How to collect unpaid child support in Texas

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. 6% simple interest per year on overdue child support and on child support judgments.

Interest on unpaid support
6% a year
License suspension
Overdue support equal to at least 3 months of support, after you were offered a repayment schedule and did not follow it.
Passport denial
Over $2,500 past due (federal law)

How support is collected in Texas

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

  • Income withholding from wages
  • Driver's, professional, hunting and fishing license suspension
  • Denial of motor vehicle registration renewal
  • Passport denial
  • Liens on property, bank accounts, retirement plans, insurance settlements and other assets
  • Federal tax refund intercept
  • Contempt of court, probation and possible jail

Law: Tex. Fam. Code 154.007, ch. 157, ch. 158, 232.003; 42 U.S.C. 664

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)

License suspension in Texas

Overdue support equal to at least 3 months of support, after you were offered a repayment schedule and did not follow it.

Law: Tex. Fam. Code 232.003

Court action in Texas

The court can hold a parent in contempt for not paying, which can lead to probation or jail.

Law: Tex. Fam. Code ch. 157

Does unpaid support grow in Texas?

6% simple interest per year on overdue child support and on child support judgments.

Law: Tex. Fam. Code 157.265

In nearby states

Your next steps in Texas

  1. Track what was paid

    A simple list of payments received and missed helps the agency.

  2. Ask the agency to enforce

    Contact Office of the Attorney General of Texas, Child Support Division ((800) 252-8014) · Apply online

  3. Give the agency leads

    Leads about income or address speed up collection.

  4. Get the numbers in writing

    Request a written statement of what is owed.

Where to get free help in Texas

Questions about unpaid support in Texas

What can the agency do about unpaid support in Texas?

Arrears means support that is past due. The child support agency can use these tools to collect it: Income withholding from wages; Driver's, professional, hunting and fishing license suspension; Denial of motor vehicle registration renewal; Passport denial; Liens on property, bank accounts, retirement plans, insurance settlements and other assets; Federal tax refund intercept; Contempt of court, probation and possible jail.

Can unpaid support cost a driver's license in Texas?

Overdue support equal to at least 3 months of support, after you were offered a repayment schedule and did not follow it.

Can a parent be held in contempt for not paying in Texas?

The court can hold a parent in contempt for not paying, which can lead to probation or jail.

Is there interest on unpaid child support in Texas?

6% simple interest per year on overdue child support and on child support judgments.

More for Texas

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources