Losing your job or earning less income doesn't mean your child support obligation automatically changes or goes away. But you can request that your case be reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). If your circumstances have changed, you may be eligible for a payment modification. Here's how employment status, income, and court-ordered amounts are related.
I Lost My Job. What Now?
- If you have lost your job, contact us as soon as possible to let us know your circumstances. Remember that only a court order can change your monthly payment amount, so it’s important to keep making payments each month until your order is changed.
- If you have no income, the court can set your modified child support amount based upon your past employment, your ability to work and the current federal minimum wage.
- For help finding a job, visit the Texas Workforce Commission online at WorkInTexas.com.
- Noncustodial parents who lose their job — or see an income decrease — can request a review of their child support order from the Office of the Attorney General. Learn more about the Payment Modification Process.
My New Job Pays Less Than My Last Job. Will My Child Support Order Change to Match My New Income?
Your child support order could change to match your current income.
Noncustodial parents who lose their job — or see an income decrease — can request a review of their child support order from the Office of the Attorney General. Learn more about the Payment Modification Process.
Important: Until a court changes your order, you must continue to pay as much of your child support payments as possible while your Request for Review is being processed.
I'm Looking For A Job Now. Can My Child Support Be Temporarily Lowered While I'm Looking?
It is uncommon for temporary orders to be issued on child support cases processed by our office. But if you are struggling to make your child support payments, contact us immediately. Let us know your circumstances. And most importantly, continue to pay as much of your child support payment as possible.
Important: If a noncustodial parent fails to pay child support, enforcement action may be taken.
I'm Only Able To Find Part-Time Employment Right Now. Can My Order be Based on My Part-Time Income/Wages?
If you are a noncustodial parent who is employed part-time, we will consider your past employment, your ability to work and earn income and the current federal minimum wage to calculate child support.
I'm Receiving Unemployment Benefits - How Does This Affect My Child Support?
Child support will be taken from your unemployment benefits through wage withholding. The Texas Workforce Commission withholds according to your support payment obligations. Up to 50 percent of the unemployment earnings can be withheld to satisfy your current monthly obligations.
Can Payments I'm Making For Back Child Support Be Changed Based on My New Wages?
Yes. Our office can review the child support arrears payment ordered by the court. We then determine whether the amount may be lowered through a modified (new) court order or by adjusting the wage withholding in place with your employer.
Important: Lowering the payment amount going toward child support debt may extend the time for a noncustodial parent to pay off his or her child support obligation.
