Thank you for your interest in child support services. If you would like to open a case with our office, please complete an application.
You may obtain an application by:
- Downloading the application
- Calling the office
- Visiting the office
- Requesting an application packet on-line
On-line Application Request
To receive an application by mail, use our NEW online Self Packet request form.
Downloading the Application
Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software that lets you view and print Portable Document Format (PDF) files) is required to download the application ( English/ Spanish). The document is approximately 12 pages.
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader
Please print, sign, and mail the application to the DCSS. The application must have an original signature. Applications with digital signatures cannot be accepted and will be returned for signature.
Mail the completed application to:
Department of Child Support Services
Intake/Locate Division
P.O. Box 122031
San Diego, CA 92112-2031
Calling the office
The phone system is automated and voice-driven. Listen for the prompts to take you to the “application” menu. Please speak slowly and clearly in providing your name and address. An application packet will be mailed to you within five business days.
You may contact us by calling 619-236-7600 or
Outside San Diego County: 866-230-CARE (2273)
Visiting the office
Application packets can be picked up in person at the Department of Child Support Services at 220 W. Broadway on the 7th floor of the courthouse.
Application Tips
It is important that you answer all the questions in the application fully and accurately. You will be asked to cooperate with the Department of Child Support Services by giving us as much information as possible about the noncustodial parent. The more information that you provide, the easier we can collect child support for you. When you submit your application, we ask that you also give us a copy of any existing orders (signed by a judge and filed with the court).
Confidentiality
Information that you provide is kept confidential by law. It is not public information and the Department of Child Support Services cannot share this information with persons who have no legal right to it.
Department of Child Support Services employees may discuss the case with only the custodial party, noncustodial parent, or their attorney. We cannot share information about one parent with the other. We cannot provide case information to relatives or the current spouse of the custodial or noncustodial parent.
Your application for assistance from the Department of Child Support Services does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the Department of Child Support Services. The Department of Child Support Services DOES NOT legally represent either the parents or the children.
Because there is no attorney-client relationship, communication from you to the Department of Child Support Services is not privileged. This information may be shared with other state agencies that are authorized by law to receive such information. If required by law or a court, information must be given to the other parent or their attorney.
New Case Orientation
- Learn about the child support process
- Speak with a child support officer face-to face
- Review your application and documents
- Answer any questions you may have about the child support process
- Offered at several locations in San Diego County
New Case Orientation is an informal child support informational program designed to give parents an understanding of the child support process and the services offered by the Department of Child Support Services.
For added convenience, orientation is now offered at several locations in San Diego County. A complete listing of times and locations is included in the application packet and the on-line application form.
For dates and locations of weekday Orientations, please see the flyer in your Orientation packet.
You do not have to register for the class, but space is limited to custodial parties only. Please arrive early. Children cannot be accommodated at the orientation because of the limited seating.
New Case Orientation is optional. However, attendance is strongly recommended. If you cannot attend the orientation, your application and documentation can be submitted to the Department in person or by mail as described above.
Parents wishing to attend should first request and complete an application to be turned in at the orientation.
Click on the following link for location information and an on-line application:
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