New York's Child Support Program Celebrates 50 Years of Assisting Children and Families

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is highlighting the 50th Anniversary of the Child Support Program as part of Child Support Awareness Month in New York State. Governor Kathy Hochul recently issued a proclamation designating August as Child Support Awareness Month, which is recognized nationally each year.

“Child Support Awareness Month is a great time to reflect on the success of New York's child support services while rededicating ourselves to continued innovation in delivering these important services on behalf of children and families,” said Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn. “With the launch earlier this year of a new online enrollment form, it has never been easier for parents to access these vital services, as well as an expanded range of information regarding their individual cases.”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of New York State's Child Support Program, which has collected more than $50 billion over the past five decades on behalf of families. Child support is an important source of income for the families served by the program and provides critical financial support to families to help improve child well-being.

The program assists parents in obtaining financial support and medical insurance coverage for their children by locating the other parent, establishing paternity if needed, establishing and modifying support orders, and collecting and distributing child support payments. The program serves nearly 536,000 children, collecting more than $1.67 billion annually on their behalf.

The program is overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and administered by local departments of social services in New York State's 57 counties, as well as New York City.

In addition to acknowledging the program's longevity, the Governor's proclamation also recognizes the efforts of child support professionals who, “display commendable commitment, respect, and empathy for others in the fulfillment of their duties and work hard to consistently provide outstanding customer service for the benefit of children and families.”

For more information on New York's Child Support Program, visit childsupport.ny.gov.