Child Support
Matters
August 2023
ORANGE COUNTY
CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
MARIA ARZOLA, DIRECTOR
We are here when you
need us — through
every step of the
child support process
Contents
Read our newsletter to learn how we
have improved access to our services
Apply for Child Support .......................... 4
About Parentage ..........................................5
Your Path to a
Child Support Agreement .................. 6
Self-Schedule an Appointment ....... 7
Forms Workshops ...................................... 7
Attending Court ..................................... 8-9
Payments ................................................... 10-11
Changing Your
Child Support Order .................................12
Debt Reduction Program .....................13
Community Resources ....................14-17
Customer Connect ....................................18
Contact Us.......................................................19
2
OC CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
Mission
◆ Commitment to Children
◆ Dedicated Customer Service
◆ Compassion and Encouragement
◆ Integrity and Respect
◆ Growth and Learning
◆ Teamwork and Collaboration
To facilitate the financial support
of children by engaging parents
and providing professional child
support services
About
Us
Vision
To be a trusted partner of
parents in securing financial
stability for Orange County’s
children
Values
3
CHILD SUPPORT MATTERS 2023
Apply for Child Support
New. Faster. Easier. Simple.
Our application process just got easier!
How long will it take?
5-15 minutes, depending on how much
information you can provide using our
online application.
Five (5) Basic Information Sections
» About you
» About the other person or parent
» About the child(ren)
» Court order history (if any)
» Confirm, sign & submit
Apply Today!
www.css.ocgov.com
English / Español
4
OC CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
Establishing parentage is the process of determining the legal parents of a child
born to unmarried parents or through assisted reproduction.
...About Parentage
Parentage Opportunity
Program
Eligible parents complete
and sign a Voluntary
Declaration of Parentage
(VDOP) which has the same
effect as a court judgment.
Genetic Testing
Free genetic testing with
a simple cheek swab.
Legal Process
Parentage can be
established by the Court.
Watch a quick video to learn
more about these options
English: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdFnaAh4kcI
Español:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EEOTPWU8Ac
Establishing legal parentage through the voluntary Parentage Opportunity Program
(POP) provides legal and financial rights to parents and children, including:
▶ The right to seek custody or visitation
▶ Placing both parents’ names on the child’s birth certificate
▶ Entitling the child to health coverage under either parent’s plan
▶ Social Security and other benefits from either parent
Options to legally establish parentage include:
5
CHILD SUPPORT MATTERS 2023
Your Path to a
Child Support Agreement
Get Your Child Support Court Order WITHOUT Going to Court
Participate in a collaborative process with a child support attorney to negotiate a child
support agreement.
We can help you establish child support quickly and conveniently.
The Process is Simple!
Schedule an appointment
Both parents work together toward an
agreement
If agreed, sign a legal document
(Stipulation)
Legal document is filed and made into
a final child support order
What is a Stipulation?
A stipulation is a legal child support order where
both parents reach an agreement on financial,
medical, and/or parentage for their child(ren).
The stipulation is signed by both parents and
filed with the court.
Questions?
Our staff is dedicated to working with you on
any of your child support matters.
▶ Work with a child
support attorney
▶ Paperless process
▶ In-person or virtual
meeting options
scheduled at your
convenience
▶ Bilingual services
available
additional benefits....
▶ No cost
▶ We do the paperwork
▶ Private environment
▶ Free parking at our
office
Benefits
▶ Schedule an Appointment
www.css.ocgov.com or (866) 901-3212
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OC CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
Self-Schedule an Appointment
Connect with a child support expert from wherever
you are, at a time that works best for you.
Let our knowledgeable team help you manage your child
support case.
Schedule Online:
www.css.ocgov.com
Monday - Friday | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
» Video: Zoom or MS Teams
» Phone: We call you
» In-Person
Need Help Completing
Child Support Forms?
We Can Help!
Attend a Forms Workshop for assistance
filling out child support forms.
Monday - Friday | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
■ In-Person:
Walk in or make an appointment
online at www.css.ocgov.com
■ Virtual via Zoom
register at online at www.css.ocgov.com
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CHILD SUPPORT MATTERS 2023
Attending Court
What You Need to Know
Have an upcoming court hearing?
Do not worry—we are here to assist you every step of the way. Count on us to guide
and support you, ensuring that you have the information and assistance to attend
court with confidence.
We will reach out to you two weeks before your court hearing to gather relevant
information and answer any questions you may have. Make sure our office has your
current home and email address so that we can send you documents to complete
and return.
Preparing for your court hearing
Provide your case manager with the following before your court hearing:
Completed Income & Expense Declaration
Three most recent paycheck stubs
Copy of your most recent federal tax returns*
Child care verification, including expense receipts
Custodial/visitation schedule, including dates and duration
*
If self employed include Schedule C and Profit/Loss statement
8
OC CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
Learn more about preparing for your court hearing visit:
www.css.ocgov.com/legal/court_hearings
Court Address:
Lamoreaux Justice Center
341 The City Dr S., Orange, CA 92868
During the hearing, a Commissioner will hear your case and reach a decision on child
support. For more information or questions, please contact our office at (866) 901-3212.
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CHILD SUPPORT MATTERS 2023
Options to Pay
We offer several ways to make your full
or partial child support payments
Cashier Window
Make payments in person at our
office using cash, checks, money
orders, credit card, or debit cards.
Cashier Hours | 7:00AM - 5:00 PM
By Phone
Call us at (866) 901-3212 and select
option 1. Pay using a checking or
savings account, debit card, or
credit card.
TouchPay Kiosk
Make payments in person at our
office with the easy-to-use kiosk.
Payments received by the 20th of each month will be credited towards the corresponding month.
A $1.99 fee applies when using PayNearMe or MoneyGram. A 2.9% fee will be charged when using PayPal.
MoneyGram
Make cash payments at
participating MoneyGram
locations with your participant
identification number and
access code 14630.
Visit www.moneygram.com for
a list of participating locations.
You can use your Visa®, MasterCard® or Discover®. When using a credit or debit card, a 1.9% fee will be charged
when paying online, by phone, or at the cashier window, and a 2.2% fee will be charged at the TouchPay Kiosk.
Online
Make payments using a credit or debit card at
www.childsupport.ca.gov/state-disbursement-unit.
Make payments using a checking or savings
account at www.ExpertPay.com
.
($2.50 one-time registration fee)
Automatic Payments
Schedule recurring payments online at
www.childsupport.ca.gov/state-disbursement-unit.
By Mail
Mail a check or money order to:
CA State Disbursement Unit (SDU)
P.O. Box 989067
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9067
PayNearMe
Make cash payments at participating
locations. Get a personal barcode at
www.PayNearMe.com/California
.
PayPal
Make online payments with Paypal at
www.childsupportbillpay.com/Payment/
SelectEntity/793
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OC CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
Direct Deposit
Direct Deposit allows you to securely receive
child support payments directly into a
checking or savings account.
Receiving Payments
We offer convenient ways to receive your child support payments.
Both options provide
fast and safe access
to your child support
payments.
Ready to enroll?
▶ Enroll online at
www.childsupport.ca.gov
▶ Download and print the
enrollment form:
www.css.ocgov.com/
existcust/forms
▶ Pick up an enrollment
form in our office
Electronic Payment Card
The program allows your child support
payments to be automatically deposited to a
MasterCard® debit card. The Way2Go card offers
new features including an embedded microchip
for added security and the ability to get up to
five companion cards. Click here to learn more.
Need a replacement card?
Call Way2Go Customer Service at (844) 318-0740
Regarding our Annual Fee:
Under federal law, the California Department of Child Support Services is required to charge a yearly service fee. If
the fee applies to you, you will receive an annual service fee assessment notice in October for each case to which the
fee applies. This annual fee changes from $25 to $35 on cases that received payments equal to or more than $550.
Auto Payments
Setup is Easy, Convenient, and Secure
Did you know you can easily set up recurring payments to
pay your child support using a credit card, debit card, or
bank account? You can auto pay a set amount every month
to make sure a payment is made toward your child support
obligation. The amount paid can be adjusted as necessary.
Ensure your payment is received by the 20th of each
month for credit in the month the payment is intended for.
Set up auto payments online at
www.childsupport.ca.gov/state-disbursement-unit.
Benefits
On-time
payments
Confirmation of
Payments
Automatic
Convenient
& Flexible
Manage
Payment
11
CHILD SUPPORT MATTERS 2023
Changing Your
Child Support Order
Need to change the amount you pay?
If you are experiencing changes, such as custody, parenting time or an increase
or decrease in income, it may be time to request a review of your child support
order. By reviewing your order, we can help make sure it matches your current
circumstance.
Upon your request, a case manager will review your case to determine if you qualify
for a change in your child support amount.
Qualifying changes in circumstance
□ Increase or decrease in income
□ Employment status
□ Benefits
□ Health insurance
□ Child care expenses
□ Custody
□ Parenting time
Requesting a review is easy!
▶ Online at www.css.ocgov.com
Click Existing Customers > Change My Order
▶ Contact Us at (866) 901-3212
During the review process, you will be asked to provide the following information:
» Three most recent pay stubs
» Copies of your recent federal tax returns
» Proof of child support payments for other biological children
» Custody/visitation schedule (including dates and length of time)
» Schedule C and Profit/Loss Statement (if self-employed)
▶ Visit Us at 1055 N. Main St.,
Santa Ana, CA 92701
▶ By Mail at P.O. Box 22099,
Santa Ana, CA 92702
12
OC CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
Take Action Today!
Do you owe past due child support?
Work with us to agree on a
payment amount that fits
your budget.
Child Support
Debt Reduction
Program
Discover how this program can benefit you
If your past due child support payments include a time your child(ren) received cash
assistance, you may qualify. The Debt Reduction Program reduces the amount of
past due child support owed to the State and sets up a payment plan on some or all
of the remaining balance.
Benefits
Monthly payment plans can:
Æ Make a past due balance easier to
manage.
Æ Reduce interest on past due child
support. Interest is added monthly to past
due child support, reducing the balance
lowers the interest.
As Easy as 1, 2, 3!
1 Must have a verified home address
2 Have past due child support payments
3 Your child support case cannot be
pending any legal actions
Contact us to receive an application.
Our team is dedicated to navigating the process with you!
▶ Call Us at (866) 901-3212
▶ Schedule an Appointment www.css.ocgov.com
▶ Visit Us at 1055 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92701
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CHILD SUPPORT MATTERS 2023
Family Resource Center
Families and Communities Together’s 16 Family Resource Centers (FRCs) offer
families help and services in their own community.
Services Offered
at all 16 FRCs
▶ Counseling
▶ Parenting Classes
▶ Case Management
▶ Domestic Violence Services
▶ Information and Referral
Services
Additional Services
vary by location
▶ Application Assistance
▶ Health and Wellness Services
▶ Youth Programs
▶ Food Distribution and
Resources
▶ Personal Empowerment
Program
Connecting you to
Community
Resources
Find Your Local Family Resource Center: (714) 566-2878 | www.FaCTOC.org/locations
Families and Communities Together (FaCT) is a partnership program of the County of
Orange Social Services Agency.
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OC CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
Safe Access
One of our goals is to promote practices that provide safe access to child support services.
If you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, please contact one of the resources
below:
24-Hour Hotlines
■ The National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233 | Text “START” to 88788 | www.thehotline.org
■ Human Options | (877) 854-3594 | www.humanoptions.org
■ Laura’s House | (866) 498-1511 | www.laurashouse.org
■ Radiant Futures | (877) 531-5522 | www.radiantfutures.org
Additional Resource:
■ OC Family Justice Center Foundation
Provides empowerment and prevention resources to victims and families whose lives
have been impacted by family violence.
(714) 765-1645 x1618 | Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM | www.ocfjcfoundation.org
2-1-1
211 can connect you to community resources including, housing, job placement, food,
health insurance and clinics, dental care, immunizations, homeless shelters, elder and child
care, and legal services.
Local Experts make finding help easier.
Call 211 or (949) 646-4657 | Text your zip code to 898-211
Available in 180 Languages
Search for Local Resources: www.211OC.org
An information source about local resources and services in the county.
Call to be connected to local resources and services
Connecting you to
Community Resources
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CHILD SUPPORT MATTERS 2023
Connecting you to
Community Resources
OC Navigator
Check out the Online Resource Guides
Browse handpicked list of resources
▶ Homelessness / At
Risk of Homelessness
▶ Hot Meals
▶ Housing Resources
▶ Medical Resources for
Families
▶ Older Adult Mental
Health
▶ Parent and Caregiver
Resources
▶ Pregnancy and
Postpartum Support
▶ School-Based
Resources for Kids
and Teens
▶ Substance Abuse
▶ Support for coping
with grief and loss
▶ Veteran’s Resources
Take the Wellness Check-In.
Answer a few questions to
generate a list of resources
tailored to your needs.
Talk to a Resource Navigator
Call (855) 625-4657
Visit ocnavigator.org to find helpful resources
OC Navigator is an innovative online resource designed to help individuals in
Orange County find essential support. It connects people to vital resources
that contribute to their overall health, well-being, and quality of life.
OC Navigator works closely with local community partners to create its
network of resources and make a positive impact on the community.
Need Help Finding Resources?
Discover, Connect, Thrive!
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OC CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
Connecting you to
Community Resources
America’s Job Center of California
Looking for a Job? Here is a place to start.
These OC locations provide essential employment
training and services. Visit America’s Job Center of
California if you are looking for new employment
opportunities.
The American Job Centers of California is a network of local, state, private, and public organizations offering
a variety of services which brings employers with job openings and qualified job seekers together at no cost.
▶ Job Search Tools
▶ Career Services
▶ Support Services
▶ Job Training
▶ Leadership and
Mentorship
▶ Help with School
▶ Resources
▶ Business Services
▶ Youth Services
▶ High School Diploma
Program
▶ College Enrollment
▶ Guidance and
Counseling
▶ Job Seeker Resources
▶ Job Training &
Employment Services
▶ Life Skills Workshops
▶ Leadership
Development
Opportunities
▶ Paid Internships
▶ Tools to assist obtaining and/or retaining employment
▶ Online and printed job listings
▶ Computers, phones, and copier for job search activities
▶ Onsite recruitment events and job fair information
▶ Job search tips and guidance
▶ Career planning advice
OC Workforce Solutions | (866) 500-6587 | www.ocworkforcesolutions.com
Santa Ana WORK Center | (714) 565-2600 | www.santa-ana.org/work-center
Anaheim Workforce Connection
(714) 765-4350 | www.anaheim.net/6117/Anaheim-Workforce-Connection
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CHILD SUPPORT MATTERS 2023
□ View payments and balances 24/7
□ Review documents
□ Review and update current case
information
□ Get payment information
□ Check account balances
□ Send emails to request services or
provide information to us
□ Check court dates and appointments
Child Support Access
@ Your Fingertips
www.ChildSupport.CA.gov/ Customer-Connect
For enhanced security, your Participant Identification number (PAR ID) is required to log in
and access your account.
Update your Information Now!
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OC CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
Staying in touch is important! It helps us
keep you informed of activity on your case
and assist you with changes in your current
circumstances.
SPECIALIZED SERVICES
Forms Workshops
Monday - Friday | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
■ In-Person:
Walk in or make an appointment
■ Virtual via Zoom
Genetic Testing
Tuesday - Friday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
CONTACT INFORMATION
Visit Us Online
www.css.ocgov.com
Call Us
(866) 901-3212 TDD: (866) 399-4096
Monday - Friday | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Visit us In Person
1055 N. Main St. Santa Ana, CA 92701
Monday - Friday | 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Cashier | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
2023 Dates:
• August 19
• September 16
• October 14
• November 18
• December 16
We are open one Saturday every month!
Saturday Hours
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Let’s Stay
in Touch!
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CHILD SUPPORT MATTERS 2023
