West Virginia parents can pay child support through the SMART West Virginia Child Support Payment Center at wv.smartchildsupport.com, where electronic bank draft payments incur zero processing fees while debit and credit card payments are available for a convenience fee. Under W. Va. Code § 48-14-401, all child support orders automatically include wage withholding provisions, meaning employers must begin deductions within 14 days of receiving a withholding notice. The West Virginia Bureau for Child Support Enforcement (BCSE) processes all payments and disburses funds to custodial parents via direct deposit, debit card, or paper check, with electronic payments typically clearing within 2 business days.
Key Facts: West Virginia Child Support Payments
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Portal | wv.smartchildsupport.com |
| Phone Payment | 1-855-303-0094 |
| Bank Draft Fee | $0 (no fee) |
| Credit/Debit Fee | Convenience fee applies |
| Employer Withholding Deadline | 14 days after notice |
| Large Employer E-Pay Requirement | 50+ employees must pay electronically |
| BCSE Contact | 1-800-249-3778 |
| Minimum Support Obligation | $50/month |
| Modification Filing Fee | $85 standard / $35 expedited |
| Modification Threshold | 15% change required |
How West Virginia Child Support Payments Work
West Virginia processes all child support payments through the Bureau for Child Support Enforcement (BCSE), which serves as the state disbursement unit under W. Va. Code § 48-18-115. When a court issues a child support order, payments flow from the paying parent (obligor) to the BCSE, which then disburses funds to the receiving parent (obligee). The BCSE deposits all payments promptly and credits them by the obligor's name and Social Security number, creating an auditable payment history that protects both parents in enforcement proceedings.
The state uses the Income Shares model under W. Va. Code § 48-13-201 to calculate support amounts. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of the combined income. For parents with combined monthly income below $550, West Virginia requires a minimum basic child support obligation of $50 per month under W. Va. Code § 48-13-302. Extended shared parenting cases where each parent has the child more than 127 days annually (35% of the year) use Worksheet B under W. Va. Code § 48-13-502, which multiplies the basic obligation by 1.6 before dividing between parents.
Online Payment Portal: SMART West Virginia
The SMART West Virginia Child Support Payment Center at wv.smartchildsupport.com provides the most convenient method to pay child support in West Virginia with 24/7 access and multiple payment options. Parents can make one-time payments or set up recurring automatic payments, with bank draft payments processed at zero cost while credit and debit card transactions incur a convenience fee. The portal accepts payments by phone at 1-855-303-0094 for parents who prefer speaking with a representative.
To use the online payment portal, parents need their case number (found on court documents or BCSE correspondence) and their Social Security number for identity verification. New users must create an account, which takes approximately 5-10 minutes and requires a valid email address. Once registered, parents can view payment history, track disbursements, and receive email confirmations for each transaction.
Steps to Pay Online
- Visit wv.smartchildsupport.com
- Log in with your case number and credentials (or create a new account)
- Select payment type: one-time or recurring
- Choose payment method: bank draft (free) or debit/credit card (fee applies)
- Enter payment amount and confirm transaction
- Save or print confirmation for your records
Wage Withholding: The Default Payment Method
Every child support order in West Virginia automatically includes mandatory income withholding under W. Va. Code § 48-14-401, regardless of whether the order explicitly states it. Employers must implement withholding no later than the first pay period occurring 14 days after receiving the notice, as specified in W. Va. Code § 48-14-407. Child support withholding has priority over any other legal process against the same income, including garnishments and tax levies, making it the most reliable payment method for ensuring consistent support.
Employers with more than 50 employees must submit withheld support via electronic means as prescribed by the BCSE under W. Va. Code § 48-14-413. Smaller employers may combine payments for multiple employees when properly identifying each payment. The employer may not discharge, refuse to hire, or discipline an employee because of wage withholding for child support, and violations can result in fines up to $500 per incident.
Exceptions to Immediate Withholding
Courts may waive immediate income withholding under W. Va. Code § 48-14-403 only when one of the parties demonstrates good cause or when both parties agree in writing to an alternative arrangement. Good cause typically requires showing a reliable history of timely payments and no prior enforcement actions. Even with a waiver, income withholding can be instituted immediately upon any arrearage without additional judicial action.
Direct Deposit and Debit Card Options for Recipients
Custodial parents receiving child support in West Virginia can choose from three disbursement methods: direct deposit to a bank account, a prepaid debit card, or paper checks mailed to their address. Direct deposit provides the fastest access to funds, with payments typically available within 2 business days of BCSE processing. The prepaid debit card option works for parents without traditional bank accounts and can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.
To set up direct deposit, custodial parents must contact the BCSE at 1-800-249-3778 or visit a local county office with bank account information including routing number and account number. Changes to disbursement preferences typically take 1-2 pay cycles to process. Parents can check payment status anytime by calling the automated system at 1-800-249-3778 and selecting option 1, or by logging into the SMART portal.
Employer Responsibilities for Withholding
West Virginia employers play a critical role in the child support payment system, with specific legal obligations under W. Va. Code Article 48-14. Upon receiving an Income Withholding Order (IWO), employers must begin deductions within 14 days and remit payments to the BCSE promptly. Employers may deduct up to $1.00 per pay period as an administrative fee for processing withholding, though this varies by employer policy.
The BCSE offers Electronic Funds Transfer/Electronic Data Interchange (EFT/EDI) for employers interested in sending payments electronically instead of by paper check. Many payroll software packages support electronic child support payments, and employers can contact the Employer Relations Unit at dohsbcseeru@wv.gov or 1-800-249-3778 (304-558-4665 in Kanawha County) for setup assistance.
Employer Payment Methods
| Method | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| EFT/EDI | Electronic transfer with payment data | Employers with 50+ employees (required) |
| Check with Coupon | Paper check with payment transmittal | Small employers |
| Combined Payment | Single payment identifying multiple employees | Multiple obligors at same employer |
| Payroll Software | Automated through ADP, Paychex, etc. | Employers using major payroll providers |
Paying Child Support by Mail
Parents and employers who choose to pay by mail should send checks or money orders to the West Virginia State Disbursement Unit with the appropriate payment coupon or Wage Assignment Transmittal form. Personal checks, cashier's checks, and money orders are accepted, but cash should never be mailed. Each payment must include the case number and obligor's Social Security number to ensure proper crediting.
Mailing Address: West Virginia State Disbursement Unit PO Box 6210 Charleston, WV 25362
Payments mailed without proper identification may be delayed 2-4 weeks while the BCSE researches the correct case assignment. Parents should retain copies of all mailed payments and consider using certified mail with return receipt for verification. Online and electronic payments provide faster processing and immediate confirmation compared to mail.
What Happens When You Miss Payments
West Virginia takes child support enforcement seriously, deploying multiple remedies for non-payment under W. Va. Code Article 48-14 and Article 48-15. Parents who fall behind on payments face escalating consequences including intercepted tax refunds, suspended driver's licenses, and passport denials for arrearages exceeding $2,500. The BCSE can also intercept Social Security benefits, Workers' Compensation payments, and lottery winnings to satisfy child support debts.
License suspension becomes available when an obligor owes arrearages exceeding six months of support, fails to pay medical support for six months, or fails to comply with subpoenas or warrants relating to paternity or child support proceedings under W. Va. Code § 48-15-101. The court must first consider suspending a driver's license before professional licenses under W. Va. Code § 48-15-209. A hardship exception allows parents to avoid suspension by paying a percentage of past-due amounts upfront and establishing a payment plan to satisfy arrearages within one year.
Enforcement Actions by Arrearage Level
| Arrearage Amount/Duration | Available Enforcement Actions |
|---|---|
| Any amount | Income withholding, credit bureau reporting |
| 6+ months | Driver's license suspension, professional license suspension |
| $2,500+ | Federal tax refund intercept, passport denial |
| $5,000+ | Federal criminal prosecution possible |
| Willful non-payment | Contempt of court, up to 6 months jail |
Modifying Your Child Support Order
West Virginia allows child support modifications when circumstances change substantially, with a specific 15% threshold under W. Va. Code § 48-11-105. The recalculated support amount must differ by at least 15% from the current order for a court to approve modification based on changed financial circumstances. Either parent can request a review through the BCSE every three years after the order became effective, or earlier if a substantial change in circumstances exists, at no cost.
The filing fee for a standalone child support modification petition is $85 for standard processing or $35 for expedited modifications under W. Va. Code § 59-1-11. Fee waivers are available for parents who cannot afford filing costs by submitting a sworn financial affidavit demonstrating inability to pay. The BCSE must provide each parent at least 30 days' notice before commencing any review and 30 days' notice of any hearing on a proposed modification under W. Va. Code § 48-18-126.
2023 Law Change: Student Loan Deductions
WV Senate Bill 573, passed in 2023, now allows student loan deductions in child support calculations. Parents with student loan debt in good standing who have made payments themselves for the previous 12 months may deduct those payments from income, limited to a maximum of 25% of adjusted gross income. This represents a significant change from prior law where student loan payments were not considered in calculations.
BCSE Services and Free Assistance
The West Virginia Bureau for Child Support Enforcement provides comprehensive services to both paying and receiving parents at no charge, including case establishment, payment processing, enforcement, and modification assistance. BCSE attorneys represent the state's interest in ensuring children receive support rather than representing either parent individually, as clarified in W. Va. Code § 48-18-110. Local BCSE offices operate in each of West Virginia's 55 counties.
Parents can apply for BCSE services through West Virginia People's Access to Help (WV PATH) online portal, with customer service available at 1-844-451-3515. Services include locating absent parents, establishing paternity through genetic testing, obtaining support orders, and enforcing existing orders across state lines using the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) under W. Va. Code Article 48-16.
When Child Support Ends
Child support obligations in West Virginia generally terminate when the child reaches age 18 under W. Va. Code § 48-11-103(a). However, support continues to age 20 if the child remains enrolled full-time in secondary school or its vocational equivalent. Courts may order indefinite support for disabled children unable to support themselves. Support also terminates upon the child's marriage, entry into military service, legal emancipation, or death.
Importantly, support does not stop automatically when a child reaches the termination age. The paying parent must file a petition with family court to formally terminate the support order. Continuing to pay after the termination date does not automatically create grounds for reimbursement, making timely filing essential. The modification/termination filing fee of $85 applies unless the court grants a fee waiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay child support online in West Virginia?
Pay child support online at wv.smartchildsupport.com using either bank draft (free) or credit/debit card (convenience fee applies). You need your case number and Social Security number to register. Call 1-855-303-0094 for phone payments. Payments typically process within 2 business days.
Can I set up automatic child support payments in West Virginia?
Yes, the SMART West Virginia portal allows recurring automatic payments through bank draft at no cost. Log into wv.smartchildsupport.com, select "recurring payment," enter your bank account details, and choose your payment schedule. Payments will withdraw automatically on your selected dates.
What happens if my employer doesn't withhold child support?
Employers must begin withholding within 14 days of receiving the Income Withholding Order under W. Va. Code § 48-14-407. Non-compliant employers face fines up to $500 per incident. Report employer non-compliance to the BCSE at 1-800-249-3778 immediately. The BCSE can issue new withholding orders and pursue enforcement.
How do I receive child support payments in West Virginia?
Custodial parents can receive payments via direct deposit (fastest), prepaid debit card, or paper check. Contact BCSE at 1-800-249-3778 to set up or change your disbursement preference. Direct deposit typically provides access within 2 business days of BCSE processing.
What is the minimum child support payment in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires a minimum basic child support obligation of $50 per month under W. Va. Code § 48-13-302 when parents' combined monthly income falls below $550. Courts may order different amounts based on specific circumstances, resources, living expenses, and the number of children.
Can I pay child support directly to the other parent in West Virginia?
Direct payments are strongly discouraged because they create no official record and may not be credited toward your obligation. All payments should go through the BCSE at wv.smartchildsupport.com or via wage withholding. Undocumented payments cannot be verified in enforcement proceedings.
How do I get a payment history for my child support case?
Access your payment history online at wv.smartchildsupport.com after logging into your account. You can also call the automated payment information line at 1-800-249-3778 and select option 1. For certified payment records needed for court, contact your local BCSE office.
What if I lose my job and can't pay child support?
File for modification immediately with family court or request a BCSE review. The 15% threshold under W. Va. Code § 48-11-105 may apply based on your income change. Continue paying whatever you can while the modification is pending, as arrearages continue accruing until the court modifies the order.
How long does it take for child support payments to be disbursed?
The BCSE processes payments promptly after receipt, with electronic payments typically disbursed within 2 business days. Direct deposit recipients receive funds fastest. Paper checks may take an additional 3-5 mailing days. Holiday periods may extend processing times slightly.
Can West Virginia suspend my license for unpaid child support?
Yes, West Virginia can suspend driver's licenses and professional licenses when arrearages exceed six months of support under W. Va. Code § 48-15-101. Courts must consider driver's license suspension before professional licenses. A hardship exception allows you to establish a payment plan within one year to avoid suspension.