Send payments to the Kentucky State Disbursement Unit, not directly to the other parent

All child support payments in Kentucky go to a single address: the Kentucky State Disbursement Unit (SDU) in Frankfort. You do not send money to the custodial parent, the court, or your local child support office. The SDU receives the payment, records it against your case, and forwards it to the other parent or their representative.

This system exists so the state can track payments for enforcement and modification purposes. It also protects both parents — the payer has a clear record of what was sent, and the receiver has proof of what arrived.

Lexington residents follow the same process as everyone else in Kentucky. Your case may be handled by the Fayette County District Court's child support division, but payments still route through the state SDU.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail checks or money orders to the Kentucky State Disbursement Unit in Frankfort, not to Lexington or your local court.
  • Include your case number on every payment so the SDU can match it to your account.
  • Electronic payment through the SDU website or phone system is faster and creates an immediate record.
  • If you pay your employer's payroll deduction system, the money goes directly to the SDU and you do not need to send it yourself.
  • Payments sent to the wrong address will delay processing and may be reported as late even if you sent the money on time.

Mailing address and payment methods

If you are sending a check or money order by mail, use this address:

Kentucky State Disbursement Unit P.O. Box 2081 Frankfort, KY 40602

Write your case number on the check or money order. The case number appears on your child support order, court documents, and any notices from the court or child support office. Without it, the SDU may not know which case the payment belongs to, and it could sit in a holding account for weeks.

Mail takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive. If your payment is due on a specific date, mail it at least two weeks early. Late payments can trigger enforcement action even if you mailed it on time.

Online and phone payment options

The Kentucky SDU accepts electronic payments through its website at kycourts.net under the child support payment section. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic bank transfer. Electronic payments are processed the same day and create an immediate receipt.

You can also call the SDU payment line at 1-888-317-3456 to make a payment by phone using a debit or credit card. Have your case number ready. The phone line is open during business hours Monday through Friday.

Electronic payments may include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent depending on the payment method. Mailed checks have no fee but take longer to process.

Payroll deduction and automatic payments

If your child support order includes a wage withholding order (also called income withholding), your employer deducts the payment from your paycheck and sends it directly to the SDU. You do not need to send anything yourself — the payment happens automatically.

Wage withholding is the most common payment method in Kentucky because it is reliable and creates a clear paper trail. If you have a wage withholding order and your employer is not deducting the payment, contact your local child support office or the SDU immediately.

If you are self-employed or do not have a regular employer, you can set up automatic bank transfers through the SDU website. This ensures the payment leaves your account on the same day each month.

What happens if you send payment to the wrong place

Payments sent to the Fayette County District Court, the custodial parent's address, or your local child support office will be delayed and may not be credited to your case for weeks. During that time, the payment will show as late in the state system, even though you sent it.

If this happens, contact the SDU with proof that you sent the payment (a cancelled check, receipt, or bank statement) and ask them to correct the record. Bring the same proof to your child support case worker at the Fayette County child support office if you are concerned about enforcement action.

The only exception is if you have a court order that specifically directs you to pay someone else — for example, a court-ordered payment to a third party for arrears. Even then, confirm the address with your case worker before sending money anywhere other than the SDU.

Keeping records of your payments

Keep every receipt, cancelled check, or bank statement showing a payment to the SDU. If you pay by mail, request a return receipt so you have proof the envelope arrived. If you pay online or by phone, print or save the confirmation number.

You can check your payment history and current balance on the SDU website or by calling the payment line. Log in with your case number to see what has been received and credited. If a payment does not show up within 10 business days of sending it, contact the SDU to trace it.

These records protect you if there is ever a dispute about whether you paid. The state system is the official record, but your personal receipts are backup proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the other parent directly instead of going through the SDU?

No. Kentucky law requires all payments to go through the SDU. Paying the other parent directly does not count toward your obligation, and you will still owe the full amount to the state. The only exception is if you have a written agreement signed by both parents and approved by the court, which is rare.

What if I cannot afford the full payment this month?

Contact your child support case worker at the Fayette County child support office before the due date. You can ask for a modification of the order if your income has changed, or you may be able to work out a temporary payment plan. Ignoring the payment will result in enforcement action.

Does the SDU charge a fee to receive my payment?

No fee is charged if you mail a check or use bank transfer. Credit and debit card payments through the website or phone line include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent. Wage withholding has no fee.

How long does it take for the other parent to receive the money after I send it?

If you mail a check, add 5 to 10 days for mail delivery plus 2 to 5 business days for the SDU to process and forward it — roughly 10 to 15 days total. Electronic payments are processed the same day and forwarded within 1 to 2 business days. Wage withholding payments are forwarded within 2 to 5 business days of being received by the SDU.

What if my case number is wrong on the payment?

The SDU will try to match the payment to your account using your name and the amount, but it may go into a holding account. Always include your case number. If you realize you made a mistake, call the SDU immediately with your correct case number and the date you sent the payment so they can apply it to the right account.