{"id":351710,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:57","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/child-support\/state-public-assistance-welfare-information.html"},"modified":"2024-12-09T15:06:00","modified_gmt":"2024-12-09T20:06:00","slug":"state-public-assistance-welfare-information","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/state-public-assistance-welfare-information.html","title":{"rendered":"State Directory: Public Assistance and Welfare Information"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">State Directory: Public Assistance and Welfare Information<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/natalie-moritz\/\">Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/rhonda-earhart-esq\/\">Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            December 09, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>Public assistance programs supporting children provide low-income families with resources to live and thrive. While the primary responsibility for financial support lies with the non-custodial parent (child support), welfare programs provide help when child support alone isn\u2019t sufficient. Further, not all parents receive child support\u2014making these programs even more crucial for some families.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>This page details public assistance and welfare programs in the U.S. It also discusses how child support interacts with these programs, specifically in eligibility and the level of assistance provided. At the end of the article, you\u2019ll find a directory of state public assistance agencies.<\/p>\r\n<p>Keep reading to learn more about:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Some of the state and federal assistance programs available for low-income families<\/li>\r\n<li>The role child support plays in public assistance eligibility<\/li>\r\n<li>How states administer public assistance benefits to families<\/li>\r\n<li>And more<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>The Child Support Program in America<\/h2>\r\n<p>The child support program helps parents ensure their children get financial support. When one parent doesn&#8217;t live with the child (non-custodial 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&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/how-much-child-support-can-you-receive.html#:~:text=When%20calculating%20child%20support%2C%20most,insurance)%2C%20and%20any%20special%20needs\">amount of child support<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Sometimes, the non-custodial parent might not pay what they owe. When this happens, the child support agency can step in to help in the child support case. Child support agencies are usually a division of a jurisdiction\u2019s Department of Human Services (DHS) or equivalent public department.<\/p>\r\n<p>Child support agencies employ various methods to make sure payments happen:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Locate a non-custodial parent<\/li>\r\n<li>Set up <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/paying-child-support-checklist.html\">child support collection<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Collect money directly from a non-custodial parent\u2019s paychecks (income withholding)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Child Support Enforcement<\/h2>\r\n<p>The child support agency may use enforcement actions if a non-custodial parent doesn\u2019t meet their child support obligations. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/enforcement-and-collection-of-back-child-support.html\">Past-due child support payments<\/a> are called arrears. Federal law permits child support agencies to use various methods to collect past-due support, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Garnishment, or taking money directly from employment wages, bank accounts, or tax returns<\/li>\r\n<li>Personal property seizure<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/drivers-license-vehicle-info\/charged-with-offense-that-requires-a-drivers-license-suspension.html\">Driver\u2019s license suspension<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Occupation or recreational license suspension (like a fishing or hunting license)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The agency can also use the parent&#8217;s income and assets to decide how much they should pay.<\/p>\r\n<p>Child support agencies cannot garnish <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acf.hhs.gov\/css\/policy-guidance\/garnishment-supplemental-security-income-benefits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments<\/a> to collect child support.<\/p>\r\n<h2>What If I Don\u2019t Receive Child Support?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Receiving child support payments does not disqualify a parent from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/beyond-child-support-public-assistance.html\">receiving public assistance benefits<\/a>. But, welfare agencies count child support income towards the household income. This means that a parent may still be eligible for public assistance programs if their household income (including child support) is below the guideline for their family size.<\/p>\r\n<p>This can occur when a parent receives very little in child support, or if payments are sporadic.<\/p>\r\n<p>It\u2019s also important to note that programs have varying income limits. For example, TANF (cash assistance) has a very low income limit. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fns.usda.gov\/snap\/recipient\/eligibility\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">income limit for SNAP<\/a> (food benefits) is higher. The income limit for child care programs is often even higher than SNAP\u2019s limit.<\/p>\r\n<p>This means a parent receiving child support income may be eligible for child care assistance but not food or cash assistance. Or, they may be eligible for both child care and food help, but not cash.<\/p>\r\n<p>Conversely, a parent who does not receive any child support income may still be ineligible for public assistance programs. Again, this is due to income limits. A parent\u2019s earned income (employment wages) and any other unearned income (like unemployment insurance or social security) may put their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/child-support-determining-parents-income.html\">household income<\/a> above the eligibility guideline for a program.<\/p>\r\n<p>This is more likely to happen if there are two adult earners in the household. Suppose a parent does not receive child support for her minor child. But they are married and their spouse is not the other child\u2019s legal parent. Because they are married, both their incomes are counted towards the total household income.<\/p>\r\n<p>See FindLaw\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support.html\">Child Support Laws<\/a> section for more information and FAQ.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Cooperation with Child Support Enforcement<\/h2>\r\n<p>Some assistance programs require parents to cooperate with child support enforcement. This means that even if a parent does not receive child support, they still must cooperate with the child support agency by providing information about the non-custodial parent, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Contact details<\/li>\r\n<li>Employment information<\/li>\r\n<li>Other relevant information that may help the agency <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/how-do-i-locate-a-parent-for-child-support.html\">locate the parent<\/a> and attempt to enforce a child support order<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Failure to cooperate may result in a reduction or loss of benefits. If a parent lies to the child support agency, the agency may initiate a fraud investigation. If this happens, the parent may have to pay back benefits for which they were not eligible.<\/p>\r\n<p>There are \u201cgood cause\u201d exemptions for cooperating with child support enforcement, like in cases of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence.html\">domestic violence<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Public Benefits Eligibility<\/h2>\r\n<p>To get help, families must meet certain rules and show they&#8217;re eligible. This usually includes meeting income and residence requirements and showing a birth certificate or proving parentage. Parentage means showing who the child&#8217;s parents are.<\/p>\r\n<p>Most programs also require that an applicant is a U.S. citizen or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/citizenship.html\">qualifying non-citizen<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Rules and eligibility guidelines vary by program. Some programs that serve families and children include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Cash assistance<\/li>\r\n<li>Child care assistance<\/li>\r\n<li>Emergency financial assistance<\/li>\r\n<li>Food assistance or food stamps<\/li>\r\n<li>Healthcare and medical assistance<\/li>\r\n<li>Housing programs<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Cash Assistance: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)<\/h3>\r\n<p>The federal government&#8217;s primary cash assistance program is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Each state has its own individual cash assistance program. For example, the California version of TANF is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdss.ca.gov\/calworks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids<\/a> (CalWORKs). Minnesota\u2019s version of TANF is <a href=\"https:\/\/dcyf.mn.gov\/programs-directory\/minnesota-family-investment-program-mfip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Minnesota Family Investment Program<\/a> (MFIP).<\/p>\r\n<p>The goal is TANF is to help low-income parents achieve self-sufficiency through living-wage employment. Families using TANF may be eligible for support services to help with this goal, like child care assistance and job training.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acf.hhs.gov\/ofa\/programs\/temporary-assistance-needy-families-tanf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TANF benefits<\/a> have a federal lifetime limit of 60 months (five years). But, there are extensions to this time limit that families can apply for.<\/p>\r\n<p>Eligible families must meet other criteria, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Income requirements, which vary by state and family size<\/li>\r\n<li>Have a dependent child in their household or be pregnant<\/li>\r\n<li>Participation in an employment services program or work-related activities (with some exceptions)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Health Care and Medical Assistance<\/h3>\r\n<p>Healthcare is crucial for children and parents alike.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicaid.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Medicaid<\/a>&nbsp;and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicaid.gov\/chip\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Children&#8217;s Health Insurance Program<\/a> (CHIP) offer health insurance to eligible low-income families and children. States may <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcare.gov\/medicaid-chip-program-names\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">use different names<\/a> for these programs. For example, Arizona\u2019s Medicaid program is called Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. It\u2019s CHIP program is called KidsCare.<\/p>\r\n<p>States may also offer prescription medication discounts.<\/p>\r\n<p>Along with child support payments, a parent might also need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/uninsured-medical-expenses-and-child-support.html\">provide medical support<\/a>. This can be in the form of health insurance or direct payments for medical needs.<\/p>\r\n<p>The child support program can make sure the non-custodial parent pays this medical support. If the non-custodial parent has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/insurance\/health-insurance.html\">health insurance<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Food Assistance<\/h3>\r\n<p>The &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fns.usda.gov\/snap\/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program<\/a> (SNAP) is a federal program that helps eligible individuals and families buy food.<\/p>\r\n<p>Some mothers may also be eligible for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fns.usda.gov\/wic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Women, Infants, and Children<\/a> (WIC). This is a short-term program that provides education and vouchers for nutritional food to eligible pregnant women, new mothers, and children up to age five.<\/p>\r\n<p>Both SNAP and WIC are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture&#8217;s (USDA) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fns.usda.gov\/programs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Food and Nutrition Service<\/a> division.<\/p>\r\n<p>Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fns.usda.gov\/national-hunger-hotline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA National Hunger Hotline<\/a> for more information on food assistance.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Housing Assistance<\/h3>\r\n<p>Housing assistance and subsidies include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Public housing or project-based housing vouchers<\/li>\r\n<li>Shelters and programs serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tenant-eviction-what-you-should-know-as-a-renter.html\">Eviction<\/a>&nbsp;protections<\/li>\r\n<li>Foreclosure prevention programs<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/topics\/rental_assistance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Rental assistance<\/u><\/a> (often used to pay past-due rent or damage deposits)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Housing assistance programs can be funded publicly through local or state governments. Others are funded by non-profit or community organizations.<\/p>\r\n<h2>How Are Public Assistance Benefits Administered?<\/h2>\r\n<p>It varies by jurisdiction, but most states and counties distribute public assistance benefits electronically, including direct deposit or Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT card). An EBT card is like a prepaid debit card.<\/p>\r\n<p>Some agencies may still offer paper checks, but this is less common due to efficiency and security concerns.<\/p>\r\n<h2>State Public Assistance Information and Agencies<\/h2>\r\n<p>Federal public assistance programs provide funding to states to assist low-income families and children. Each state designs its own program using these funds within federal guidelines. These welfare programs are then managed and administered at state and county levels.<\/p>\r\n<p>At the state level, a state agency or department runs public assistance programs. They can have various names, such as:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Human Services<\/li>\r\n<li>Social Services<\/li>\r\n<li>Health and Welfare<\/li>\r\n<li>Health and Human Services<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The directory below links to each state\u2019s public assistance and welfare programs.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Alabama<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dhr.alabama.gov\/family-assistance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Family Assistance Program<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;(Alabama Department of Human Resources)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Alaska<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/dhss.alaska.gov\/dpa\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Alaska Division of Public Assistance<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;(State of Alaska Department of Health)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Arizona<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.azdes.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Arizona Department of Economic Security<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Arkansas<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/humanservices.arkansas.gov\/apply-for-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Arkansas Department of Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>California<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cdss.ca.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>California Department of Social Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Colorado<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cdhs.colorado.gov\/our-services\/child-and-family-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Division of Child and Family Services<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;(Colorado Department of Human Services)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Connecticut<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ct.gov\/dss\/site\/default.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Connecticut Department of Social Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Delaware<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dhss.delaware.gov\/dhss\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Delaware Health and Social Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>District of Columbia<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/dhs.dc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>D.C. Department of Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Florida<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.myflfamilies.com\/services\/public-assistance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Florida Public Benefits and Services<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;(Florida Department of Children and Families)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Georgia<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dfcs.georgia.gov\/services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Georgia Division of Family and Children Services<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;(Georgia Department of Human Services)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Hawaii<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/humanservices.hawaii.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Hawaii Department of Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Idaho<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/healthandwelfare.idaho.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Idaho Department of Health and Welfare<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Illinois<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.illinois.gov\/dcfs\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Illinois Department of Children and Family Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Indiana<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.in.gov\/fssa\/dfr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Indiana Division of Family Services<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;(Family and Social Services Administration)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Iowa<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/dhs.iowa.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Iowa Department of Health and Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Kansas<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dcf.ks.gov\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Kansas Department for Children and Families<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Kentucky<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chfs.ky.gov\/agencies\/dcbs\/dfs\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Kentucky Division of Family Support<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Louisiana<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dcfs.louisiana.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Maine<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dhhs\/index.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Maine Department of Health &amp; Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Maryland<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dhs.maryland.gov\/category\/services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Maryland Department of Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Massachusetts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/orgs\/massachusetts-department-of-children-families\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Massachusetts Department of Children and Families<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Michigan<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mdhhs\/assistance-programs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Michigan Department of Health and Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Minnesota<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mn.gov\/dhs\/people-we-serve\/adults\/economic-assistance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Minnesota Department of Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Mississippi<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdhs.ms.gov\/economic-assistance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Mississippi Department of Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Missouri<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mydss.mo.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Missouri Family Support Division<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;(Missouri Department of Social Services)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Montana<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dphhs.mt.gov\/index\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Montana Department of Human and Health Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Nebraska<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dhhs.ne.gov\/Pages\/Economic-Assistance.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Nevada<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dwss.nv.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;(Nevada Department of Health and Human Services)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>New Hampshire<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhhs.nh.gov\/programs-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>New Jersey<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nj.gov\/humanservices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>New Jersey Department of Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>New Mexico<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hsd.state.nm.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>New Mexico Human Services Department<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>New York<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ny.gov\/services\/social-programs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>New York Social Programs<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>North Carolina<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncdhhs.gov\/assistance\/low-income-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>North Dakota<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.nd.gov\/applyforhelp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Ohio<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/jfs.ohio.gov\/index.stm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Ohio Department of Job and Family Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Oklahoma<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.okdhs.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Oklahoma Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Oregon<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oregon.gov\/DHS\/assistance\/Pages\/index.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Oregon Department of Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Pennsylvania<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhs.pa.gov\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Pennsylvania Department of Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Rhode Island<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dhs.ri.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Rhode Island Department of Human Services<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;(Office of Health and Human Services)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>South Carolina<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dss.sc.gov\/assistance-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>South Carolina Department of Social Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>South Dakota<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dss.sd.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>South Dakota Department of Social Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Tennessee<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/humanservices.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Tennessee Department of Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Texas<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.texas.gov\/services\/financial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Texas Health and Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Utah<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dcfs.utah.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Utah Department of Health and Human Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Vermont<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dcf.vermont.gov\/esd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Vermont Economic Services Division<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;(Department of Children and Families, Agency of Human Services)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Virginia<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dss.virginia.gov\/benefit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Virginia Department of Social Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Washington<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dshs.wa.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Washington State Department of Social and Health Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>West Virginia<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dhhr.wv.gov\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Wisconsin<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/access.wisconsin.gov\/access\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Wisconsin ACCESS<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Wyoming<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dfs.wyo.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Wyoming Department of Family Services<\/u><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Need More Help With Public Assistance or Child Support? An Attorney Can Help<\/h2>\r\n<p>Making ends meet is difficult for single parents, so it&#8217;s good to know public services are available for those in need. Depending on your situation, you may need some help navigating child support and public assistance laws. Learn more by speaking with a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/child-support\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">child support attorney<\/a>&nbsp;near you.<\/p>\r\n<p>Some attorneys and legal clinics operate on a sliding scale or provide pro bono (free) legal services.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some states allow you to set up child support with forms and court processes\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You may need legal help to set up or modify child support arrangements\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    If there is conflict, an attorney can advise if the other parent&#8217;s actions are legal\u00a0\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored advice about paying or receiving child support. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/child-support\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL24\" title=\"Family Law Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce.html\">\n                        Divorce Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage.html\">\n                        Marriage Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support.html\">\n                        Child Support Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/custody-visitation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Custody and Visitation Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/same-sex\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Same Sex Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/fathers-rights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Father&#8217;s Rights Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/divorce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Divorce Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/child-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Child Support Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adoption Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"actionImageCard aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12\">\n    <div class=\"fl-image-card\">\n                <div class=\"fl-image-card__content\">\n            <div class=\"action-card-layout\">\n                <h2 class=\"action-card-layout__heading\">\n                    Don&#8217;t Forget About Estate Planning\n                <\/h2>\n                <div class=\"action-card-layout__content fl-text-lg\">\n                    <p>Once new child support arrangements are in place, it\u2019s an ideal time to create or change your&nbsp;<a title=\"DIY Forms\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning.html\">estate planning forms<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning.html\" class=\"action-card-layout__button fl-button fl-link-button secondary\">\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start Planning<\/span>\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore FindLaw&#8217;s state guide on public assistance. Find info on various programs, how child support affects eligibility, and your state\u2019s welfare agency. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":351672,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2730],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-351710","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-family"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351710","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=351710"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351710\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351672"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=351710"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=351710"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=351710"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=351710"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=351710"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}