FAQs for Participants

Learn more about applying for child support.
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Who can I contact about changing the current child support laws?

The Oregon Child Support Program itself does not have the authority to make changes to state or federal laws.

Oregon State Legislature – Find Your Legislator »

You may also email your concern or suggestion to Constituent Services at Constituent.Desk@doj.state.or.us.

If the error was not my fault, am I still responsible?

Yes. No matter what – or who – caused the error, you received a financial benefit and are responsible for repayment. Either funds were sent to you that should not have been, or you received credit for a payment, but we did not receive the related funds. The receivable amount created by the overpayment must be collected back by the Oregon Child Support Program.

My income has been reduced because of a layoff. Can I request a modification due to a change of circumstances? (posted 5-11-2022)

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

Am I going to be charged a fee?

You may be charged a fee in some circumstances. If your receivable resulted from a dishonored payment, you may be charged a fee of $35. This fee applies to checks and electronic payments. We will charge the fee one time only, even if we try to deposit your payment more than once.

If you do not repay the receivable, and we must send the debt for collection to the Oregon Department of Revenue, a fee up to 30 percent of the referred amount may be added to cover the cost of collections.

I received a notice telling me I owe an overpayment debt (creating a receivable). What if I disagree with the notice?

Your written request for an administrative review of the debt must be received within 30 days from the date of the first notice you received. We will complete the review within 30 days of your request and send a written response.

Can I upload my Enrollment Authorization form to my online account?

Yes, be sure to include all required information or documentation.

What does “dishonored payment” mean?

A dishonored payment is a payment that was returned unpaid to the Oregon DOJ Division of Child Support from your bank. Payments can be returned dishonored due to a lack of funds in your account, a closed account, an inaccurate account number, or similar reasons.

Do I have the option to make multiple payments?

You will receive a payment agreement with your notice. The agreement allows you to  select different repayment options. Fill out the payment agreement and mail it to:

Oregon Department of Justice
Oregon Child Support Program
Attn: Overpayments
PO Box 14320
Salem, OR 97309

Or email a copy of the agreement to ChildSupportOverpayments@doj.state.or.us.

How are EPW 1 and EPW 2 alike?

Both types of EPW require an active child support case. If there are other signers on the bank account, they must agree in writing to an EPW plan. Other signers are approved users whose names are associated with the bank account. The account must be with a bank that is a member of the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) ». The applicant cannot have any dishonored payments (bounced checks) within the last 12 months. The appropriate EPW enrollment form must be completed.

Where can I mail a child support payment?

Mail checks or money orders payable to Oregon Child Support Program to:

Oregon Child Support Program
Oregon Department of Justice
PO Box 14506
Salem, Oregon 97309

Please include the child support case numbers or the last four digits of the Social Security Number.

Most parents who pay support use income withholding to pay their child support obligations. This means the employer automatically withholds child support payments from the parent’s paycheck and sends them to the Oregon Child Support Program.

If granted an exception, the parent who pays support may choose an alternative method of payment, such as an electronic payment withdrawal from their bank account, payment by check, or money order.

For more information, see Pay Support.