Families must make many adjustments when a parent is called to active military duty. The following information is offered to help you take the steps necessary to ensure your child continues to receive child and medical support without disruption.

Vermont Office of Child Support (OCS)

If you have an existing child support order or need help with a support-related matter in family court, OCS may be able to help.

If you cannot find the answer you need below, call the OCS toll-free Help Line at 1-800-786-3214 and speak to a Customer Service Representative  (Monday to Friday, 7:45 am to 4:30 pm).

Notification of Change of Address & Employment

If you have been called to active duty AND have a child support order, YOU MUST call 1-800-786-3214 to notify OCS of your new information, including your military branch, date of activation, and new address. This applies whether you are a custodial or non-custodial parent.

Wage Withholding

If your child support payments are withheld directly from your paycheck, please contact OCS at 1-800-786-3214 as soon as possible. We will transfer wage withholding from your civilian employer to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) so your child support payments are deducted from your military pay.

If there is a delay before withholding at DFAS goes into effect, send required support payments, by check or money order, to: Vermont Office of Child Support, PO Box 1310, Williston, VT  05495. Continue doing this until you see your child support payments deducted from your military pay.

Medical Support

Children of active duty service members are entitled to receive health care coverage through TRICARE. If your child is not currently enrolled, please call 1-800-786-3214 for additional information.

Modification of your Child Support Order

Military activation may mean a substantial change in the service member’s income, which may justify a change in the amount of your child support order. Only a court can change the amount of your order. This means you must file a motion to modify child support in family court.

If you apply for services from OCS, we will help you file an action in family court (whether you are a non-custodial or custodial parent). 

Authorization for Release of Information

OCS policy allows us only to speak to you and the other parent about your case, unless we have written authorization. If you have been called to active military duty and want to designate someone else to speak on your behalf, you or your designee will need to provide OCS with Power of Attorney authorizing him or her to represent you on such matters. Once we have a copy of that document on file, we will be able to discuss your case with your designee.

Custody & Visitation

If you have custody & visitation issues (parental rights and responsibilities) that must be addressed in family court click here to find forms specific to your needs. Click here to read a family court fact sheet about custody changes during military deployment.

Family Assistance Centers

To meet the challenges unique to active duty families, the military has created Family Assistance Centers located throughout the state. Families can access services and supports through the state Family Readiness Program office.

You can receive immediate assistance by calling the Family Assistance Center Manager at (802) 338-3076 or (802) 999-7203 or sending an email to mary.e.blow@us.army.mil. If you need additional local resources or assistance, the FAC Manger will have a regional FAC Specialist call you.