Reports & Publications

To check on our progress, click here to view current statistical information about the Cuyahoga Support Enforcement Agency.

CSEA December 2009 Totals

CSEA December 2009 Case Profiles

An Average Day At CSEA

Get your Welcome to CSEA packet

For many people, their first experience with a government agency can be confusing. The staff at the Cuyahoga Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) recognized the need to help new clients understand the services offered and terminology used to handle their case. The staff developed the “Welcome to CSEA” packet to help new clients navigate the child support system.

“Welcome to CSEA” packets will be mailed to all new clients who have received an order to pay or receive child support. The packet is contained in a file folder that also serves as a place to store all other child support related documents.

If you are currently a client of the agency or are simply interested in learning more about CSEA, view our Welcome to CSEA Sample Packet for helpful information and answers to your questions. For the Spanish (Espanol) version, click here.

The Federal and State Legislative History of Child Support

Ten Things You Need To Know About Child Support

The Cuyahoga County Child Support Enforcement Agency believes that every child deserves the love and financial support from both parents. If this is the first time working with a government agency, we want to make your transition as smooth as possible. We will be working as partners for many years to ensure the financial well being of your child. By reading these "Ten Things You Need To Know…" you will see that the more you know about the child support system, the better we will be able to work together to make sure that you receive the support to which you are entitled.  

1. Know your numbers
   Keep these numbers in a safe and handy place:
   1. SETS (SETS is the name of the statewide computer system used by all child support agencies in Ohio) case number. This is your child support case number. The SETS case number is a ten-digit number that always starts with the number 7.
   2. Order number. This is the judicial or administrative number assigned to each order, it will begin with a D, J, SU, PR or P.
   3. Social Security Number. Know the social security number for yourself and each child.
2. Keep us posted.
   Have you moved? Did you lose or change your job? Have your become disabled? Is your child no longer living with you? Did the other parent move? Did you gain custody of your child? We need to know. Mistakes happen when the Child Support Agency doesn't have your current information. Don't assume that we know about the changes that happen in court. The Post Office does not tell the Child Support Agency your new address and it does not forward child support checks to your new address. Tell us when you move. 
3. The meter is running.
   You start owing child support as soon as the order is signed in court. However, it can take as long as eight weeks before your employer begins deducting support from your wages. To avoid falling behind, make payment by check to Ohio Child Support Payment Central (See number 4). You should do this until your employer starts withholding child support from your paycheck. 
4. How to pay.
   For most people, child support is withheld from their wages. Employers are required to do this by law. But, if you are laid off, self-employed or waiting for your employer to start wage withholding, you should send your check or money order to: Ohio Child Support Payment Central, PO Box 182372, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2372. Include your SETS case number, court order number and your social security number with the payment.
   
   To pay with cash, go to the Cuyahoga County Treasurer's Office at the County Administration Building, 1st Floor - Cashiers, 1219 Ontario Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113. Include your SETS case number, court order number and your social security number with the payment.
   
   If you experience a problem regarding your payment, contact the Agency or your caseworker. 
5. Direct child support payments are a gift.
   When a person is ordered to pay child support, the support must be paid through the child support system. Any payments that are made to the custodial parent directly and do not go through Ohio Child Support Payment Central or the County Treasurer's Office are considered a gift and will not be credited to your child support order. Birthday and holiday gifts and other extras can be given directly to the child or the other parent, but child support needs to go through the child support system.
6. If the other parent doesn't pay.
   There are many actions we can take. These actions range from reporting the non-payment of child support to the Credit Bureau to revoking a professional or driver's license to pursuing felony criminal non-support that can result in a prison sentence up to 18 months.
7. If the paying parent looses their job.
   If you have difficulty in paying your child support or have lost your job, tell your child support worker. Your worker can guide you through a limited number of options. However, you will continue to owe child support. Only an official action of the child support agency or the court can change your order.
8. Custody and visitation issues.
   Most people assume that child support, custody and visitation are related. They are not. The county child support agency cannot help with custody or visitation issues. These issues can be addressed in the Courts. If you are divorced, then you will probably have to go to Domestic Relations Court. If you and your child's other parent were never married to each other, then your issues would probably be resolved in Juvenile Court. In some cases, you may want to contact the County Mediation Unit through the Cuyahoga County Department of Justice Affairs.
9. If you are receiving public assistance.
   When you receive public assistance benefits (TANF) you have assigned your child support to the State of Ohio. If your child's other parent is paying child support and that amount is less than the cash assistance you receive, then the child support money is sent to the State of Ohio to reimburse your public assistance benefits. If the child support paid is greater than the assistance you receive, then you will no longer receive your cash benefits from the State, but you will receive the child support that is paid by the other parent. 
10. Contact Information:
    1. Our main number is 216-443-5100. Call this number to get the name of your child support worker.
    2. The State has a 24 hour payment information line: 1-800-860-2555
    3. E-mail us at: cuycsea@odjfs.state.oh.us
    4. Visit us on the Web at: csea.cuyahogacounty.us
    5. Our Main FAX number: 216-515-8484
    6. Ohio Relay Service 711
    7. Main office: 1640 Superior AvenueCleveland, Ohio 44114
    8. Write to us at: P.O. Box 93318Cleveland, Ohio 44101-5318