To apply for Child Support Services in Hennepin County, you must be a resident of Hennepin County or have a Hennepin County court order. Note: If you are a resident of Hennepin County, but have a court order from a different county, apply for services in the county that issued the court order.

These services are available to:

  • Parents of minor children if one parent does not live with the child.
  • Parents who pay child support through court-ordered income withholding.
  • People who have court-ordered, physical custody of a minor child.
  • People who receive public assistance for a minor child who lives in their home.

3 ways to obtain an application:

Call (612)348-3593 to leave your name and address. An application package will be sent to you by mail.

Download the application from the MN Department of Human Services:

Pick up an application at our office located in the Family Justice Center.

How to apply

Anyone wishing to apply for child support services must complete a Child Support application.

  • Public Assistance applicants: If you are applying for or are receiving public assistance in Hennepin County, your application for child support services will automatically be referred to us. You do not pay any fee.
  • Non-Public Assistance applicants: If you are not applying for or receiving public assistance, complete an application and pay a one-time $25.00 application fee. There may be additional fees called Cost Recovery Fees.

Be sure to include any and all court orders that have been issued regarding paternity, child support or divorce decrees.

The Child Support application is also part of any application for MFIP, DWP, MinnesotaCare, Child Care or Medical Assistance.

Submitting your application

Mail your completed application and one time application fee (do not send cash) to:

Hennepin County Human Services
MC L890
110 South 4th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55401

Once your completed application is received it may take up to 20 days to process.

After your application is processed your case will be reviewed to determine how to proceed. If you have an existing enforceable court order you will hear from us within 30 days after your case is opened.

If court action is needed to determine paternity or to establish an order for support you will be contacted for more information or notified of the name and phone number of the worker assigned to process your case.

Frequently asked application questions

Q: Do I need to apply for services if my court order states payments must be made through the Child Support Payment Center (CSPC)?

A: Yes. You must apply for services if you want Hennepin County to collect support by automatic income withholding. Payments made to the CSPC will not be processed without applying for services.

Q: How do I reapply for services?

A: Anyone wishing to reapply for child support services must complete a Child Support application. If you are reapplying for services within 3 months of your case having been closed, you will not need to pay a $25.00 application fee.

Q: After I apply, how long will it be before someone contacts me?

A: During the initial case opening, you will only be contacted if additional information is needed. Once your case is transferred to establish paternity, establish a child support order, or to enforce the child support order, a letter will be sent to you stating who your Child Support Officer (CSO) is and what their phone number is. That newly assigned CSO will contact you when necessary to proceed with a court action.

Q: How long will it be until I get child support?

A: There is no "set" number of days it takes to get child support. Depending on where your case is in the process it will take more or less time. The steps in the process are generally:

  1. Establishing Paternity
  2. Establishment of an order
  3. Enforcement of an order

If your case has an order it will take less time to start enforcement than if it did not. If paternity has already been established it will take less time than if it was not.

Q: Can I receive both child support and MFIP at the same time?

A: If you are a recipient of public assistance, by law you have assigned your rights to child support and maintenance to the State of Minnesota.  The assignment of support becomes effective as soon as the application for public assistance is approved.  The assignment includes both current child support and arrearages and continues as long as you receive assistance.   Child support will be sent to you even though you are receiving public assistance; however, the amount of public assistance you receive will be affected by the amount of child support you receive.