COVID-19 - Oregon Department of Justice : Child Support

Last updated 1:20 p.m., October 29, 2021.

General Questions

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I am trying to file an appeal, but my courthouse currently has limited services due to the pandemic. How can I get a copy of the forms to file my appeal? (updated 9-20-2021)

You can find a Petition for De Novo Review form here. This form should be accepted by all Oregon courts.

I need to meet with my case manager, but I have been exposed to someone with Covid-19—is it still okay for me to come into your office? (updated 9-20-2021)

No, if you have been exposed to someone with Covid-19, do not visit an Oregon Child Support Program office. Many of our offices remain closed to the public. Instead, you can communicate with us about your child support case by phone, email, or through your online account.

I haven’t been diagnosed with Covid-19, but I have symptoms—is it still okay for me to come into your office? (updated 9-20-2021)

Is the office that manages my child support case open? (updated 9-20-2021)

Many of our office lobbies remain closed to the public, but we are still open for business.

You can communicate with us about your child support case by phone, email, or through your online account. We also can set up a phone or video appointment with you. For any changes to our office lobbies, check the Covid-19 Closures & Contact Information or the Office Access & Closure Updates on OregonChildSupport.gov.

Can I still take a paternity (DNA) test? (updated 9-20-2021)

Yes. We can schedule a genetic testing appointment. Please contact us by phone, email, or through your online account.

Can I get information about my child support case online?

Yes. We offer online account services to participants. You can sign up for an account at OregonChildSupport.gov/CustomerPortal.

Will it take longer than usual to receive a return phone call from my child support case manager? (updated 9-20-2021)

Possibly. As we all know, this is an unsettled time for our country and all business. At this time, our offices are staffed and work is continuing. The Oregon Child Support Program is committed to getting support to families. We have a plan in place to make sure critical services continue. If we have office or workload impacts due to the pandemic, we will post updates on our website at OregonChildSupport.gov

I’m starting or modifying my child support case—will this process take longer because of the pandemic? (updated 9-20-2021)

We are not experiencing many work delays. The Oregon Child Support Program is committed to getting support to families. If we have office or workload impacts due to the pandemic, we will post updates on OregonChildSupport.gov.

I have a hearing coming up. Will it be postponed or cancelled? (updated 9-20-2021)

Phone hearings through the Office of Administrative Hearings are continuing as scheduled. If your upcoming hearing is with the circuit court, please check the county court’s website for any closure or rescheduling information.

Can I still request a hearing on my child support modification?

Yes.

I’m the parent who pays support. If I’m laid off due to the pandemic, what happens to my child support obligation? (updated 9-20-2021)

A court order for child support continues until it is modified or terminated. That means your child support is still due. If you receive unemployment compensation, your child support may be withheld from the benefits.

Depending on the length of the lay-off, a modification may be appropriate. Contact your case manager to discuss your circumstances.

Questions About Payments

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Are the advance payments of the Child Tax Credit being intercepted for past-due child support? (updated 9-20-2021)

No. Congress exempted the advance payments from the federal tax offset program for past-due child support. They are not being intercepted for past-due child support.

However, any refund on your 2021 tax return—including the impact of the Child Tax Credit—generally will be subject to offset. Also, the law does not include protections for garnishment or levy (debt collection actions that occur after the payments are received by households).

What if I am no longer employed because I did not comply with, or receive and exception for, my employer's Covid vaccination requirement? (Posted 10-29-2021)

Please contact your case manager, or customer service at 1-800-850-0228, for more information.

My income has been reduced because of a layoff (or closure or quarantine) related to the pandemic, and I’m unable to pay my full support amount. Am I at risk for license suspension or contempt? (updated 9-20-2021)

The Oregon Child Support Program understands many people are experiencing a reduction in income related to the pandemic. If your situation changes and you are unable to pay your support, contact your case manager as soon as possible to discuss your available options.

My income has been reduced because of a layoff (or closure or quarantine). Can I request a modification due to a change of circumstances? (updated 9-20-2021)

Yes, you may request a modification when there is substantial change in circumstance. OAR 137-055-3420 and OAR 137-055-3430.

If my employer temporarily closes, will they still send in my child support payment? (updated 9-20-2021)

Your employer is responsible for withholding child support from any earnings you receive and sending those withheld payments to the Oregon Child Support Program. If you are experiencing unpaid time off, you should make other arrangements to pay your support obligation.

I need to pay my child support directly because my employer has closed, and I am not being paid. What are my options? (updated 9-20-2021)

You can mail your check payable to Oregon Child Support Program to:

PO Box 14506
Salem OR 97309

You can pay online through MyPaymentPortal.com

You can make cash, credit, or debit card payments at a TouchPay kiosk location.

Can I still make a payment in person at your Salem office or at one of your payment kiosks? (updated 9-20-2021)

Yes. However, for everyone’s safety, we recommend you:

Mail your check payable to Oregon Child Support Program to:

PO Box 14506
Salem OR 97309

Pay online through MyPaymentPortal.com

Make cash, credit, or debit card payments at a TouchPay kiosk location.

Employer Questions

My employee is not working enough hours to continue medical insurance, but they have a National Medical Support Notice. What do I do? (posted 3-23-2020): If an employee isn’t working enough hours to qualify for health insurance, we do not require you to continue providing insurance pursuant to the National Medical Support Notice. If the children are unenrolled, notify us so the case can be updated.
My business has temporarily closed due to the pandemic. Will we be sanctioned if we don’t respond within a required time? (updated 9-20-2021): No, but you need to respond as soon as possible.
My employees are working reduced hours. How do I withhold child support if their paycheck is reduced?: Withhold the full amount based on the pay period frequency, subject to the withholding limits explained in the income withholding order.

Parenting Time and My Child Support

Quarantine, school closures, or travel restrictions due to the pandemic has changed the amount of time my child spends with both parents. Does that change the amount of child support? (updated 9-20-2021): Monthly court-ordered support amounts cannot be changed unless a modification is completed. However, you and the other parent may wish to make a private arrangement or work with a mediator for additional assistance beyond child support. More information about mediation is available from the Oregon Judicial Department and the Oregon Mediation Association.
Where can I get information about parenting time and child custody information related to the pandemic? (updated 9-20-2021): The Oregon State Family Law Advisory Committee (SFLAC) issued guidelines for child custody and parenting time during the pandemic.

Safety Concerns

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What do I do if I’m afraid for my safety, or the safety of my child, during a quarantine for Covid-19? (updated 9-20-2021)

There are resources available to help families facing domestic violence or safety issues.

The Oregon Child Support Program has resources available on our website at OregonChildSupport.gov/Safety.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7, free, confidential, in over 200 languages) is 800-799-7233.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has resources on preparing your family for the spread of Covid-19 in the community.