How to change child support in the District of Columbia

When a change is allowed, how to ask the agency or the court, and a free letter to ask for a review.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. A substantial and material change is presumed if the guideline amount for current circumstances differs from the order by 15% or more.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Motion to Modify Child Support (DC Superior Court)

When the District of Columbia allows a change

A substantial and material change is presumed if the guideline amount for current circumstances differs from the order by 15% or more. You can also ask anytime for a substantial and material change in the child's needs or the paying parent's ability to pay. Every 3 years either parent can ask CSSD for a review in a IV-D case. If the order has no provision for each child's medical expenses, the court must add one on request. A change cannot reduce support that came due before the motion was filed, and the order does not change until a judge signs it.

Law: federal law, 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9); D.C. Code 16-916.01(r)(1)-(4); 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

The District of Columbia's rule: A substantial and material change is presumed if the guideline amount for current circumstances differs from the order by 15% or more. You can also ask anytime for a substantial and material change in the child's needs or the paying parent's ability to pay. Every 3 years either parent can ask CSSD for a review in a IV-D case. If the order has no provision for each child's medical expenses, the court must add one on request. A change cannot reduce support that came due before the motion was filed, and the order does not change until a judge signs it.

Law: federal law, 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9); D.C. Code 16-916.01(r)(1)-(4); 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

Until a new order is made, the current amount is still owed. A change can count only from the date the other parent gets notice of your request, so ask soon.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

How to ask in the District of Columbia: Call the CSSD Enforcement Unit to schedule a Review and Adjustment Conference; if both parents agree, CSSD files a consent order for a judge to sign. If not, CSSD or a parent files a Motion to Modify Child Support with DC Superior Court; a hearing is usually set within about 45 days.

How a change is made in the District of Columbia

Call the CSSD Enforcement Unit to schedule a Review and Adjustment Conference; if both parents agree, CSSD files a consent order for a judge to sign. If not, CSSD or a parent files a Motion to Modify Child Support with DC Superior Court; a hearing is usually set within about 45 days.

Write to the child support agency to ask for a review: Ask the agency to review (change) your order

Jail, prison and support

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

In nearby states

Steps to change support in the District of Columbia

  1. Find your order

    Find the date and the amount on the order.

  2. Check the rule

    In the District of Columbia: A substantial and material change is presumed if the guideline amount for current circumstances differs from the order by 15% or more.

  3. Show the change

    Pay stubs, a job loss letter or proof of new costs show what changed.

  4. File the request

    Contact Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Child Support Services Division (CSSD) ((202) 442-9900) · Apply online

  5. Ask for free help

    Ask for free help: DC Family Court Self-Help Center.

Where to get free help in the District of Columbia

Questions about changing support in the District of Columbia

How often can I ask for a change in the District of Columbia?

A substantial and material change is presumed if the guideline amount for current circumstances differs from the order by 15% or more. You can also ask anytime for a substantial and material change in the child's needs or the paying parent's ability to pay. Every 3 years either parent can ask CSSD for a review in a IV-D case. If the order has no provision for each child's medical expenses, the court must add one on request. A change cannot reduce support that came due before the motion was filed, and the order does not change until a judge signs it.

How do I request a review in the District of Columbia?

Call the CSSD Enforcement Unit to schedule a Review and Adjustment Conference; if both parents agree, CSSD files a consent order for a judge to sign. If not, CSSD or a parent files a Motion to Modify Child Support with DC Superior Court; a hearing is usually set within about 45 days.

Related the District of Columbia pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources