Card Payments
North Dakota accepts credit and debit card payments for child support through Value Payment Systems, a third-party vendor. A processing fee of 2.95% of the payment amount or a minimum of $4.95 applies to each transaction. While this method offers convenience for urgent or one-time payments, the fees make it less economical for regular monthly obligations compared to income withholding or AutoPay.
Employer Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Employers remitting income withholding payments may use the Web EFT system available at apps.nd.gov/dhs/cs/employereft/login.htm. The system requires a State of North Dakota Login ID, which may already exist if the employer conducts other electronic business with state agencies. Employers control the deduction date by entering a Process Date, with the payment amount debited from the employer's bank account 2 business days later. Changes or deletions to pending payments can be made until approximately 9:00 PM on the Process Date.
How to Receive Child Support Payments in North Dakota
Custodial parents receiving child support in North Dakota may choose between two primary disbursement methods: direct deposit to a personal bank account or receipt via the smiONE Visa Prepaid Card. Both methods provide faster access to funds than paper checks and eliminate the risk of lost or stolen mail.
Direct Deposit Enrollment
Direct deposit transfers child support payments electronically into the recipient's checking or savings account within 2 business days of SDU processing. To enroll, custodial parents must complete a Direct Deposit Enrollment and Authorization form available through the Child Support website or by contacting the office. The enrollment form requires the bank's routing number and account number, which can be found on a voided check.
smiONE Visa Prepaid Card
The smiONE Visa Prepaid Card provides an alternative for parents without traditional bank accounts. Child support payments are loaded directly onto the card, which can be used anywhere Visa is accepted or at ATMs for cash withdrawals. The card offers online account management and may have associated fees for certain transactions, which are detailed in the cardholder agreement.
Understanding Your Person Number and Payment Tracking
Every individual with a North Dakota child support case is assigned a unique Person Number that serves as the primary identifier for all payment transactions. This number must appear on every payment submission to ensure proper crediting to the correct case. Parents can access their payment information 24/7 by logging into their account at childsupport.dhs.nd.gov or by calling the automated phone system at 701-328-5440 or 1-800-231-4255.
The online portal provides real-time access to:
- Current balance and payment history
- Upcoming payment due dates
- Income withholding order status
- Case details and court order information
- Forms for address changes, direct deposit enrollment, and other updates
Parents must notify Child Support immediately when contact information changes, including address, phone number, employer, or bank account details for direct deposit recipients.
Consequences of Late or Missed Child Support Payments
North Dakota enforces child support obligations aggressively, with multiple enforcement tools available when payments become delinquent. Under N.D.C.C. § 14-09-09.10, a payment becomes delinquent on the first working day after the due date when the unpaid amount equals at least one month's support obligation. Interest accrues on past-due support at a rate set annually by the State Administrator on January 1st, with the rate set at 10% in recent years.
Enforcement Actions for Non-Payment
When child support payments are not consistent, timely, and paid in full, enforcement actions may include:
- Interception of federal and state tax refunds
- Suspension of driver's license, professional licenses, and hunting/fishing licenses
- Denial or revocation of passport for arrears exceeding $2,500
- Credit bureau reporting of past-due amounts
- Contempt of court proceedings with potential jail time
- Seizure of bank accounts and other assets
- Liens on real property
Effective April 2, 1999, North Dakota eliminated the statute of limitations on child support enforcement, meaning past-due support can be collected indefinitely regardless of when it accrued.
Interest Suspension and Waiver Programs
Parents struggling with arrears may qualify for interest suspension by entering into a payment plan with Child Support. While actively complying with the payment plan, interest does not accrue on the past-due balance. After one year of compliance, some previously accrued interest may be waived, reducing the total amount owed. Contact Child Support to discuss payment plan options and eligibility for interest relief.
Modifying Child Support Payment Amounts in North Dakota
Child support amounts do not change automatically when circumstances change; modifications require a new court order. Parents may request a review of their child support order through the Child Support Division every 18 months without demonstrating changed circumstances. Additionally, either parent may file a motion with the court at any time when a material change in circumstances occurs, such as significant income changes, job loss, or changes in custody arrangements.
The filing fee for a child support modification motion in North Dakota is $160 as of July 1, 2025. This represents a significant increase from the previous $30 fee that had been in place since 1995. Parents who cannot afford the filing fee may petition for a fee waiver by submitting financial documentation. It is crucial to file for modification promptly when circumstances change, as the modified amount typically takes effect from the filing date rather than when the change occurred.
When Child Support Payments End in North Dakota
Under N.D.C.C. § 14-09-08.2, child support obligations typically continue until the child reaches age 18. However, if the child is enrolled in and attending high school at age 18, support continues until the end of the month in which the child graduates or turns 19, whichever occurs first, provided the child resides with the parent receiving support. Support may also terminate earlier if the child marries, joins the military, or becomes legally emancipated.
Past-due child support (arrears) remains collectible even after the child reaches majority. The elimination of the statute of limitations means North Dakota can pursue collection of arrears indefinitely, including through tax refund intercepts, license suspensions, and other enforcement mechanisms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paying Child Support in North Dakota
What is the State Disbursement Unit and why must I pay through it?
The State Disbursement Unit (SDU) is North Dakota's central processing center for all child support payments, located in Bismarck. All court-ordered child support must flow through the SDU to create an official legal record of amounts paid and any outstanding balances. Payments made directly to the other parent may not appear in official records, potentially exposing the paying parent to enforcement actions despite having paid. The SDU processes payments within 2 business days and forwards funds to the receiving parent.
How long does my employer have to send child support payments after withholding them?
North Dakota law requires employers to remit withheld child support payments to the State Disbursement Unit within 7 business days of the pay date. Employers who fail to transmit payments timely may face penalties and potential liability for the amounts they failed to remit. The 7-day deadline applies regardless of the employer's normal accounts payable schedule.
Can I make child support payments directly to my child's other parent?
No, payments made directly to the other parent may not receive credit in North Dakota's official child support system. All payments must flow through the State Disbursement Unit to be properly recorded. If you have already made a direct payment, contact Child Support at 701-328-5440 to discuss options for potentially receiving credit, though this requires documentation and agreement from both parties.
What happens if I lose my job and cannot make child support payments?
Contact Child Support immediately at 701-328-5440 if you experience job loss or income reduction. While your obligation continues during unemployment, you may file a motion to modify child support based on changed circumstances. The filing fee is $160, though fee waivers are available for those demonstrating financial hardship. Until a court modifies the order, the original amount remains due and arrears will accumulate.
How do I qualify for AutoPay instead of wage withholding?
To qualify for AutoPay in North Dakota, you must have paid the full amount due each month for the last 9 months or since the beginning of your obligation if less than 9 months. Submit an AutoPay application form with a voided check to Child Support for approval. AutoPay is particularly useful for self-employed individuals whose income is not subject to traditional wage withholding.
What is the interest rate on past-due child support in North Dakota?
North Dakota charges simple interest on past-due child support at a rate set annually by the State Administrator on January 1st. The rate was 10% in 2023. Interest may be suspended while you are actively complying with an approved payment plan, and some accrued interest may be waived after one year of plan compliance. Contact Child Support to discuss your options.
Can child support take more than half my paycheck?
Federal law limits child support withholding to 50% of disposable earnings for obligors supporting another family, or 60% for those without other dependents. If arrears exist, an additional 5% may be withheld, raising maximums to 55% or 65% respectively. When multiple withholding orders exist, employers prorate payments based on current monthly obligations if the cap is reached.
How do I receive child support payments in North Dakota?
Custodial parents may receive child support through direct deposit to a checking or savings account or via the smiONE Visa Prepaid Card. Direct deposit provides the fastest access to funds, typically within 2 business days of SDU processing. Enroll by completing a Direct Deposit Enrollment and Authorization form available at childsupport.dhs.nd.gov or by contacting the office.
Where can I check my child support payment history and balance?
Access your payment information 24/7 by logging into your account at childsupport.dhs.nd.gov or by calling the automated phone system at 701-328-5440 (local) or 1-800-231-4255 (toll-free). The online portal displays current balance, payment history, upcoming due dates, and case details. You will need your Person Number to access your account.
What happens to child support when my child turns 18?
North Dakota child support generally ends when the child turns 18. However, if the child is attending high school at age 18, support continues until the end of the month in which the child graduates or turns 19, whichever occurs first. The child must reside with the support recipient to qualify for extended support. Any past-due support (arrears) remains collectible after the child reaches majority, with no statute of limitations on collection.