Child Support Services - APPLICATION FOR SERVICES - DSS-4451 (rev. 08/24)

Sep 19, 2026

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Application for North Carolina Child Support Services (NCCSS) explains eligibility for parent, alleged fathers, non-parent caretakers, minor children, agencies, and judicial officials. Applicants must complete the form, sign where appropriate, and return required documentation including income proof, photo ID, each child’s birth certificate and Social Security card, and records supporting paternity, orders, and marriage status. A non-refundable application fee of $25 is required (or $10 if income is under 100% of Federal Poverty Guidelines), mailed to the appropriate county agency, with assistance via local offices or the NCCSS Customer Service Center.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time9 min

AccessFree to download

To Start the Child Support Services Process

Step 1: Review Services, Policies, Applicant Rights and Responsibilities

Step 2: Complete Section 1 – Applicant/Public Assistance Recipient Information

Step 3: Complete Section 2 – Custodial Parent/Guardian Information

Step 4: Complete Section 3 – Minor Child Information

Step 5: Complete Section 4 – Noncustodial Parent Information

Step 6: Complete Section 5 – Attachments

Step 7: Complete Section 6 – Other Information

Step 8: Complete Section 7 – Certification Statement

Step 9: Detach and Keep the "Applicant Copy"

Child Support Services APPLICATION FOR SERVICES Thank you for your interest in the North Carolina Child Support Services (NCCSS) program. Child support services are available to all applicants: parent, alleged fathers, non-parent caretakers, minor children, social services agencies, and judicial officials. If you decide to apply for child support services, please complete the application in its entirety and sign where appropriate. To help us process your application as quickly as possible, please return the following: • The application (filled out completely, to the best of your ability) • Proof of your income if you are the child(ren)’s parent (e.g. pay stubs, tax returns, etc. ) • Copy of your Photo ID (e.g. driver’s license) • Copy of each child’s state-issued birth certificate and Social Security card • Photo of the child’s other parent (noncustodial parent from whom child support services are being requested) • Copy of marriage certificates; if not available, provide dates of marriage and/or other verification of marital status of the children’s parents • Copy of any legal documents related to the child(ren) included in this application, such as: o Affidavit of Parentage-a legal document signed voluntarily by both parents (either in the hospital or at any time after the birth of the child) that establishes paternity o Paternity order (court order establishing paternity) o Child support and/or spousal support order(s) (all initial and modified orders) o Agreement signed voluntarily by the parents for child support o Copy of the child(ren)’s parent’s marriage and/or divorce decree o Order(s) terminating parental rights o Domestic violence protective order(s) • Payment records of all support paid directly to the custodial parent or through a court Mail or take your completed application and applicable documents, along with your non-refundable $25 application fee, to the child support agency. The application fee must be a certified check or money order made payable to the specific county that you are requesting to handle your support case (e.g.“Wake County Child Support Services”) . Some local child support agencies may also accept cash payment when applying in person. If your income is below 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify for a reduced non-refundable $10 application fee. Please contact the child support agency if you need assistance determining if you qualify for a reduced application fee. If you need additional information or assistance in completing the form, you may contact the local child support agency or call the NCCSS Customer Service Center at 1-800-992-9457. Respectfully, Child Support Representative DSS-4451 (rev. 08/24) ACTS/CSS Application WWW. NCCHILDSUPPORT. NCDHHS. GOV P a g e | 1 of 26 To start the child support services process, please complete the following steps: Step 1: • Read the North Carolina Child Support Services (NCCSS) services, policies, applicant rights and responsibilities, and Sign and Date (p. 3-5) Step 2: • Complete Section 1 – Applicant/Public Assistance Recipient Information o You MUST select the appropriate information boxes, and Sign and Date o If you are a minor child applicant requesting child support services from your own parents, fill out Section 1 and all other sections except Section 3 Step 3: • Complete Section 2 – Custodial Parent/Guardian Information Provide the caretaker of the child(ren)’s information o If you are the noncustodial parent applying for service, provide the caretaker of the child(ren)’s information o ONLY complete the income section if your relationship is “mother” “father” “alleged father” or“self” to the child(ren) for whom you are requesting services Step 4: • Complete Section 3 – Minor Child Information Complete for each child for whom child support services are being requested o If you are applying for child support services for more than two child

FAQs

Who can apply for North Carolina Child Support Services (NCCSS)?

Child support services are available to applicants including parents, alleged fathers, non-parent caretakers, minor children, social services agencies, and judicial officials.

What documents must be returned with the application?

Return the completed application and required supporting documents such as income proof (if you are the parent), a copy of photo ID, each child’s birth certificate and Social Security card, and relevant documents for paternity and related court orders or agreements.

How much is the application fee and when is a reduced fee available?

A non-refundable $25 application fee is required and must be a certified check or money order payable to the requesting county. If income is below 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, a reduced non-refundable $10 fee may apply.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Ben