Tennessee's Online Child Support Payment System
Tennessee allows you to pay child support online through the state's centralized payment system, managed by the Department of Human Services. You can pay from your bank account or with a debit card, and the payment goes directly to the state's collection agency, which then distributes it to the custodial parent or their representative.
The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Payments typically post within one to two business days, though the exact timing depends on your bank and when you submit the payment. If you pay by debit card, a processing fee applies — currently $1.50 per transaction — but bank account payments have no fee.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay Tennessee child support online through the state's centralized payment portal without visiting an office or mailing a check.
- Payments from a bank account are free, but debit card payments cost $1.50 per transaction.
- The state collects your payment and distributes it to the custodial parent, so you do not pay them directly through this system.
- You need your case number or Social Security number to log in and make a payment.
- Payments post within one to two business days, so plan ahead if your due date is approaching.
How to Access the Online Payment Portal
Go to the Tennessee Department of Human Services website and locate the child support payment portal. You will need either your child support case number or your Social Security number to log in. If you do not have your case number, the Social Security number route is faster — you can look it up yourself without calling anyone.
First-time users create an account by entering basic information: your name, date of birth, and contact details. The system will ask you to set a password. Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to make a payment or check your balance and payment history.
If you have trouble logging in or cannot remember your case number, call the Tennessee Child Support Services hotline at 1-800-621-7818. They can verify your information and help you reset your password or locate your case number. Wait times are shortest early in the morning on weekdays.
Payment Methods and Fees
The online portal accepts two payment methods: electronic bank transfer (ACH) and debit card. Bank transfers are free and are the cheapest option if you have a checking or savings account. Debit card payments cost $1.50 per transaction, so if you pay monthly, that adds up to $18 per year.
Credit cards are not accepted through the state portal. If you want to use a credit card, you would need to contact the state directly to ask about alternative payment arrangements, though this is uncommon and may not be available.
The minimum payment amount is typically $1, though your court order or child support agreement will specify how much you owe and when it is due. You can pay more than the required amount at any time — extra payments go toward your balance and reduce what you owe.
What Happens After You Submit Payment
Once you submit your payment online, you receive a confirmation number immediately. Write this down or take a screenshot — it is your proof of payment. The confirmation shows the date, time, amount, and the account you paid from.
The state's collection agency then processes your payment. For bank account transfers, the money typically posts within one to two business days. For debit card payments, posting can take slightly longer because the card processor adds an extra step. Weekends and holidays extend the timeline, so a payment submitted on Friday may not post until Tuesday.
Once posted, the state distributes the money to the custodial parent or their attorney, depending on the case. You can check your payment history and current balance anytime by logging back into the portal. If a payment does not appear after three business days, call the hotline to confirm it was received.
Setting Up Automatic Payments
The Tennessee portal allows you to schedule recurring payments so you do not have to log in every month. You can set up automatic bank account transfers on a date you choose — for example, the first of each month or the day after you get paid.
To set up automatic payments, log into your account, select the recurring payment option, and choose your frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly, or another schedule). You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime by logging back in, so if your income changes or you want to adjust the amount, you have full control.
Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a due date and triggering late fees or enforcement action. If your payment amount changes because of a court modification, you will need to update your automatic payment settings to match the new amount.
If You Cannot Pay the Full Amount
If you cannot pay the full amount due, you still have options. Paying something — even a partial payment — shows good faith and prevents your account from falling further behind. The state will credit whatever you pay toward your balance.
If you are facing a hardship and believe your child support amount is no longer affordable, you can request a modification through the court. This requires filing paperwork with the court that issued your order, and you will need to show a significant change in your circumstances (job loss, serious illness, reduced income). A modification can lower your monthly payment, but it does not erase arrears you have already accumulated.
Contact the Tennessee Child Support Services office in your county to discuss your situation. They can explain what documentation you need to request a modification and connect you with resources if you are struggling financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay child support online if I owe back payments?
Yes. The online system accepts payments toward any balance you owe, whether it is current or past due. Your payment will be applied to your account, and you can check your total balance (current and arrears) by logging into the portal.
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up?
Wait three business days for the payment to post. If it still has not appeared, call 1-800-621-7818 with your confirmation number. The state can trace the payment and confirm whether it was received. Do not assume the payment failed — delays are common, especially over weekends.
Do I need to tell the custodial parent that I paid online?
No. The state handles distribution, so the custodial parent will receive the money through the state's system. You do not need to contact them directly. Keep your confirmation number for your records in case there is ever a dispute about whether you paid.
Can I change my payment amount or due date online?
You can change the amount you pay in a single transaction, but your court-ordered due date and monthly amount are set by your court order. To change those permanently, you need a court modification. Contact your local child support office to start that process.
What if I want to pay by mail instead of online?
You can mail a check or money order to your county's child support office. Include your case number on the check. Mailed payments take longer to post — typically five to ten business days — so online payment is faster if you are close to a due date.