Navigating Colorado Child Support Payments: A Complete Guide to Paying Your Bills

Are you struggling to figure out how to pay your child support in Colorado? You’re not alone! As a parent who’s been through this system myself, I know firsthand how confusing the whole process can be. The good news is that Colorado offers multiple ways to make your child support payments – some are free, others have small fees, and a few methods are faster than others.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about child support bill pay in Colorado. From online options to payment kiosks, we’ve got you covered!

Understanding Colorado Child Support Basics

Before diving into payment methods, let’s get the basics straight. In Colorado, the parent who pays child support is officially known as the “obligor.” When you make payments, you’ll need your FSR (Family Support Registry) account number – this is an 8-digit number that identifies your specific case.

The law requires paying parents to pay court-ordered child support on time and in full. If you’re having trouble making payments, don’t just ignore it! Contact your local county child support office right away to discuss your options.

What You Need to Make a Payment

Before you can pay your child support bill make sure you have

• Your FSR account number
• Your full name
• Payment amount for each FSR account (if you’re paying multiple accounts)
• For some payment methods, your Social Security Number

Free Payment Options for Colorado Child Support

Let’s start with the good stuff – ways to pay without any extra fees!

1. Single Check – Electronic Payment

This is one of my favorite options because it’s completely free:

• Submit your payment online
• No service fee
• One-time payment that takes two business days to process

Pro Tip: First-time users should note that electronic payment options have a five-day waiting period for the initial setup. After that, payments will process in the standard two days.

2. Mail a Payment

The old-school way still works perfectly fine:

• Make checks/money orders payable to “Family Support Registry” or “FSR”
• NEVER send cash through the mail
• Include your FSR account number, name, and court case number
• Mail to:
  Family Support RegistryP.O. Box 2171Denver, CO 80201-2171

3. Pay by Phone

This free option takes a little setup:

• Complete the Application for Pay by Phone form
• Wait a few days to receive your PIN in the mail
• Call 303-299-9123 (local) or 800-374-6558 (toll-free)
• Follow instructions to make your payment
• You can even schedule payments up to 30 days in advance!

4. Recurring Automatic Withdrawal (RAW)

If you want a “set it and forget it” approach:

• No fee
• Automatically withdraws at least once per month
• Sign up through the FSR website

Faster Processing Payment Options (With Fees)

Need your payment to process quicker? These options cost a little extra but might be worth it:

1. Credit/Debit Card Payments

Fast and convenient:

• Make payments through the Credit Card Payment Website
• Service fee applies based on payment amount
• You’ll need a valid email address, your name, SSN, and FSR account number

2. Mobile/E-Wallet Payments

For the tech-savvy parents:

• Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo accepted
• Use the Credit Card Payment Website
• Service fee applies
• Note: For Venmo payments, use Safari (iOS) or Chrome (Android)

3. Pay by Text

This is super convenient for busy parents like me:

• Make payments right from your smartphone
• Set up one-time or recurring payments
• Get text notifications when payments are due
• Reply with a code to authorize payment
• Service fee applies

4. MoneyGram

Great for cash payments:

• Available at many convenient locations
• Service fee for each payment
• You’ll need:
  • Biller name: CO Family Support Registry
  • Receive code: 14651
  • Your name or SSN
  • Your FSR account number

5. Payment Kiosks

If you prefer in-person payments:

• Available in multiple counties across Colorado
• Most accept cash and credit card payments
• Service fees vary by location

County Payment Kiosk Locations

Here’s where you can find payment kiosks across Colorado:

And several more counties have kiosks too! Check the official website for the complete list.

Important Payment Timeframes to Know

When you make your child support payment, here’s what happens:

• Payments are processed/cashed the same business day they’re received
• Payments are generally sent to the receiving parent within two business days
• Electronic payment options have that initial five-day waiting period for first-time setup

Tracking Your Payment History

Need to see your payment history? No problem! You have several options:

1. Online Account Access:

   • Login to your account on the Colorado Child Support website
   • View your complete payment history
   • Track when payments were received and disbursed

2. Request Records by Email or Phone:

   • Email: [email protected]
   • Call: 303-299-9123 or 1-800-374-6558
   • They’ll provide a legal record of all payments made

What to Do If You’re Struggling to Pay

We all go through tough times. If you’re having trouble making your child support payments:

1. Contact your county child support office ASAP
2. Explain your situation honestly
3. Ask about possible modifications to your order
4. Never ignore your obligations – this can lead to enforcement actions

My Personal Experience with Colorado Child Support

When I first started navigating the Colorado child support system, I was totally lost! I tried mailing checks at first, but kept forgetting deadlines. Then I switched to the recurring automatic withdrawal, and it’s been a lifesaver. The money comes out automatically each month, and I don’t have to worry about late payments or penalties.

One thing I wish I’d known earlier – if you’re going to use the electronic payment options, sign up well before your first payment is due! That five-day waiting period caught me off guard the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my payment to reach the other parent?

Typically, payments are sent to the receiving parent within two business days after the FSR receives your payment.

What if I don’t have my FSR account number?

Contact the Family Support Registry at 303-299-9123 or 800-374-6558 to get your number.

Can I make payments for multiple cases at once?

Yes! Just be sure to specify how much should go to each FSR account when making your payment.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing payments can lead to enforcement actions, including license suspension, tax refund intercepts, and more. If you’re having trouble paying, contact your county office right away.

Is there a way to set up automatic payments?

Absolutely! The Recurring Automatic Withdrawal (RAW) option lets you set up automatic payments at least once per month with no fee.

Final Thoughts

Paying child support in Colorado doesn’t have to be complicated. With so many payment options available – from free electronic payments to convenient kiosks – you can choose what works best for your situation.

Remember, the most important thing is to pay on time and in full. Your children depend on these payments for their basic needs and wellbeing.

For more information, visit the official Colorado Child Support Services website or call the Family Support Registry at 303-299-9123 (local) or 800-374-6558 (toll-free).

Disclaimer: This information was last updated in October 2025. Payment options and procedures may change, so always verify with official sources.