What to do
You’re not allowed to let a withholding order affect how you treat a current or prospective employee. You may get fines if you refuse to hire, discipline, or fire an employee because they have a holding order.
1. Follow the instructions on the order
Read the Income Withholding Order carefully.
If the order was sent by an attorney or another private party (and not a child support office), you must send a copy to the state. You can mail it, email it, or fax it.
California State Disbursement Unit
P.O. Box 980218West Sacramento, CA 95798-0218
2. Tell the employee within 10 days
You have 10 days to tell your employee about the order.
Give them a copy of the order.
If they object to the amount, they can request a hearing by filling out a Request for Hearing Regarding Earnings Assignment.
3. Compare the amount requested with the employee’s salary
You can’t send more than 50% of the employee’s disposable income to the state for child support payments.
Disposable income are the wages that are left after taxes and mandatory fees, including taxes, Social Security, Medicare, insurance, retirement, and union dues.
This means if your employee only works part time, you might not be able to send the amount specified in the order. Contact us if you need help understanding what to do.
4. Start withholding pay within 10 days
You must withhold the amount specified in the order by the first pay period 10 days after getting the notice.
5. Send withheld pay to the state
Send withheld pay to the California State Disbursement Unit no later than 7 working days after the pay date.
Health insurance notice
Health insurance notice
If your employee is eligible for health insurance, you will also be sent a National Medical Support Notice.
This step is to make sure children can get health care coverage when it’s available. It will state your options and instructions.
Understanding health insurance requirements
- Learn more about medical support notices from the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Contact us to help you figure out what you need to do:
- Call the office ("issuing agency") listed on the notice, or
- Call 1-866-901-3212 and follow the prompts.
Get help
Child Support Services
Main Office617 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-3503
Mon to Fri,
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Drop-ins welcome
- Main office has kiosk for child support payments
- Transit and parking options
Phone
You must answer automated questions before you talk to someone.
State resources and forms
Last updated February 9, 2024