Alaska child support is administered by the Child Support Services Division (CSSD), which provides comprehensive services to establish, enforce, and collect child support payments throughout the state. The CSSD helps families navigate the child support process while ensuring children receive the financial support they need.
Overview of Alaska Child Support Services
The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) is Alaska's primary agency responsible for child support administration. Alaska child support services include establishing paternity, locating absent parents, calculating support amounts, and enforcing payment obligations. The division serves both custodial and noncustodial parents through various programs and resources.
How Alaska Child Support Works
Alaska child support operates under Civil Rule 90.3, which establishes standardized guidelines for calculating support amounts. Parents have legal obligations to support their children until age 18, or age 19 if the child is still in high school. The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) administers these obligations through administrative and court processes.
Support Calculation Method
Alaska uses the Percentage of Income Model, which bases calculations on the noncustodial parent's adjusted annual income. The system applies specific percentages based on the number of children requiring support.
Support Percentages
Number of Children | Percentage of Income | Example: $50,000 Annual Income |
1 child | 20% | $833 per month |
2 children | 27% | $1,125 per month |
3 children | 33% | $1,375 per month |
4+ children | +3% per additional child | Varies |
Establishing Alaska Child Support
Parents can establish Alaska child support through two primary methods: administrative orders through CSSD or court orders through Alaska Superior Court.
Administrative Process
The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) can establish support orders when parents apply for services. This process involves income verification, paternity establishment if needed, and calculation of support amounts using state guidelines.
Court Process
Court-ordered child support occurs during divorce, custody, or legal separation proceedings. Courts apply the same Civil Rule 90.3 guidelines but may include additional provisions specific to the family's circumstances.
CSSD Services and Resources
The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) provides multiple services to support families:
- Case establishment and management
- Income withholding and payment processing
- Location services for absent parents
- Paternity establishment
- Support order modifications
- Enforcement activities
Online Services
Alaska child support offers online access through the CSSD Services Portal, providing convenient account management, payment options, and case information access.
Payment and Collection
Alaska child support payments are processed through the Child Support Services Division (CSSD) centralized system. The division collects payments from paying parents and distributes them to receiving parents through various methods.
Payment Methods
- Automatic income withholding
- Online payments via bank account or credit card
- Electronic funds transfer
- Money orders or certified checks
Distribution Options
- Direct deposit to bank accounts
- Prepaid debit cards
- Paper checks
Enforcement Tools
The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) maintains comprehensive enforcement capabilities to ensure compliance with alaska child support orders:
- Wage and income withholding
- Bank account garnishment
- Property liens and asset seizure
- License suspension (driver's, professional, recreational)
- Credit bureau reporting
- Tax refund interception
- Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend seizure
Modification of Support Orders
Alaska’s child support orders can be modified when circumstances change significantly. The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) can modify administrative orders, while court orders require judicial modification.
Modification Criteria
- Income changes affecting calculation by 15% or more
- Changes in custody arrangements
- Changes in children's needs or circumstances
- Health insurance availability changes
Customer Service and Support
The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) provides customer service Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Parents can contact CSSD through:
- Phone: (907) 269-6900
- Toll-free (in-state): (800) 478-3300
- Online portal: myAlaska CSSD Services Portal
- Email through case worker contact system
Required Documentation
For Alaska’s Child Support you need to provide these documents:
Administrative Orders:
- CSSD application for services
- Income verification documents
- Employment records
- Tax returns and pay stubs
Court Orders:
- Petition and financial affidavit
- Custody agreements
- Income documentation
Modifications:
- Modification application
- Updated financial records
- Proof of changed circumstances
Special Circumstances
Alaska child support accommodates various special situations:
Minor Parents
Teenage parents must support their children even if they are minors themselves. Alaska Permanent Fund Dividends and Native Corporation benefits may be considered as income sources.
Military Families
The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) works with military families, considering base pay, specialty pay, and deployment circumstances in support calculations.
Interstate Cases
Alaska participates in interstate enforcement through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, ensuring support collection regardless of where parents live.
Getting Started with Alaska Child Support
Parents seeking alaska child support services can begin by:
- Contacting the Child Support Services Division (CSSD)
- Completing the application for services
- Providing required documentation
- Working with assigned caseworkers
The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) guides families through the entire process, from initial application through ongoing case management and enforcement activities.
Alaska’s child support services are designed to ensure children receive the financial support they need while providing fair, efficient administration for all parties involved. The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) continues to enhance its services through technology improvements and comprehensive support programs.