Child Support

The Census Bureau currently collects child support data in two different surveys.

The Current Population Survey (CPS)

The CPS Child Support Supplement (CPS-CSS) is a national survey asked in April of every other year and data are matched to the Annual Demographic Supplement asked in March of that year. Child support received pertains to the entire calendar year prior to the survey year.

The Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP)

The SIPP is a national longitudinal survey and collects data about the amount of child support received in the core questionnaire as well as detailed child support data in a variety of topical modules including child support agreements, child support paid, and support for nonhousehold members. Child support payments usually pertain to the 12 months prior to interview, or individual reference months.