How Interest on Missed Child Support Payments Is Calculated in Texas

: one for a single lump sum arrearage and another for multiple missed monthly payments.

When child support goes unpaid in Texas, the debt doesn’t just remain the same — it grows. That’s because the State of Texas charges interest on child support arrears, making it critical for both parents to understand how missed payments are calculated and collected.

Why Texas Charges Interest on Child Support Arrears

Texas law treats child support as a

owed to the child. When payments are missed, interest is added to compensate for the delay and to encourage timely payment. This prevents parents from “waiting it out” and ensures the child does not lose financial support over time.

The Texas Interest Rate on Child Support Arrears

In Texas, unpaid child support accrues

6% simple interest per year

. This is mandated by law (Texas Family Code §157.265) and applies to all missed payments unless a court order specifies otherwise.

means the 6% is charged only on the original unpaid balance, not on previously accrued interest.

Interest is calculated from the

date each payment was due

, not from the date of a later enforcement action.

Important Details in Texas

: Interest is not charged on interest — only on the principal owed.

: The interest is automatic and does not require a separate court order.

: Child support debt and interest in Texas generally do not go away until paid in full, even after the child reaches adulthood.

Why This Matters for Parents

Interest can quickly turn manageable arrears into overwhelming debt. For example:

$8,000 in 10 years

$500 monthly payments

after just one year.

For custodial parents

: Knowing how interest is calculated ensures you receive the full amount you’re owed.

For paying parents

: Catching up sooner saves you money and avoids a growing debt burden.

What You Can Do in Texas

If you are owed support: Keep detailed records of missed payments, including their due dates, so you can calculate interest accurately. Agencies like Child Support 2 Collect can help recover arrears plus interest.

If you owe support

: Don’t wait. Contact the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) or a private collection agency to set up a repayment plan before the interest adds up further.

Bottom Line for Texans

: In Texas, unpaid child support accrues

6% simple interest from the date each payment was missed

. Over time, even small missed payments add up, making it essential to act quickly whether you’re collecting or paying.

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FAQ: Texas Child Support Interest

1. What is the interest rate on unpaid child support in Texas?

Texas law requires unpaid child support (arrears) to accrue

6% simple annual interest

. This rate is set by

Texas Family Code §157.265

and applies to all missed payments unless a court order states otherwise.

2. Does Texas charge compound interest on child support arrears?

No. Texas only charges

, meaning interest is calculated on the original missed payment amount, not on previously accrued interest.

3. When does interest start accruing on missed child support payments?

the day after a payment was due

. For example, if a $500 payment was due on January 1st and not paid, interest begins accruing on January 2nd.

4. Can child support interest be waived in Texas?

. Interest is mandatory and automatically added to arrears by law. However, in rare cases, a custodial parent may agree to waive interest, but this usually requires a court’s approval.

5. Does child support debt ever expire in Texas?

No. Child support arrears (and the interest on them) remain collectible until they are fully paid, even if the child has already turned 18 or graduated from high school.

6. How much can child support debt grow over time in Texas?

$5,000 unpaid balance

Still have a question?