Albany County Child Support Enforcement - Albany, NY

About the Child Support Enforcement Unit

The Albany County Child Support Enforcement Unit (CSEU) is a division of the Department of Social Services, located at 162 Washington Avenue. Its primary mission is to ensure that children receive the financial support they are legally entitled to. The unit assists custodial parents and guardians in establishing paternity, obtaining court orders for financial and medical support, and enforcing those orders when payments are not made. The office serves both families receiving public assistance and those who apply privately for services, working to foster financial stability for children throughout Albany County.

Services and Assistance

The CSEU provides a comprehensive range of administrative and legal services. Key functions include locating absent parents, helping to file petitions with the Family Court, and collecting and distributing child support payments. The unit has the authority to enforce orders through various means, such as income execution (wage garnishment), interception of tax refunds, and suspension of driver's licenses. They also assist with the review and modification of existing support orders to reflect current financial circumstances.

• Establishment: Paternity testing and support order filing.
• Collection: Processing of payments and distribution to families.
• Enforcement: Administrative actions to recover unpaid support.

Visitor Information

The Child Support office is situated on Washington Avenue, near the State Capitol area. Visitors should be aware that security screening is required upon entry to the building. While many inquiries can be handled via the state helpline or online, in-person visits may be necessary for specific interviews or cash payments. A drop box is available in the lobby for submitting documents without meeting with a caseworker. Public parking is available on the street or in nearby paid lots.