State Public Assistance/Welfare Information
By Jade Yeban, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq. | Last reviewed January 30, 2024
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The federal government's primary assistance program is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, while each state has its own individual assistance program.
Caring for a child is expensive. Given today's economic climate and rising childcare costs, many families seek financial help through federal and state public assistance programs.
Use the list below to find state public assistance and welfare information.
The Child Support Program in America
The child support program helps parents ensure their children get financial support. When one parent doesn't live with the child (noncustodial parent), they may have a child support obligation. This means they must pay money to the other parent to help support and care for the child. A court order will decide the amount of child support.
Sometimes, the noncustodial parent might not pay what they owe. When this happens, the child support agency can step in to help in the child support case. They provide child support services to make sure payments happen. This agency can track down parents, set up child support collection, and even take money directly from their paychecks. This is income withholding.
Medicaid and Healthcare
Healthcare is crucial for kids. Medicaid offers health insurance to those who need it. Along with child support payments, a parent might also need to provide medical support. This can be in the form of health insurance or direct payments for medical needs. The child support program can make sure the noncustodial parent pays this medical support. If the noncustodial parent has health insurance, it may cover the child. If not, the child might get Medicaid or other public benefits. Parents need to know the terms of their child support order, as it might include this medical support.
Child Support Enforcement
The child support agency may step in if a noncustodial parent doesn't pay. They have tools under federal law to collect past-due support. This can include garnishment, where money comes directly from wages or bank accounts. If a parent owes a lot in back payments, this is arrears. The agency can also use the parent's income and assets to decide how much they should pay.
Eligibility and Public Benefits
To get help, families must show they're eligible. This means meeting certain rules. These rules can include showing a birth certificate or proving parentage. Parentage means showing who the child's parents are. Families might also get other help, like food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP helps families buy food. Some families get cash assistance to help with other costs. But, to get this help, they might need to cooperate with the child support agency. There can be exceptions, like in cases of domestic violence. When there's a risk in situations like this, there might be a good cause exception.
State Public Assistance Information
Alabama
- Family Assistance Program (Alabama Department of Human Resources)
Alaska
- Alaska Division of Public Assistance (State of Alaska Department of Health)
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
- Division of Child and Family Services (Colorado Department of Human Services)
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
- Florida Public Benefits and Services (Florida Department of Children and Families)
Georgia
- Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (Georgia Department of Human Services)
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
- Indiana Division of Family Services (Family and Social Services Administration)
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
- Missouri Family Support Division (Missouri Department of Social Services)
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
- Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (Nevada Department of Health and Human Services)
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Department of Human Services (Office of Health and Human Services)
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
- Vermont Economic Services Division (Department of Children and Families, Agency of Human Services)
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Need More State Public Assistance Information? An Attorney Can Help
Making ends meet is difficult for single parents, so it's good to know that public services are available for those in need. Depending on your situation, you may need some help navigating the law. Some attorneys and legal clinics operate on a sliding scale or provide pro bono (free) legal services.
Find out more by speaking with a child support attorney near you.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Some states allow you to set up child support with forms and court processes
- You may need legal help to set up or modify child support arrangements
- If there is conflict, an attorney can advise if the other parent’s actions are legal
Get tailored advice about paying or receiving child support. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
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Helpful Links
Don't Forget About Estate Planning
Once new child support arrangements are in place, it’s an ideal time to create or change your estate planning forms. Take the time to add new beneficiaries to your will and name a guardian for any minor children. Consider creating a financial power of attorney so your agent can pay bills and make sure your children are provided for. A health care directive explains your health care decisions and takes the decision-making burden off your children when they become adults.