How to collect unpaid child support in Rhode Island

The agency's collection tools, what federal law adds, and a ready letter to ask for enforcement.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Arrears means child support that is past due. 12% a year on unpaid child support, unless the Family Court relieves the paying parent of interest for good cause.

Interest on unpaid support
12% a year
License suspension
More than 90 days' worth of unpaid current support, or not keeping up with a payment agreement or required health insurance
Passport denial
Over $2,500 past due (federal law)

How support is collected in Rhode Island

Arrears means support that is past due. The child support agency can use these tools to collect it:

  • Income withholding
  • Suspension of driver's, professional, occupational and recreational licenses
  • Liens (at least $500 in arrears)
  • Credit reporting
  • Assigning the paying parent's personal property to pay arrears
  • Security deposit or bond
  • Contempt of court
  • Financial institution data match and account seizure
  • Lottery winnings intercept
  • Passport denial

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 15-11.1, 15-16, 15-19, 15-21, 15-25; 15-5-16.2(d)

Ask the agency in writing to collect what is owed: Ask the agency to collect unpaid support

Federal collection tools

  • Tax refunds. The federal government can take a federal tax refund to pay past-due child support. Law: 42 U.S.C. 664
  • Passports. A parent who owes more than $2,500 in past-due support can be refused a passport. Law: 42 U.S.C. 652(k)
  • Pay withholding limit. For support, up to 50% of take-home pay can be withheld if the parent supports another spouse or child, or 60% if not. It is 55% or 65% when support is more than 12 weeks behind. Law: 15 U.S.C. 1673(b)
  • Past-due support. Each unpaid payment becomes a judgment on the day it is due. It can't be lowered later, except back to the date the other parent got notice of a request to change the order. Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

When a license can be suspended in Rhode Island

More than 90 days' worth of unpaid current support, or not keeping up with a payment agreement or required health insurance

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws 15-11.1-2

Interest on unpaid support in Rhode Island

12% a year on unpaid child support, unless the Family Court relieves the paying parent of interest for good cause.

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws 15-5-16.5

In nearby states

Steps to collect support in Rhode Island

  1. Keep a payment record

    Keep a log of every payment and every missed payment.

  2. Ask the agency to enforce

    If you don't have a case yet, open one with Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) ((401) 458-4400)

  3. Tell the agency about income

    Tell the agency where the other parent works or lives.

  4. Check the balance

    Ask the agency for the total owed, with any interest.

  5. Ask for free help

    Free help: Rhode Island Legal Services.

Where to get free help in Rhode Island

Questions about unpaid support in Rhode Island

What can the agency do about unpaid support in Rhode Island?

Arrears means support that is past due. The child support agency can use these tools to collect it: Income withholding; Suspension of driver's, professional, occupational and recreational licenses; Liens (at least $500 in arrears); Credit reporting; Assigning the paying parent's personal property to pay arrears; Security deposit or bond; Contempt of court; Financial institution data match and account seizure; Lottery winnings intercept; Passport denial.

When can Rhode Island suspend a license for support?

More than 90 days' worth of unpaid current support, or not keeping up with a payment agreement or required health insurance

Is there interest on unpaid child support in Rhode Island?

12% a year on unpaid child support, unless the Family Court relieves the paying parent of interest for good cause.

More for Rhode Island

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources