Child Support Enforcement

What is the Child Support Enforcement (CSE) Program?
I am having trouble getting child support -- how can I apply for help?
Do I have to receive Work First in order to receive child support assistance?

Question: What is the Child Support Enforcement (CSE) Program?
Answer: The NC CSE Program, managed by NC DSS, can help locate absent parents, establish paternity for children born outside of marriage, establish support obligations, collect and distribute support, and enforce support obligations. For more information about the program, please visit the Child Support Enforcement page. In addition to the CSE program, private attorneys and the county Clerks of Superior Court offer certain support services. For more information on these services, contact these offices individually.

Question: I am having trouble getting child support -- how can I apply for help?
Answer: If you are having trouble getting support from the absent parent of your child, the first step to getting help is to apply for services at your local CSE office. In North Carolina, each county has a local CSE office, many of which are located in local county Department of Social Servicess. For more details on how you can receive child support assistance, please visit the Child Support Enforcement page or contact your local county Department of Social Services.

Question: Do I have to receive Work First in order to receive child support assistance?
Answer: Child support enforcement services are available to anyone who has custody of a minor dependent child in need of child support, regardless of income. Please note there may be a small fee for applicants based on income.

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