Child Support Services Division promotes program participation 

SANTA FE — As we celebrate Child Support Awareness Month, New Mexico’s Child Support Services Division (CSSD) encourages all New Mexicans in need of assistance with child support to reach out for help. The CSSD is dedicated to ensuring children receive the financial and medical support they need to grow up happy and healthy.  

“The great team in CSSD is on a mission to lift New Mexico children out of poverty by removing barrier after barrier. New policies such as eliminating fees and implementing families-first distribution of collections are high-impact innovations,” said Kyra Ochoa, Health Care Authority Deputy Secretary. “We invite any parent with children in need of support to come to their local Child Support office or visit the YES.NM.GOV website to learn more.” 

In a significant move last month, the CSSD eliminated program fees for child support services, removing a major barrier for lower-income parents seeking essential child support. By steering away from state and federal recoveries that burden families, the child support program is prioritizing a distribution system that places the needs of low-income families first. 

During the 2024 fiscal year, the CSSD program collected $119.1 million in child support, with 98 percent going directly to families rather than public assistance recoveries. Additionally, 65 percent of the funds were collected through wage withholdings from employed parents. 

“Our family-centered approach includes a job referral program to help parents find employment and meet their child support obligations.” said Betina Gonzales McCracken, CSSD Director. “Child Support provides a reliable source of income for families, helping children thrive.”  

During Child Support Awareness Month and throughout the year, parents are encouraged to connect with the CSSD to explore the services that can support their families. Applying for assistance is simple through the YES.NM.GOV website or by contacting the HCA Call Center at 1 (800) 283-4465.  

For more information on Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s August Child Support Awareness Month Proclamation visit LINK.

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