Child support payments in Yukon are managed through the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP), which processes approximately 90% of all support payments in the territory. The Yukon MEP accepts payments via credit card, debit card, online banking, cheque, money order, and automatic wage deductions. Recipients receive funds through direct deposit or mailed cheque within 2-5 business days of MEP processing. Under the Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3, parents must pay child support according to the Federal Child Support Tables, which were last updated October 1, 2025.
Key Facts: Yukon Child Support Payments
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Authority | Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) |
| Filing Fee | $180 (Supreme Court of Yukon, as of April 2026) |
| MEP Registration | Voluntary opt-in (mandatory if receiving social assistance) |
| Payment Methods | Credit card, debit, online banking, cheque, wage deduction |
| Disbursement Methods | Direct deposit, mailed cheque |
| Processing Time | 2-5 business days |
| Guidelines Used | Federal Child Support Tables (divorced), Yukon Child Support Guidelines (unmarried) |
| Contact Number | 867-667-5437 (toll-free in Yukon: 1-877-617-5347) |
How to Pay Child Support in Yukon Through MEP
The Yukon Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) serves as the primary child support payment portal for the territory, collecting and distributing support payments between parents. Parents ordered to pay child support can submit payments directly to MEP using multiple methods, with funds then forwarded to the receiving parent within 2-5 business days. The MEP processes thousands of transactions annually and provides online account access for both paying and receiving parents to track payment history and balances.
Available Payment Methods for Child Support
Yukon's state disbursement unit equivalent, the MEP, accepts the following payment methods:
- Credit card payments (Visa, MasterCard) via pre-authorization form
- Debit card payments in person at the MEP office
- Online banking bill payments through your financial institution
- Automatic wage deductions from your employer
- Personal cheques mailed to MEP
- Money orders or certified cheques
- Pre-authorized automatic bank withdrawals
To set up credit card pre-authorization for recurring child support payments, parents must complete the Credit Card Pre-Authorization Form available from MEP and submit it to the office at 301 Jarvis Street, 2nd floor, Whitehorse. This child support direct deposit authorization allows MEP to automatically charge the specified amount on each due date.
Mailing Address for Payments
All child support payments by cheque or money order should be sent to:
Maintenance Enforcement Program PO Box 2703 (J-3M) Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6 CANADA
Every payment must include Yukon's four-digit MEP case number and the full name of the paying parent (respondent) to ensure proper crediting. Payments made without case identification may experience processing delays of 5-10 business days.
Registering with Yukon's Maintenance Enforcement Program
Yukon's Maintenance Enforcement Program operates as a voluntary, opt-in service for most families, meaning court orders are not automatically registered with MEP. Either the receiving parent (claimant) or the paying parent (respondent) may register the support order. The only exception requiring mandatory enrollment is when the receiving parent collects social assistance benefits, in which case MEP registration is compulsory to allow the territory to recover assistance payments.
Registration Requirements
To register with MEP, you must meet two criteria: either you or the other parent lives in Yukon, and you have a legally enforceable court order or court-filed agreement requiring child support. Parents living outside Yukon who owe support to a Yukon resident can still be registered and enforced against through interjurisdictional agreements.
Required registration documents include:
- Completed MEP Registration Form
- Certified copy of your court order or filed agreement
- Affidavit of Arrears (if past-due amounts exist)
- Direct Deposit Authorization Form (for receiving parents)
- Record of Payments (documenting any payments made outside MEP)
- Current contact information for both parents
Once registered, both parties receive access to the MEP online account system, which displays payment history, current balances, arrears calculations, and upcoming due dates. To access your account, contact MEP to obtain your PIN at 867-667-5437.
Wage Withholding for Child Support in Yukon
Wage withholding child support remains the most reliable payment method in Yukon, ensuring consistent, on-time payments without requiring the paying parent to take monthly action. Under the Maintenance Enforcement Act, MEP has authority to issue a Continuing Garnishment Order to any Yukon employer, requiring automatic deduction of child support from the employee's paycheque before they receive it.
When wage garnishment is active, employers must remit deducted amounts to MEP within 15 days of each pay period. The maximum garnishment amount is typically 50% of net wages, though this varies based on the paying parent's income and other financial obligations. Employers cannot terminate or discriminate against employees because of child support garnishment orders.
How Wage Deductions Work
The wage withholding process follows these steps:
- MEP issues a Continuing Garnishment Order to the employer
- Employer calculates the deduction each pay period
- Employer remits payment directly to MEP within 15 days
- MEP processes the payment and forwards to the receiving parent
- Both parents can view the transaction in their MEP online account
For self-employed parents or those with irregular income, MEP may arrange alternative payment schedules or accept lump-sum payments to cover multiple months. Contact MEP directly to discuss flexible payment arrangements.
Calculating Your Child Support Amount
Child support amounts in Yukon are determined by the Federal Child Support Tables for divorced parents or the Yukon Child Support Guidelines for unmarried parents, both producing identical payment amounts based on the paying parent's gross annual income and number of children. The tables were updated effective October 1, 2025, with significant changes for lower-income parents.
2025 Federal Child Support Tables for Yukon (Sample Amounts)
| Gross Annual Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $16,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| $21,500 | $125 | $271 | $291 | $312 |
| $32,500 | $242 | $488 | $676 | $779 |
| $43,500 | $375 | $667 | $901 | $1,091 |
| $54,500 | $495 | $845 | $1,125 | $1,354 |
| $65,000 | $575 | $974 | $1,294 | $1,554 |
| $80,000 | $700 | $1,176 | $1,558 | $1,867 |
| $100,000 | $869 | $1,445 | $1,908 | $2,285 |
| $150,000 | $1,246 | $2,048 | $2,694 | $3,220 |
These amounts represent the basic monthly child support obligation. Courts may order additional amounts for special or extraordinary expenses under Divorce Act, s. 7, including childcare costs, medical insurance premiums, educational expenses, and extracurricular activities.
Parents earning under $16,000 annually have no basic child support obligation under the 2025 tables, reflecting increases to the federal basic personal amount from $11,424 in 2017 to $15,000 in 2024. This represents a significant change from previous guidelines.
Enforcement Actions for Non-Payment
The Yukon Maintenance Enforcement Program possesses extensive enforcement powers under the Maintenance Enforcement Act to collect unpaid child support from non-compliant parents. When voluntary payments cease, MEP can pursue multiple enforcement remedies simultaneously, often without requiring additional court orders.
Available Enforcement Measures
MEP's enforcement toolkit includes:
- Garnishment of wages, workers' compensation benefits, and Employment Insurance payments
- Seizure of bank accounts, including joint accounts held with new partners
- Interception of federal tax refunds, GST rebates, and Canada Pension Plan benefits
- Registration of liens against real property (land and homes)
- Seizure and sale of personal property and vehicles
- Suspension or cancellation of driver's licenses and vehicle registrations
- Denial or cancellation of Canadian passports through federal cooperation
- Reporting to credit bureaus affecting credit scores
- Court action for contempt, potentially resulting in fines or imprisonment
Under the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act (Part II), MEP can access federal government databases to locate non-paying parents and intercept federal benefits. This interjurisdictional cooperation ensures that parents cannot escape support obligations by moving to another province or territory.
Consequences of Non-Payment
Parents who fall behind on child support payments face escalating enforcement actions. Initial arrears typically trigger wage garnishment orders. Continued non-payment leads to bank account seizures and property liens. Chronic defaulters may lose their driver's license and vehicle registration, making daily life significantly more difficult. In extreme cases, courts can impose jail sentences for contempt of court.
Which Guidelines Apply: Federal vs. Yukon
Yukon uses two sets of child support guidelines depending on the parents' legal relationship, though both produce identical payment amounts using the same Federal Child Support Tables.
For divorced parents, the Federal Child Support Guidelines, SOR/97-175 apply as regulations under the Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3. These guidelines govern all divorce proceedings in Yukon and determine child support as part of divorce orders.
For unmarried parents (common-law or separated but never married), the Yukon Child Support Guidelines apply as regulations under the Family Property and Support Act, RSY 2002, c. 83. While the terminology differs (using "parent" instead of "spouse"), the substantive requirements mirror the federal guidelines.
The main practical difference involves forms and procedures rather than payment amounts. Divorced parents file through the Supreme Court of Yukon under federal forms, while unmarried parents may use territorial forms. Both categories receive identical child support calculations based on income and number of children.
Court Filing Fees and Legal Costs
Filing for a child support order in Yukon requires submitting an application to the Supreme Court of Yukon, the territory's highest trial court with exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and family law matters. The court registry is located at the Law Courts Building, 2134 Second Avenue, Whitehorse.
The filing fee for a divorce application (which typically includes child support) is approximately $180 as of April 2026. Additional costs may include:
- Process server fees: $50-$150 per document
- Notarization costs: $25-$50 per document
- Certificate of Divorce: $30-$50
- Financial statement preparation: $100-$300 if using a professional
- Legal representation: $200-$400 per hour (Yukon rates)
The court accepts payment by cash, debit (in person only), cheque, money order, Visa, or MasterCard. Documents can be filed by mail if accompanied by appropriate fees. Fee waivers may be available for low-income applicants who complete a fee waiver application form.
Receiving Child Support Payments
Parents entitled to receive child support can choose between two disbursement methods through MEP: direct deposit or mailed cheque. Child support direct deposit remains the preferred option, providing faster access to funds and eliminating the risk of lost mail.
Setting Up Direct Deposit
To enroll in direct deposit for child support payments:
- Complete the Direct Deposit Authorization Form from MEP
- Attach a void cheque or fully encoded deposit slip from your bank
- Submit to MEP by mail, fax (867-393-6989), or in person
- Allow 1-2 weeks for processing
- Receive confirmation of enrollment
Once active, MEP deposits child support payments directly into your bank account within 2-5 business days of processing. The Government of Yukon's direct deposit service is free and eliminates delays associated with mailed cheques.
Payment Tracking
Both paying and receiving parents can monitor child support transactions through the MEP online account system. After registration, contact MEP to obtain your PIN and access your account showing:
- Complete payment history
- Current balance and arrears
- Upcoming payment due dates
- Enforcement actions (if applicable)
- Case status updates
Modifying Child Support Orders
Child support orders can be modified when either parent experiences a material change in circumstances, such as significant income changes (increase or decrease of 10% or more), job loss or new employment, changes in parenting arrangements, or a child reaching age of majority or becoming self-supporting.
To modify an existing child support order, parents must either:
- File a variation application with the Supreme Court of Yukon, or
- Agree to changes and file a consent variation order, or
- Use a provincial/territorial child support recalculation service (if available)
Under Divorce Act, s. 17, courts can vary child support orders upon application by either former spouse. The 2021 amendments to the Divorce Act clarified that recalculations by provincial child support services constitute valid variations.
Getting Help with Child Support
The Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) provides free assistance to Yukon residents navigating child support issues. FLIC staff can help with understanding your rights and obligations, completing court forms, calculating child support amounts, and explaining MEP registration.
FLIC Contact Information:
- Location: 1st Floor, Andrew A. Philipsen Law Centre, 2134 Second Ave., Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 5H6
- Phone: 867-456-6721
- Toll-free in Yukon: 1-800-661-0408 ext. 6721
- Email: flic@yukon.ca
MEP Contact Information:
- Location: 301 Jarvis Street, 2nd Floor, Whitehorse
- Phone: 867-667-5437
- Toll-free in Yukon: 1-877-617-5347
- Fax: 867-393-6989
- Email: justmep@gov.yk.ca
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay child support in Yukon if I live outside the territory?
Parents living outside Yukon can pay child support by mailing cheques or money orders to the Maintenance Enforcement Program at PO Box 2703 (J-3M), Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6, or by setting up online banking bill payments through their financial institution. All payments must include the Yukon MEP case number and the paying parent's full name. Through interjurisdictional enforcement agreements, MEP can also arrange wage garnishment with out-of-territory employers.
What happens if I miss a child support payment in Yukon?
Missing a child support payment triggers MEP enforcement action, beginning with written notices and escalating to wage garnishment, bank account seizure, and driver's license suspension. Arrears accumulate monthly, and MEP tracks all missed payments with potential interest charges. If you anticipate difficulty making payments, contact MEP immediately at 867-667-5437 to discuss modified payment arrangements before enforcement action begins.
Can I pay child support directly to the other parent instead of through MEP?
Yes, if neither parent has registered the support order with MEP, direct payments between parents are permitted. However, direct payments create documentation challenges if disputes arise about payment history. Parents making direct payments should maintain detailed records including bank transfers, receipts, and written acknowledgments. Many parents prefer MEP registration even when voluntarily complying because it provides neutral third-party documentation.
How long does it take for child support payments to process through MEP?
MEP processes child support payments within 2-5 business days of receipt, with funds then disbursed to the receiving parent via direct deposit or mailed cheque. Direct deposit recipients typically receive funds 1-2 business days after MEP processing, while cheque recipients should allow 5-7 additional days for mail delivery. Wage garnishment payments follow employer pay schedules with a 15-day remittance window.
Is MEP registration mandatory for all child support orders in Yukon?
No, Yukon's MEP operates as a voluntary, opt-in program for most families. Either parent can register the support order, but registration is not automatic. The only exception is when the receiving parent collects social assistance benefits, in which case MEP registration is mandatory. Approximately 90% of Yukon families with child support orders register with MEP for convenience and enforcement protection.
What is the minimum income threshold for child support in Yukon?
Under the 2025 Federal Child Support Tables, parents earning less than $16,000 annually have no basic child support obligation. This threshold increased significantly due to changes in the federal basic personal tax amount. Parents at the $16,000 threshold pay $0 monthly regardless of the number of children. At $21,500 annual income, the basic obligation is $125 per month for one child.
Can Yukon MEP enforce child support orders from other provinces?
Yes, Yukon participates in the Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act, allowing enforcement of child support orders from all Canadian provinces and territories. Parents who move to Yukon with existing support orders can register them with MEP for enforcement. Similarly, MEP can pursue enforcement against non-paying parents who relocate outside Yukon through reciprocal agreements.
How do I calculate child support for shared parenting arrangements?
When children spend at least 40% of their time with each parent (shared parenting), child support calculations become more complex. Under Section 9 of the Federal Child Support Guidelines, courts consider the table amounts for each parent based on their respective incomes, the increased costs of shared parenting, and the financial circumstances of each parent. The offset method is commonly used, where the higher-earning parent pays the difference between the two table amounts.
What documents do I need to prove my income for child support purposes?
Yukon courts and MEP require comprehensive income documentation including the last three years of income tax returns (T1 General), Notice of Assessment from CRA, recent pay stubs or employer letters, business financial statements (if self-employed), documentation of other income sources (rental income, investments, pensions), and Employment Insurance or social assistance records if applicable. Under-reporting income can result in imputed income at higher levels.
Can child support be garnished from Employment Insurance or CPP benefits?
Yes, under the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act, MEP can intercept federal government payments to non-paying parents including Employment Insurance benefits, Canada Pension Plan payments, Old Age Security, GST rebates, income tax refunds, and interest on Canada Savings Bonds. This federal cooperation significantly strengthens MEP's enforcement capabilities against parents with limited wages to garnish.