Pennsylvania parents have six primary methods to pay child support through the Pennsylvania State Collection and Disbursement Unit (PA SCDU), with wage withholding being mandatory in most cases since 1988. The PA SCDU processes approximately 99% of payments same-day using high-speed bank-grade equipment, and parents can track payments 24/7 through the PACSES online portal. Whether you pay through automatic income withholding, bank account debit via ExpertPay (no fee), credit card ($7.99-$36.99 fee), or cash at MoneyGram locations ($3.99 fee), all payments flow through PA SCDU in Harrisburg before being disbursed to the custodial parent within 2 business days.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Central Payment Hub | PA SCDU, PO Box 69110, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9110 |
| Customer Service | 1-877-727-7238 (24/7) |
| Filing Fee for Support | $0 (no fee to file or modify) |
| Annual Federal Fee | $35 if collections exceed $500/year (non-TANF cases) |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months for divorce jurisdiction (23 Pa.C.S. § 3104) |
| Guidelines Model | Income Shares (updated January 1, 2026) |
| Wage Garnishment Limit | 50-65% of disposable income (23 Pa.C.S. § 4348) |
| Contempt Penalty | Up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine (23 Pa.C.S. § 4345) |
Understanding Pennsylvania Child Support Payment Infrastructure
Pennsylvania centralizes all child support payments through the State Collection and Disbursement Unit (PA SCDU) located in Harrisburg, which processes over 1 million transactions annually using bank-grade equipment that handles 99% of payments on the same day they are received. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 4348, Pennsylvania courts have required automatic income withholding for all child support orders since 1988, making wage garnishment the default payment method for most obligors. The PA SCDU then disburses funds to custodial parents via EPPICard debit card or direct deposit within 2 business days of receipt.
The Pennsylvania Automated Child Support Enforcement System (PACSES) connects all 67 county Domestic Relations Sections, employers, financial institutions, and government agencies into a unified network. Each support order generates a unique PACSES Member ID that tracks all payments, arrears, and enforcement actions. Parents can access their PACSES account online at www.childsupport.pa.gov using a Keystone ID, which is Pennsylvania's unified login system shared across multiple state agency websites including PA CareerLink and COMPASS benefits portal.
Pennsylvania updated its child support guidelines effective January 1, 2026, marking the first revision since January 2022 under the four-year review cycle mandated by 23 Pa.C.S. § 4322(a). The 2026 update increased basic support obligations by 3% to 10% across all income levels to reflect rising costs of living, with the self-support reserve increasing from $1,063 to $1,255 per month, providing low-income obligors approximately 18% more protection before support calculations begin.
How to Pay Child Support in Pennsylvania: 6 Payment Methods
Pennsylvania offers six primary methods for obligors to pay child support, with wage withholding being mandatory in most cases while alternative payment channels serve self-employed individuals, those between jobs, or parents making additional voluntary payments. Each payment method routes through PA SCDU using standardized processing that posts funds within 1-2 business days, and all payments require either a PACSES Member ID or Social Security Number for proper crediting to the correct support order.
Method 1: Wage Withholding (Income Withholding Order)
Wage withholding is the primary method for paying child support in Pennsylvania, with all court orders automatically including an Income Withholding Order since 1988. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 4348, employers must deduct child support from each paycheck and remit payment to PA SCDU within 7 business days of the pay date. The employer cannot refuse to hire, discharge, discipline, or demote an employee because of a child support withholding order, and employers who refuse to withhold face fines up to $1,000 per violation.
Pennsylvania follows federal Consumer Credit Protection Act limits on garnishment amounts. Up to 50% of disposable earnings may be garnished if you currently support another spouse or child not covered by the order, while up to 60% may be taken if you do not support other dependents. An additional 5% may be garnished if you are more than 12 weeks in arrears, bringing the maximum to 55% or 65% depending on circumstances.
Child support withholding takes priority over all other garnishment orders in Pennsylvania. If multiple creditors seek garnishment, child support must be paid first regardless of when other orders were received. Withholding also applies to unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, Social Security benefits, and retirement or pension payments.
Method 2: ExpertPay Bank Account Debit (Free)
ExpertPay is Pennsylvania's recommended electronic payment platform for obligors who cannot use wage withholding, offering fee-free ACH debits from checking or savings accounts. Parents can register at www.expertpay.com, link a bank account, and schedule one-time or recurring payments that transfer directly to PA SCDU. Processing typically takes 2-3 business days for the payment to post to your PACSES account.
To set up ExpertPay payments:
- Visit www.expertpay.com and create an account
- Enter your PACSES Member ID or Social Security Number
- Add your checking or savings account information
- Select Pennsylvania SCDU as the payment destination
- Choose one-time payment or set up automatic recurring withdrawals
- Confirm the payment amount and schedule
ExpertPay charges no fees for payments sent to PA SCDU. The platform is also available to employers for remitting wage withholding payments, providing a free alternative to paper check processing.
Method 3: Credit or Debit Card Payment
PA SCDU accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover credit and debit cards through multiple channels, with convenience fees varying by payment amount and method. Phone payments can be made by calling PA SCDU at 1-800-955-2305, which charges a flat $20 transaction fee regardless of payment amount. Online credit card payments through www.e-childspay.com offer tiered fees based on payment size.
| Payment Amount | Credit Card Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 - $300 | $7.99 |
| $300.01 - $500 | $10.99 |
| $500.01 - $1,000 | $15.99 |
| $1,000.01 - $2,500 | $36.99 |
Credit card payments process faster than ACH transfers, typically posting to your PACSES account within 24 hours. This method works well for catching up on arrears or making extra payments, though the fees make it expensive for regular monthly payments compared to free options like ExpertPay or wage withholding.
Method 4: Check or Money Order by Mail
Obligors may mail paper checks or money orders to PA SCDU, though this method has the slowest processing time of 5-7 business days due to mail transit and manual processing. Make checks payable to Pennsylvania SCDU and include your name plus PACSES Member ID or Social Security Number on the memo line. Mail payments to: Pennsylvania SCDU, PO Box 69110, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9110.
Pennsylvania does not charge fees for check or money order payments, but parents bear the risk of mail delays and processing time that could result in late payment postings. The USPS First Class mail timeline of 3-5 days combined with PA SCDU processing means payments should be mailed at least 10 days before the due date to ensure timely crediting.
Method 5: MoneyGram Cash or Debit Payment
Cash payments can be made at over 2,000 Pennsylvania locations including CVS, Walmart, and Wegmans stores through MoneyGram services for a $3.99 fee per transaction. Debit card payments at Walmart cost $3.99, while MoneyGram Bill Pay locations charge $7.99 for debit card transactions. To complete a MoneyGram payment:
- Bring your PACSES Member ID or case number to any participating location
- Request a child support payment to Pennsylvania SCDU
- Provide the receive code: 14974 (for Pennsylvania)
- Pay the support amount plus the applicable fee
- Keep the receipt showing the confirmation number
MoneyGram payments typically post to PA SCDU within 24-48 hours of the transaction. This method serves obligors who prefer cash transactions or lack bank accounts for electronic payment options.
Method 6: In-Person Payment at County Domestic Relations
Some Pennsylvania counties accept in-person payments at the local Domestic Relations Section office, though availability varies by county. Montgomery County, for example, processes walk-in payments during business hours at 1 Montgomery Plaza in Norristown. In-person payments typically require cash, money order, or certified check, as personal checks may not be accepted.
Check with your specific county Domestic Relations office for hours, accepted payment forms, and any processing fees. In-person payments post to your PACSES account faster than mailed checks since they bypass postal delays, typically crediting within 1-2 business days.
How Custodial Parents Receive Child Support Payments
Custodial parents (payees) receive child support through either the EPPICard Debit MasterCard or direct deposit to a personal bank account, with the EPPICard serving as the default method if no direct deposit enrollment is completed. PA SCDU disburses payments within 2 business days of receipt from the obligor's payment source, and payees can track incoming payments through the PACSES portal or by calling 1-877-727-7238.
EPPICard Debit MasterCard
The EPPICard is issued automatically to custodial parents who do not enroll in direct deposit, with no fee for initial card issuance and one free replacement card. The card can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted, with purchases at point-of-sale locations (PIN or signature) incurring no fees. Cash back with purchase at retail stores is also free.
ATM withdrawals have limited free transactions: one free ATM withdrawal per month at MoneyPass or PNC ATM locations. After the free monthly withdrawal, ATM fees are $1.10 per transaction at in-network locations and $1.10 plus any surcharge at out-of-network ATMs. Balance inquiries at ATMs also incur fees. The smartest approach is getting cash back during store purchases to avoid ATM fees entirely.
Direct Deposit to Bank Account
Direct deposit eliminates EPPICard fees and provides faster access to funds by depositing child support payments directly into a checking or savings account. To enroll, contact PA SCDU at 1-877-727-7238 or request the direct deposit enrollment form from your county Domestic Relations office. After submitting the completed form, direct deposit activation takes approximately 10 business days.
Once enrolled, payments deposit automatically whenever PA SCDU receives and processes a payment from the obligor. The combination of wage withholding (automatic deduction from paychecks) and direct deposit (automatic deposit to bank account) creates a fully automated payment flow requiring no manual action from either parent.
Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines: 2026 Update
Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares Model for calculating child support, which combines both parents' monthly net incomes to determine a basic support obligation from the guidelines schedule, then divides that amount proportionally based on each parent's share of combined income. The 2026 guidelines, effective January 1, 2026, increased support obligations by 3% to 10% across all income levels to reflect updated economic data on child-rearing costs.
The basic support schedule in Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16-3 covers combined monthly net incomes up to $30,000. For families with combined income exceeding that cap, courts apply the schedule amount for $30,000 plus a percentage of income above that threshold. The schedule varies by number of children, with higher per-child amounts for smaller families and economies-of-scale reductions for larger families.
Key 2026 guideline changes include the self-support reserve increase from $1,063 to $1,255 per month, providing 18% more protection for low-income obligors before support calculations begin. This reserve ensures obligors retain enough income to meet basic subsistence needs. Support amounts for children generally increased across all income brackets, reflecting higher child care costs, medical expenses, and general inflation since the 2022 guidelines.
Enforcement Actions for Non-Payment
Pennsylvania employs aggressive enforcement tools when obligors fail to pay child support, with consequences escalating from administrative actions to civil contempt proceedings. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 4345, willful failure to comply with a support order constitutes contempt of court, punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment and fines up to $1,000 per violation.
Administrative enforcement actions include:
- Tax refund intercept (federal and state)
- Credit bureau reporting (damaging credit scores)
- Passport denial (for arrears exceeding $2,500)
- Driver's license suspension
- Professional license suspension
- Recreational license suspension (hunting, fishing)
- Vehicle registration suspension
- Liens on real property
- Bank account seizure
Contempt proceedings represent the most serious consequence, typically pursued after other enforcement methods prove unsuccessful. At a contempt hearing, the obligor must explain why payments were not made. If found in contempt, the court may order a work-release jail sentence allowing the obligor to maintain employment while serving time during non-work hours. Most obligors avoid significant jail time by paying arrears in full or establishing a payment plan.
How to Modify a Child Support Order
Pennsylvania allows modification of child support orders when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances under Pa.R.C.P. 1910.19. The 2026 guidelines update itself qualifies as a material change, meaning either parent can petition for recalculation under the new schedule without proving any other changed circumstance.
Common qualifying changes for modification include:
- Job loss or significant income reduction
- New employment or substantial income increase
- Change in custody or parenting time arrangements
- Child reaching majority age (18 or high school graduation)
- Significant change in child's needs (medical, educational)
- Either parent's remarriage affecting household finances
- Birth of additional children
To file for modification, submit a Petition to Modify Support to the Domestic Relations Section that issued your original order. Pennsylvania charges no filing fee for support modifications. You can file online through the E-Services portal at www.childsupport.pa.gov or submit paper forms to your county Domestic Relations office.
After filing, the Domestic Relations Section schedules a modification conference where both parents update income information. A conference officer applies the current guidelines and recommends a new support amount. If both parties agree, an agreed order is entered. If there's disagreement, either party can request a hearing before a judge for final determination.
Importantly, modifications are not retroactive to the date circumstances changed, only to the date the petition was filed. If you experience a job loss or income reduction, filing immediately preserves your rights to reduced payments from that date forward rather than accumulating arrears at the original higher amount.
Filing for Child Support in Pennsylvania
To establish a new child support order, file a Complaint for Support with the Domestic Relations Section of the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the custodial parent and child reside. Pennsylvania charges no filing fee for child support complaints or modifications. You can file online through Pennsylvania's E-Services portal, which forwards your request to the appropriate county Domestic Relations Section, or file in person at the county courthouse.
After filing, the Domestic Relations Section locates the other parent (if necessary), verifies paternity (if applicable), schedules a support conference, and calculates support using the current guidelines. The entire process typically takes 30-60 days from filing to entry of a support order.
For paternity establishment when parents were never married, Pennsylvania may require genetic testing at a cost of $26.60 per person if drawn at the paternity vendor or $45.60 per person at an out-of-state location. The alleged father can request testing, or the court can order it when paternity is disputed. Once paternity is established, the support process continues normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone number for Pennsylvania child support payments?
PA SCDU customer service is available 24/7 at 1-877-727-7238, with hearing-impaired services at 1-877-676-9582. This toll-free number provides automated payment information including when payments were posted and current balances. Representatives are available during business hours to answer questions about specific cases, payment methods, and account setup. For ExpertPay support, call 1-800-403-0879.
How long does it take for child support payments to process in Pennsylvania?
PA SCDU processes approximately 99% of payments on the same business day they are received using bank-grade high-speed equipment. Wage withholding payments typically post within 1-2 business days of employer remittance. ExpertPay ACH transfers take 2-3 business days. Credit card payments post within 24 hours. Mailed checks take 5-7 business days due to postal transit and manual processing.
Can I pay child support directly to the other parent in Pennsylvania?
No, Pennsylvania law requires all child support payments to flow through PA SCDU for proper tracking and crediting. Direct payments to the other parent are not credited toward your support obligation and cannot be enforced as support payments. Even if both parents agree to direct payment, those amounts will not reduce any arrears or count toward monthly obligations. Always pay through PA SCDU to ensure payments are properly documented.
What happens if I cannot afford my child support payment in Pennsylvania?
If your financial circumstances have changed, file a Petition to Modify Support immediately with your county Domestic Relations Section. Pennsylvania charges no fee to file a modification petition. Modification can only be retroactive to the filing date, so delaying means accumulating arrears at the original higher amount. Continue making whatever partial payments you can while the modification is pending, as any payment shows good faith and reduces potential contempt findings.
How do I set up direct deposit for receiving child support in Pennsylvania?
Contact PA SCDU at 1-877-727-7238 or your county Domestic Relations office to request the direct deposit enrollment form. Complete the form with your checking or savings account information and submit it to PA SCDU. Activation takes approximately 10 business days after receiving your correctly completed form. Until direct deposit is activated, payments will continue going to your EPPICard.
What percentage of my paycheck can be garnished for child support in Pennsylvania?
Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 4348, Pennsylvania follows federal limits: up to 50% of disposable earnings if you support another spouse or child, or up to 60% if you do not. An additional 5% can be garnished if you are more than 12 weeks behind on payments, bringing the maximum to 55% or 65%. Child support withholding takes priority over all other garnishment orders regardless of when they were received.
Can I go to jail for not paying child support in Pennsylvania?
Yes, under 23 Pa.C.S. § 4345, willful failure to pay child support is civil contempt, punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment and fines up to $1,000. However, jail is typically a last resort after other enforcement measures fail. Courts often allow work-release programs so obligors can maintain employment while serving time. Most parents avoid significant jail time by paying arrears or establishing payment plans at the contempt hearing.
How often are Pennsylvania child support guidelines updated?
Pennsylvania reviews and updates child support guidelines every four years as required by 23 Pa.C.S. § 4322(a). The most recent update took effect January 1, 2026, following the previous update on January 1, 2022. Each update reflects current economic data on child-rearing costs, inflation, and changes in living expenses. The 2026 update increased basic support amounts by 3% to 10% across income levels.
What is the annual child support fee in Pennsylvania?
Federal law requires a $35 annual fee for child support cases where the family has never received public assistance (TANF) and PA SCDU has collected at least $500 in the federal fiscal year. For collections between $500 and $1,999.99, Pennsylvania pays this fee on behalf of the family. For collections of $2,000 or more, the fee is deducted from support payments. Families receiving or who previously received TANF assistance are exempt from this fee.
How do I track my child support payments online in Pennsylvania?
Access the PACSES portal at www.childsupport.pa.gov using your Keystone ID (Pennsylvania's unified login system). If you don't have a Keystone ID, you must create one during your first login. The portal shows payment history, current balance, arrears, and pending payments. You can also view case details, hearing dates, and contact information for your assigned caseworker. The PA SCDU phone line at 1-877-727-7238 provides 24/7 automated payment information.