Using the Child Support Web Portal
A step-by-step, accessible guide to creating your account and managing your child support case online.
About this guide
This is an accessible, text version of the Ohio Child Support Customer Service Web Portal Customer User Guide. The portal lets registered customers securely view their case and payment information online.
The Customer Service Portal allows registered customers to access their individual child support case information. It is available 23 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round (with about one hour of nightly maintenance, usually between 4:00 and 6:00 a.m.).
Create an account
You can create an account using your Ohio Driver's License/State ID (or Key Number), or without one by using your child support case number. Choose the option that fits you:
Create an account with an Ohio Driver's License, State ID, or Key Number
Start
On the portal login page, select Creating an Account.
Complete the CAPTCHA
Type the code shown in the image (or use the audio option if needed).
Enter your details
Provide your Ohio Driver's License/State ID or Key Number, Social Security number, date of birth, last name, and a unique e-mail address. (Your license number is used only to verify your identity with the BMV and is not stored.)
Confirm your e-mail is unique
The e-mail must not be used by another registered portal customer.
Create a User ID and password
User ID: 6–15 characters. Password: 8–15 characters with at least 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number and 1 special character.
Activate your account
Have the activation code e-mailed to you, then enter the 6-digit code within 2 hours. After activating, return to the login page to sign in.
Create an account without an Ohio Driver's License
Complete the CAPTCHA
Type the code shown in the image (or use the audio option).
Enter your case details
Provide your 10-digit child support case number, Social Security number, and a unique e-mail address.
Confirm your e-mail is unique
Verify your identity
Enter the last 4 digits of the account where your child support funds are deposited, OR — if you pay support — your 12-digit Web ID. (Your Web ID is on the "Your Child Support Program Information" form sent when your case opened, or call 1-800-686-1556, Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM.)
Create a User ID and password, then activate
Choose an activation method (e-mail or cell phone), enter the 6-digit code within 2 hours, and return to the login page.
Finding your way around
A menu bar appears at the top of every page in the portal:
- Home Page — return to your home page from anywhere.
- Messages — read and reply to secure messages from the Meigs County CSEA, or send a new message or document.
- Personal — view your contact, employer, health insurance and child information; manage e-mail notifications; change your e-mail or password.
- Payment — view payment information, enroll in or change direct deposit / prepaid card, or make a payment.
- Cases — view your support obligations, balances, and a summary of your case(s).
- Help — open a help screen, the Child Support FAQ, or the Glossary.
Click a tooltip icon for a definition of a child support term, and click Logout to securely sign out.
What you can do in the portal
Home page
See recent payments sent to or received from you, customer alerts for missing address/employer/insurance info, new messages, and a support payment calendar.
Message Center
Send and receive secure messages with the CSEA. Messages are private and not visible to the other party on your case.
Personal information
View your contact, employer, health insurance, and child information on file. To correct it, send the update through the Message Center.
Payments & history
View payment details for the current and past 3 months, and open a printable Payment History Report covering two years.
Make a payment
Make a one-time card payment, or set up recurring payments / bank debit at oh.smartchildsupport.com.
How payments are received
Enroll in Direct Deposit or the Ohio smiONE™ Visa® Prepaid Card, update details, or reset your card PIN.
Cases, orders & balances
View open and pending-closed cases, monthly obligations, balances, credits and funds on hold, and county contact info.
Account settings
Change your e-mail address or password, and choose which e-mail notifications you receive.
Make a payment
- Make a one-time payment by credit/debit card (Discover®, Mastercard®, Visa®, American Express®, UnionPay®, Diners Club International® and JCB®). Card payments post to your account in 2–3 business days.
- Schedule or edit recurring payments, or set up a checking/savings account debit, at oh.smartchildsupport.com.
Help & definitions
Troubleshooting
Forgot your password?
- Click "Forgot your Password" on the login page.
- Enter your existing User ID and click Submit.
- Check your e-mail for a "Password Reset/Unlock Request from ODJFS" message from DoNotReply@childsupport.ohio.gov.
- Don't have that e-mail account anymore? Select the "e-mail address used to register" link to update it. For security, you'll be asked to verify your identity as if creating a new account.
Forgot your User ID?
- Click "Forgot your User ID" on the login page.
- Enter your e-mail address — your User ID will be e-mailed to you.
- Check your e-mail for the message from DoNotReply@childsupport.ohio.gov.
- Don't have that e-mail account anymore? Select the "e-mail address used to register" link to update it (identity verification required).
Need help in person?
The Meigs County Child Support Enforcement Agency can help you create or access your account. Call 1-740-992-2117 or visit 175 Race St., Middleport.
Manage your case online
View payments, balances, and case details, send secure messages, and make payments through the Ohio Child Support Customer Service Web Portal.