How to File for Child Support in Illinois
Complete step-by-step guide to filing for child support in Illinois. Learn the filing process, required forms, court procedures, timeline, and costs.
Estimate your potential child support amount using our free calculator:
Calculate Child SupportPros:
- Free for public assistance recipients
- HFS handles all paperwork and service
- Automatic enforcement tools
- Parent locate services
- No attorney needed
Cons:
- Longer processing time (3-6 weeks initial)
- Less control over process
- $35 annual fee for non-assistance families
Pros:
- Direct control over process
- Can combine with divorce/custody case
- Faster in some counties
- More flexibility in scheduling
Cons:
- Court filing fees ($200-$350)
- Must handle service yourself
- More complex paperwork
- May benefit from attorney
Step-by-Step: Filing Through HFS
Reach out to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to begin your application.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 1-800-447-4278 (toll-free)
- Website: hfs.illinois.gov/childsupport
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST
Fill out the Child Support Services Application. HFS will mail you the forms or you can complete them online.
Required Information:
- Your Social Security number and contact information
- Other parent's name, SSN (if known), address, employer
- Child(ren)'s birth certificates
- Your income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns)
- Custody or parenting time order (if one exists)
- Proof of paternity (if applicable)
HFS opens a case file and uses locate services to find the non-custodial parent if address or employer is unknown.
What HFS Does:
- Searches state and federal databases
- Contacts employers for wage information
- Reviews tax and DMV records
- Establishes paternity if needed
HFS files petition with court and arranges service on the other parent. Court schedules hearing typically 6-12 weeks out.
Both parents attend the hearing. Judge reviews evidence and calculates support using Illinois income shares model (750 ILCS 5/505).
Bring to Hearing:
- 3 months of pay stubs or income verification
- Previous year's tax return
- Proof of health insurance costs for children
- Childcare expense documentation
- Any other extraordinary expense records
Court enters child support order. Income Withholding Order sent to payor's employer within 7 business days.
Automatic Enforcement:
- Employer withholds support from paycheck
- Payments sent to State Disbursement Unit
- SDU forwards payment to receiving parent
- Direct deposit or Illinois EPPICARD debit card available
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HFS Application (Public Assistance) | Free | For TANF, Medicaid, or qualifying assistance recipients |
| HFS Application (Non-Assistance) | $35/year | One-time annual fee for non-assistance families |
| Court Filing Fee | $200-$350 | Varies by county; fee waiver available based on income |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 | Sheriff or private process server (direct court filing only) |
| Paternity Testing (if needed) | $300-$500 | May be ordered by court and split between parents |
Weeks
HFS receives and processes application
Weeks
Parent locate services (if needed) and paternity establishment
Weeks
Court hearing scheduled and notice sent to parties
Weeks
Support order entered and income withholding begins
Frequently Asked Questions
Use This With Other Illinois Tools
Support pages should route back into the core Illinois calculators and legal explainers.
References & Accuracy
Editorial Review
Primary Legal Sources
- statute750 ILCS 5/505 – Child support calculation statute
- officialIllinois HFS Child Support Services – Official state enforcement agency
- officialIllinois Courts Forms – Official court forms and instructions
Internal Research: This page incorporates analysis of Illinois family law filing procedures, HFS application processes, and circuit court requirements. For additional context, see our Formula Guide and Family Law Overview.