Texas parents must pay child support through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU), which processes over 80% of payments via automatic wage withholding. The Texas Attorney General's Office operates the SDU under federal law (42 U.S.C. Sections 654a(e) and 654b), and parents can pay online through Smart e-Pay, by phone at (855) 853-8286, by mail, or with cash at retail locations including Walmart and CVS. Online payments incur a 2.55% convenience fee, and direct deposit recipients typically receive funds within 3-5 business days of SDU processing.
Key Facts: Texas Child Support Payments 2026
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Processing Center | Texas State Disbursement Unit (SDU), San Antonio |
| Online Payment Portal | Smart e-Pay at tx.smartchildsupport.com |
| Phone Payment Line | (855) 853-8286 |
| Convenience Fee | 2.55% for online and phone payments |
| Wage Withholding Rate | 80% of all Texas child support payments |
| Maximum Wage Garnishment | 50% of disposable earnings (60% if no other dependents) |
| Direct Deposit Processing | 3-5 business days |
| Mail Processing | 5-7 business days |
| Interest on New Arrears | 3% annually (effective January 1, 2026) |
| Interest on Pre-2026 Arrears | 6% annually |
| SDU Monthly Fee | $3 per month |
| Annual Service Fee | $35 (non-TANF cases) |
Wage Withholding Is the Default Payment Method in Texas
Texas courts automatically order wage withholding in virtually every child support case under Texas Family Code Chapter 158. Employers must deduct support payments directly from the obligor's paycheck and remit funds to the State Disbursement Unit within 7 days of each pay period. Wage withholding accounts for 80% of all child support collections in Texas, making it the most reliable payment method for custodial parents.
Under Texas Family Code Section 158.201, employers face penalties of up to $200 per occurrence for knowingly failing to withhold or remit child support payments. The federal Consumer Credit Protection Act caps wage withholding at 50% of disposable earnings when the paying parent supports a new spouse or other children, or 60% when they do not. Texas Family Code Section 158.008 gives child support withholding priority over all other garnishments, attachments, and assignments affecting disposable earnings.
When the Office of the Attorney General receives employment information for an obligor, they send an Income Withholding for Support Order (IWO) to the employer. The employer must begin withholding within the first pay period that occurs after 14 days of receiving the order. Withholding applies to wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, overtime, and severance pay. Self-employed parents and those with irregular income may need to make direct payments through other methods.
How to Pay Child Support Online Through the Texas Payment Portal
The Texas State Disbursement Unit accepts online payments through Smart e-Pay at tx.smartchildsupport.com, where parents can pay using credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Maestro), debit cards, bank autodraft, or e-wallet options including Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo. A convenience fee of 2.55% applies to all online and phone payments between $1.00 and $9,999.99, meaning a $500 payment incurs a $12.75 fee.
To register for online payments, visit tx.smartchildsupport.com and select "Non-Custodial Parent." You will need a valid email address, your 10-digit child support case number, and the cause number from your court order. Your first payment date must be at least five business days from registration to allow time for bank account verification (prenote). Your child support account will be credited up to three business days after funds are withdrawn from your bank account.
Parents can also access the Texas Child Support Portal at childsupport.oag.texas.gov to view payment history, check balances, and manage account information. The portal provides 24/7 access to case details and allows parents to update contact information, view court orders, and track payment status. For phone payments, call (855) 853-8286 and have your case number ready. The same 2.55% convenience fee applies to phone payments.
Making Cash Payments at Retail Locations
Texas parents who prefer cash payments can pay child support at Walmart, CVS, and other participating retail locations through MoneyGram, CheckFreePay, Western Union, and Walmart Bill Pay. To make a MoneyGram payment at Walmart, parents need their 10-digit case number, cause number, and MoneyGram Receive Code 14681. Cash payments may take up to seven days to post to the child support account, compared to 3-5 days for direct electronic payments.
Texas also operates TouchPay kiosks throughout the state where parents can make cash payments during business hours. To find a cash payment location near you, visit the Smart e-Pay website at tx.smartchildsupport.com and use the location finder. Keep all receipts as proof of payment until the funds post to your account. When using a credit or debit card through MoneyGram, payments may take up to three business days to reflect on your child support case.
Paying by Mail to the State Disbursement Unit
Parents can mail child support payments directly to the Texas State Disbursement Unit at P.O. Box 659791, San Antonio, Texas 78265-9791. Make checks or money orders payable to "Texas State Disbursement Unit" and include your case number and cause number on the payment. Mail payments take 5-7 business days to process after the SDU receives them, which is slower than electronic payment methods.
Always send payments via trackable mail when possible and keep copies of checks and money orders for your records. The SDU processes payments Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. If you mail a payment close to your due date, consider using an alternative payment method to ensure timely receipt. Late payments accrue interest at 3% annually for new arrears (effective January 1, 2026) and 6% annually for pre-2026 arrears.
How to Receive Child Support Payments in Texas
Custodial parents can receive child support through direct deposit, the Texas Payment Card (smiONE Visa Prepaid Card), or paper warrants (state-issued checks). Direct deposit is the fastest option, with payments arriving within 3-5 business days after the SDU receives the obligor's payment. To enroll in direct deposit, complete the Direct Deposit Authorization Form and submit it by mail to P.O. Box 659400, San Antonio, TX 78265, by fax to (210) 924-4104, or by email to txsduhelp@oag.texas.gov.
After submitting the direct deposit form, allow 30 days for the conversion from check to direct deposit. During this transition period, you may receive payments by check. If you do not select a payment method, the SDU will send your first two payments as paper warrants and then automatically enroll you for the Texas Payment Card. Parents without bank accounts can request the Texas Payment Card by calling the TXCSDU at (800) 252-8014. Payments are typically loaded onto the card within 1-2 days after the Child Support Division receives them.
Understanding the 2026 Child Support Guidelines and Net Resources Cap
Texas child support calculations follow the guidelines in Texas Family Code Section 154.125, which sets payment percentages based on the obligor's monthly net resources: 20% for one child, 25% for two children, 30% for three children, 35% for four children, and 40% for five or more children. Effective September 1, 2025, the monthly net resources cap increased from $9,200 to $11,700, meaning courts can now calculate support on a higher portion of income.
Under the new cap, a parent supporting one child faces a maximum guideline obligation of $2,340 per month (20% of $11,700), up from $1,840 under the previous cap. For three children, the maximum increased from $2,760 to $3,510 per month. These percentages apply only to the first $11,700 of monthly net resources; courts have discretion to order additional support for high-income cases. The Texas Office of the Attorney General publishes annual tax charts at csapps.oag.texas.gov to help calculate net resources after deductions for federal income tax (calculated as a single filer with standard deduction), Social Security taxes, and state income tax (none in Texas).
If your existing child support order was calculated under the old $9,200 cap, it will not automatically update. Either parent must file a formal modification petition with the court to recalculate support under the new guidelines. Modification filings cost $250-$400 depending on the county, plus additional court fees for service and processing. Parents who cannot afford filing fees may request a waiver under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145 by filing a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs.
Fees Associated with Texas Child Support Payments
Texas imposes several fees on child support cases that parents should understand. The State Disbursement Unit charges a $3 monthly fee deducted from each payment to offset operational costs. Additionally, Texas law requires a $35 annual service fee on cases where parents have never received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). These fees are authorized by the Texas Legislature and help fund the child support enforcement infrastructure.
Online and phone payments through Smart e-Pay incur a 2.55% convenience fee on transactions between $1.00 and $9,999.99. For a $1,000 monthly payment, this adds $25.50 per month or $306 annually. Wage withholding and bank autodraft payments avoid this fee, making them more cost-effective for regular monthly payments. Parents paying by mail also avoid convenience fees but should factor in the cost of certified mail or tracking for proof of payment.
| Payment Method | Convenience Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wage Withholding | None | 7 days from pay period |
| Bank Autodraft | None | 3 business days |
| Online (Credit/Debit Card) | 2.55% | 3 business days |
| Phone Payment | 2.55% | 3 business days |
| E-Wallet (Apple Pay, Venmo, PayPal) | 2.55% | 3 business days |
| Cash at Retail Location | Varies by location | Up to 7 days |
| Mail (Check/Money Order) | None | 5-7 business days |
Consequences of Late or Missed Child Support Payments
Failing to pay child support in Texas triggers escalating enforcement actions from the Office of the Attorney General. Interest on new arrears accrues at 3% annually effective January 1, 2026, while pre-2026 arrears continue accumulating at 6% annually. This compounding interest can cause debts to grow rapidly, and child support debts cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. Over 100,000 Texans have had licenses suspended due to unpaid child support, including driver's licenses, professional licenses (medical, law, engineering), and recreational licenses (hunting, fishing).
Parents who fall more than three months behind on payments face license suspensions covering driver's, professional, and recreational licenses. When unpaid child support exceeds $2,500, the parent becomes ineligible to receive a U.S. passport. The Texas Attorney General can intercept federal and state tax refunds, lottery winnings, and other government payments to satisfy arrears. Bank account levies allow the state to seize funds directly from checking and savings accounts.
Contempt of court charges can result in up to 6 months in jail per violation. Texas Senate Bill 9 created a digital alert system for criminal nonsupport warrants, meaning any police interaction in a different county triggers a next-day notification to the issuing judge. Child support arrears are reported to credit bureaus, damaging credit scores and affecting the ability to obtain loans, mortgages, or rental housing. Courts retain jurisdiction to enforce child support for at least 10 years after the child turns 18, and interest continues to compound on any remaining balance.
Modifying Child Support Payments in Texas
Texas law allows parents to modify child support orders when circumstances change substantially. Under Texas Family Code Section 156.401, either parent can request modification if it has been three or more years since the order was established or last modified and the monthly amount differs by 20% or $100 from the guideline amount. Parents can also request modification at any time when a material and substantial change in circumstances occurs, such as job loss, significant income change, or changes in the child's needs.
To file for modification, submit a petition to the court that issued the original order. Filing fees range from $250 to $400 depending on the county, plus additional costs for service of process and court fees. Gather current financial documents including pay stubs for the past three months, the most recent two years of tax returns, proof of health insurance costs, and documentation of any deductions from income. Courts recalculate support using current income and the applicable guideline percentages based on the $11,700 net resources cap.
Parents who cannot afford filing fees may request a fee waiver by filing a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. Courts grant waivers for individuals receiving government benefits, earning below 125% of the federal poverty level, or demonstrating genuine financial hardship. The Office of the Attorney General also provides free modification services for cases enrolled in their child support program. Contact the OAG at (800) 252-8014 to request assistance with modification.
Contacting the Texas Child Support Division
The Texas Office of the Attorney General operates the Child Support Division and provides multiple contact options for parents. For payment questions, account status, and general inquiries, call the Texas State Disbursement Unit at (800) 252-8014. For online payment issues or Smart e-Pay technical support, call (855) 853-8286. The Texas Child Support Portal at childsupport.oag.texas.gov provides 24/7 online access to case information, payment history, and account management.
Employers with questions about wage withholding orders should visit employer.oag.texas.gov or contact the employer services line. The Texas Attorney General's website at texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support provides comprehensive resources including payment options, forms, fee schedules, and enforcement information. For in-person assistance, locate your nearest child support office through the OAG website. Many counties also have local Domestic Relations Offices that can assist with child support questions and court filings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to pay child support in Texas?
Wage withholding is the most reliable payment method, accounting for 80% of Texas child support payments with no convenience fees. If wage withholding is not possible, bank autodraft through Smart e-Pay avoids the 2.55% convenience fee charged on credit card and e-wallet payments. Mail payments are fee-free but take 5-7 days to process.
How long does it take for child support payments to process in Texas?
Direct deposit payments process within 3-5 business days after the State Disbursement Unit receives the funds. Mail payments take 5-7 business days. Cash payments at retail locations may take up to 7 days to post. The Texas Payment Card typically loads payments within 1-2 days after the SDU receives them.
What is the Texas child support payment portal website?
The official Texas child support payment portal is Smart e-Pay at tx.smartchildsupport.com for making payments. The Texas Child Support Portal at childsupport.oag.texas.gov allows parents to view case information, payment history, and manage account settings. Both portals are operated by the Office of the Attorney General.
Can I pay Texas child support with cash?
Yes, Texas accepts cash payments at Walmart, CVS, and other retail locations through MoneyGram, Western Union, and Walmart Bill Pay. You need your 10-digit case number and MoneyGram Receive Code 14681. TouchPay kiosks also accept cash at various locations statewide. Cash payments may take up to 7 days to post to your account.
What happens if I miss a child support payment in Texas?
Missed payments accrue interest at 3% annually for new arrears (effective January 2026) and 6% for pre-2026 arrears. After three months of arrears, the state can suspend driver's, professional, and recreational licenses. Arrears over $2,500 make you ineligible for a U.S. passport. Tax refunds and lottery winnings can be intercepted.
How do I set up direct deposit to receive child support in Texas?
Complete the Direct Deposit Authorization Form available at texasattorneygeneral.gov and submit it by mail to P.O. Box 659400, San Antonio, TX 78265, by fax to (210) 924-4104, or by email to txsduhelp@oag.texas.gov. Allow 30 days for the conversion from checks to direct deposit. Call (800) 252-8014 for assistance.
What is the convenience fee for paying child support online in Texas?
Smart e-Pay charges a 2.55% convenience fee on online and phone payments between $1.00 and $9,999.99. This applies to credit card, debit card, and e-wallet payments including Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo. Bank autodraft payments through Smart e-Pay do not incur this fee.
How much can Texas garnish from my wages for child support?
Federal law caps wage withholding at 50% of disposable earnings when the paying parent supports a new spouse or other children, or 60% when they do not. Under Texas Family Code Section 158.008, child support withholding takes priority over all other garnishments and wage assignments.
What is the Texas child support phone number?
For payment questions and account information, call the Texas State Disbursement Unit at (800) 252-8014. For Smart e-Pay online payment support, call (855) 853-8286. The employer services line assists employers with wage withholding questions. All lines operate during regular business hours Monday through Friday.
Can I modify my child support payments in Texas?
Yes, either parent can request modification if three or more years have passed since the order and the payment differs by 20% or $100 from guidelines, or when a material change in circumstances occurs. Filing fees range from $250-$400 by county. The Office of the Attorney General provides free modification services for enrolled cases at (800) 252-8014.