So how do you go about applying for child support? That will depend to a large degree on whether or not you are currently enrolled in any public assistance programs, the most recognizable of which would be programs such as Medicaid or Food Stamps. If you are currently enrolled in those programs, then referral to the Child Support Enforcement division is automatic and without charge. In point of fact, you are mandated by law to cooperate with efforts made on the part of the state to obtain child support. Failure to cooperate on your part could result in your benefit either being reduced or, in some cases, canceled altogether.
If you are not receiving public assistance there is an application that will need to be completed in order to start the child support enforcement rolling but, again, there is no fee associated with this application.
In closing be aware that the state takes child support enforcement seriously and is not pleased when people “cry wolf”, that is, neglect to cooperate with them once the case is open. If this happens, the case will be closed, and getting a new case opened may prove more difficult.
