COVID

The DHS Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) Lobby has recently reopened to the public.  Please note: at this time, we will only be meeting in person with a custodial or non-custodial parent if the case has:

  • an active sanction
  • passport denial
  • license suspension episode
  • bank or property lien

We are still here to work for you and your family. We can do that best by working together.

We are providing alternative options to handle many routine activities, such as requesting and returning forms, obtaining the status of your case, and more.

You will find answers to many questions you may have by reading the information and links contained on this webpage.

Reminder: The OCSS does not accept child support payments at our office. Please visit the Rhode Island Family Court to make a cash payment.

Payment Information

In accordance with Rhode Island Family Court Administrative Order No. 2021-01, anyone participating in a Family Court hearing for child support-related matters - unless otherwise directed by the Court, will be scheduled remotely by the Rhode Island Family Court.  You will need to use the following WebEx / telephone access codes to participate in their scheduled hearing.

This includes all Family Court locations: Providence, Kent, Washington, and Newport Counties.

On February 1, 2023, the Rhode Island Family Court notified the Office of Child Support Services about several T-Mobile subscribers who participated in their WebEx hearing and reported they were charged a fee when they connected using the 1-408-418-9388 telephone number.

As a result, the Court has provided a new telephone number to use for connecting to your WebEx hearings. Please note, the 1-408-418-9388 telephone number (and access code) will still work.

View the updated WebEx / Access Code Information below by the courtroom that your case has been assigned to.

  • If a constable recently served you with a summons and/or subpoena containing a WebEx URL and/or Telephone Access Code printed on the form, the telephone number printed may be the old telephone number.
  • Please note: Both the old and the new telephone numbers will continue work (with the appropriate access code) and allow you to connect to your scheduled WebEx hearing. If you are a T-Mobile Customer, please use the new telephone number.
  • Each Court room uses the same telephone number, and the URL and access codes change for each room.
    • Dial either 1-408-418-9388 or the new number: 1-617-315-0704.
  • Please make sure you select the appropriate WebEx link / Telephone Access Code for the county and courtroom where your hearing has been assigned, at the specific time assigned.
  • Due to the volume of hearings that are scheduled, you should not call earlier or later than the time indicated on the paperwork that you received from the constable. 
  • You may be placed on hold for a short time until the Magistrate or Judge calls your case and your name.

To view an updated listing of WebEx URLs / Access Codes for each courtroom to use for all hearings scheduled, please view the "Updated WebEx / Telephone Access Codes for Court Hearings" document available below.

WebEx / Telephone Access Codes

If you are a parent who owes support and recently received a notice from us concerning action that may be taken due to nonpayment of child support, we can assist you without you visiting our office.

Understanding your ability to pay and current circumstances is important to us. You can contact us to provide this information.

You can contact your child support case worker by calling them directly. Please go to the "Contact Us" page review the tables to determine who your assigned worker is. Remember: Cases are broken down into different case types. There are four types of child support cases: Paternity , Establishment, Enforcement, or Interstate.

Use the online inquiry form to send an email to our office. It will be forwarded to the appropriate caseworker, and they will respond to your inquiry within two business days.

ONLINE CONTACT FORM

Did you know that many of the forms available at our office are also online? Go to our Forms Page to obtain a form.

You can complete the form with all requested information, and return it to your caseworker via mail.

Mailing forms back to us is the best way for us to quickly move forward with your case.

  • Return Forms by Mail

Mailing Address:

State of Rhode Island

Office of Child Support Services

77 Dorrance Street

Providence, Rhode Island 02903

In many cases, our Community Outreach Liaison can provide assistance to you about who the appropriate person is that you need to speak with. Email her using the email address below.

CONTACT US

Are you the parent that is paying child support, and a Covid-19 related situation has affected your ability to pay your child support obligation?

If you recently have become unemployed, temporarily out of work, or you are working less hours, you should apply for unemployment benefits.

In many Covid-19-related situations, you will be eligible for Unemployment Compensation benefits. In Rhode Island, unemployment benefits are administered by the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training (DLT).

RI DLT Workplace Fact Sheet 

RI DLT WEBSITE

The United States Congress added a number of exemptions concerning the stimulus rebate payments within the CARES Act, however, they did not exempt child support arrears. Therefore, if a person owes more than $150 in a public assistance case or more than $500 in a non-public assistance child support case, federal law requires that the stimulus rebate payment be intercepted up to the total amount of child support owed. This payment will be applied to the parent’s child support case and sent to the appropriate party.

Here are some important facts regarding your child support and the federal stimulus payment.

During this period our customers may have many different questions. We have created a document which answers many of the most common questions our customers may have.

COVID-19: Common Child Support Questions & Answers