SERVICE
Ask to change the amount of child support you pay
If your financial situation changes, you can ask to pay a different amount of child support.
What to know
Cost
FreeThings to know
- If you lose your job or your income goes down, your child support payment isn't adjusted automatically
- You must request a change to the amount you pay
- When you make this request, it's possible the amount you need to pay could go up
What to do
1. Make sure you need to make this request
Anyone can request a change to the amount of child support they pay. But to be successful, you will need a clear reason to explain why.
Reasons to reconsider the amount you pay include:
Changes related to work
- You're fired or laid off
- You get a new or extra job
- You or the other parent's income changes
Changes to your situation
- Custody or visitation changes
- Your family size changes
- You become disabled
- You go to jail or prison
- You are deployed to active military service
2. Gather information you'll need
Before you meet with us, get together any information that will help us understand your situation. This includes:
- Your income and expenses
- Any child care expenses
- Medical insurance
- Your disability status
- Jail or prison status
- Unemployment benefits
- Retirement income
- Your current custody and visitation arrangements
3. Meet with the Department of Child Support Services
Come to our office to discuss your situation. You don't need to make an appointment.
San Francisco, CA 94105
Get directions
4. Wait for our response
Our office will listen to what you have to say and look over the information. Then we will let you know our decision.
If we agree that you can change your payment amount, we will let you know what the new payment amount is.
5. Get help going to court (optional)
If we don't agree with your request, you still have other options. You can go to court and ask the judge or county commissioner to reconsider your case.
If you want to get help going to court, contact:
Room 509
San Francisco, CA 94102
Get directions
Get help
Partner agencies
What to know
Cost
FreeThings to know
- If you lose your job or your income goes down, your child support payment isn't adjusted automatically
- You must request a change to the amount you pay
- When you make this request, it's possible the amount you need to pay could go up
What to do
1. Make sure you need to make this request
Anyone can request a change to the amount of child support they pay. But to be successful, you will need a clear reason to explain why.
Reasons to reconsider the amount you pay include:
Changes related to work
- You're fired or laid off
- You get a new or extra job
- You or the other parent's income changes
Changes to your situation
- Custody or visitation changes
- Your family size changes
- You become disabled
- You go to jail or prison
- You are deployed to active military service
2. Gather information you'll need
Before you meet with us, get together any information that will help us understand your situation. This includes:
- Your income and expenses
- Any child care expenses
- Medical insurance
- Your disability status
- Jail or prison status
- Unemployment benefits
- Retirement income
- Your current custody and visitation arrangements
3. Meet with the Department of Child Support Services
Come to our office to discuss your situation. You don't need to make an appointment.
San Francisco, CA 94105
Get directions
4. Wait for our response
Our office will listen to what you have to say and look over the information. Then we will let you know our decision.
If we agree that you can change your payment amount, we will let you know what the new payment amount is.
5. Get help going to court (optional)
If we don't agree with your request, you still have other options. You can go to court and ask the judge or county commissioner to reconsider your case.
If you want to get help going to court, contact:
Room 509
San Francisco, CA 94102
Get directions