Custodial and and Their Child Support: 2017

Current Population Reports

By Timothy Grall Issued May 2020 P60-269

INTRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS

Over one-quarter of all children under 21 years of age Current Statistics have one of their living outside of their house- hold. When this occurs, it is often the legal obligation of • About 21.9 million children had a who lived the to provide financial support to outside their household in 2018, representing more help pay for the costs associated with raising their chil- than one-fourth (26.5 percent) of all children under dren. This report provides an overview of these children 21 years of age. and their custodial parents, including their socioeco- ○ Approximately 30.1 percent of these children nomic characteristics and the types and the amount of were in poverty, about three times the rate of 1 child support received from noncustodial parents. children in households with both parents present The most recent data in this report are from the Child (11.1 percent). Support Supplement (CSS) to the April 2018 Current ○ Approximately half (48.8 percent) of all Black 2, 3 Population Survey (CPS). The CPS-CSS provides children had a parent who lived outside their demographic information about custodial parents as household. of 2018, as well as child support and other income or program data for the 2017 calendar year.4 In addition to • One-half of all custodial parents (49.4 percent) had this most recent data, this report also provides histori- either legal or informal child support agreements. cal statistics over the past 24 years by comparing data • About 7 in 10 custodial parents (69.8 percent) who collected from the April 1994 CPS-CSS and subsequent were supposed to receive child support in 2017 biennial surveys. (See text box “Limitations of the Data” received at least some payments. for additional survey information.) ○ Less than half (45.9 percent) of custodial parents 1 For the purposes of this report, the custodial parent is the parent with whom their own biological or adopted child(ren) lived at the time who were supposed to receive child support of the survey interview when the child’s or children’s other parent (or received full child support payments. parents, where multiple resident children have different non-resident parents) lived outside the household. There may also be equal, joint, ○ The aggregate amount of child support that was or split-custody arrangements of children between parents, also known as shared or co-. In these types of arrangements, supposed to have been received in 2017 was child support may or may not be exchanged between parents. $30.0 billion; 62.2 percent of that amount was 2 For information about how child support paid is collected in CPS, see . for the year. 3 The U.S. Census Bureau reviewed this data product for unau- thorized disclosure of confidential information and has approved the • Over half (58.0 percent) of custodial parents received disclosure avoidance practices applied to this release. CBDRB-FY19-ROSS-B0156. some type of noncash support on behalf of their 4 The population primarily represented (the population universe) is children from noncustodial parents. the civilian noninstitutionalized population living in the , 15 years or older, who have their own children under 21 years old living with them while the other parent lives outside the household. Also included in the population universe are the children of the custodial parents, who have a parent living outside the household. LIMITATIONS OF THE DATA Since child support can be ordered by a court collected on behalf of children of custodial in some states until a child is 21 years old or parents. completes college, this report covers parents’ own Most households in the April 2018 CPS-CSS children under 21, rather than applying the U.S. sample also participated in the Annual Social and Census Bureau’s usual definition of children as Economic Supplement (ASEC) to the CPS, where those under 18 years of age. Some children who do additional information, such as income and health not live with any biological parent, such as those insurance coverage in the preceding year, was also living with grandparents or foster parents, may collected and matched to the respondent. Match- also be eligible to receive child support but are ing was done to the 2018 CPS ASEC file using the not part of the universe in the Current Population legacy processing system in order to maintain the Survey (CPS) Child Support Supplement (CSS). consistency of demographic edits between the Substantial changes made to the April 1994 CPS- two files. The 2018 CPS ASEC directed a small CSS do not allow comparisons to data collected portion (5,000 households) of its sample to those before that year. These changes included refining income and health insurance questions asked the screening of potential respondents, restructur- prior to the redesign in 2014, thus reducing the ing the questionnaire to accommodate electronic sample universe of matching April respondents. To data collection, revising terminology that refers account for this reduction in sample, a weighting to types of child support agreements or awards, adjustment was performed on all CSS weights to increasing the detail in questions about the bring them back to population controls. Additional amount of child support supposed to be received, information about the CPS ASEC legacy file can including overdue child support (back support), be found at . tance recipients by a state enforcement office, Additional information and detailed tables are some of which passes through to recipients). available via the Internet at the child support The amount of child support payments received page on the Census Bureau’s Web site at by recipients of Temporary Assistance to Needy

HISTORICAL STATISTICS • The number of custodial parents • About $30.0 billion of child who were supposed to receive support was supposed to be • Custodial parents have become child support has decreased received in 2017, a decrease of more likely to be fathers over from 7.3 million in 2003 to 5.4 $19.5 billion from 2003.5 the past 24 years, increasing million in 2017. from 16.0 percent in 1994 to 20.1 percent in 2018. • The proportion of custodial mothers who had agreements • The proportion of custodial for child support increased from parents who were supposed to 59.8 percent in 1994 to 64.2 receive support, but received 5 percent in 2004 but has since In this report, child support supposed none, increased from 24.2 to be received refers to the amount due as decreased to 51.4 percent in self-reported by the custodial parent. This percent in 1993 to 30.2 percent 2018. amount includes both formal, court-ordered in 2017 (Figure 1). support (awards), as well as informal support agreed to between parents. All dollar values in this report are in constant 2017 dollars, unless otherwise noted.

2 U.S. Census Bureau CUSTODIAL PARENTS White children (22.7 percent).8 The distribution of custodial AND THEIR CHILDREN Among children of other races— parents by marital status differed including American Indian and between mothers and fathers. In April of 2018, 12.9 million Alaska Native, Asian, or Native Custodial mothers were more parents (who are referred to as Hawaiian and Other Pacific likely to have never married custodial parents in this report) Islander—13.6 percent lived in (40.4 percent) than to have been lived with 21.9 million children custodial-parent families. Over divorced (30.1 percent) or be under 21 years of age, while the one-quarter (28.7 percent) of currently married (16.3 percent), child’s other parent lived some- Hispanic children, who may be any separated (11.9 percent), or where else (Appendix Table 1, race, lived with their custodial widowed (1.3 percent). Custo- Appendix Table 2).6 The 21.9 parent in 2018 (Appendix Table 1). dial fathers were more likely than million children living with their mothers to be divorced (39.1 custodial parent represented over DEMOGRAPHIC percent) and less likely to be never one-fourth (26.5 percent) of all CHARACTERISTICS married (29.3 percent).11 82.6 million children under the age of 21 living in families.7 In 2018, about 4 of every 5 (79.9 The proportions of custodial percent) of the 12.9 million custo- fathers who were currently Approximately half (48.8 percent) dial parents were mothers. One of married (18.5 percent), separated of all Black children lived in every five custodial parents were (11.4 percent), and widowed (1.8 families with their custodial parent, fathers (20.1 percent) (Appendix percent) were not statistically while their other parent lived Table 2). different from the correspond- outside their household, more than ing proportions for custodial twice as large as the proportion of Custodial fathers tended to be 12 older than custodial mothers. Over mothers. half (54.6 percent) of custodial Less than half (44.2 percent) fathers were 40 years or older, of custodial mothers were non- 6 The estimates in this report (which may while the proportion for custodial Hispanic White, 28.1 percent were be shown in text, figures, and tables) are 9, 10 based on responses from a sample of the mothers was 41.6 percent. Black, and 24.1 percent were of population and may differ from actual values because of sampling variability or other Hispanic origin. Custodial fathers factors. As a result, apparent differences 8 Federal surveys give respondents the were more likely than custodial between the estimates for two or more option of reporting more than one race. mothers to be non-Hispanic White groups may not be statistically significant. Therefore, two basic ways of defining a race All comparative statements have undergone group are possible. A group, such as White (62.9 percent) and less likely to be statistical testing and are significant at the may be defined as those who reported Black (15.1 percent). The propor- 90 percent confidence level, unless other- White and no other race (the race-alone wise noted. The count and demographic or single-race concept) or as those who tion of custodial fathers who were characteristics of custodial parents and reported White, regardless of whether they Hispanic (18.4 percent) was not their children reflect information current as also reported another race (the race-alone- of April of the even-numbered survey year. or-in-combination concept). The body of this statistically different from the Financial characteristics about child sup- report (text, figures, and most tables) shows port amounts, employment status, income, data using the first approach (race alone). health insurance, program participation, and The single race “Other” category includes poverty status refer to information for the American Indian and Alaska Natives, Asians, odd-numbered calendar year prior to the and Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific 11 The current marital status of widowed April survey. Islanders. Use of the single-race popula- 7 includes custodial parents who have children A is a group of two people or tion does not imply that it is the preferred whose parents are not the deceased spouse. more (one of whom is the householder) method of presenting or analyzing data. The proportion of never married custodial related by birth, , or and The U.S. Census Bureau uses a variety of mothers (40.4 percent) was not statistically residing together; all such people (including approaches. See Detailed Table 11 at different from the proportion of divorced related subfamily members) are considered for a tion of never married custodial fathers (29.3 the 1980 Current Population Survey, unre- listing of custodial parents by race alone or percent) was not statistically different from lated subfamilies (referred to in the past as in combination. the proportion of divorced custodial mothers secondary families) are no longer included in 9 In addition to the tables and figures (30.1 percent). See Detailed Table 4 at the count of families, nor are the members of shown in this report, the Census Bureau . of primary family members. See Detailed including many additional details about 12 See Detailed Table 4 at . .html>. All detailed tables referenced in this is indicating that the information appears in, report are available on the Internet at or was computed based on, the online table . /topics/families/child-support.Tables.html>. 10 See Detailed Table 4 at .

U.S. Census Bureau 3 Figure  Payments Received by Custodial Parents Who Were Supposed to Receive Child Support Payments – (In percent)

Did not receive payments • • • – – – —       Part payment

Full payment

   — •  —–   —– – — •

• •– •–— – •  •– • ••— •• •– • • •

            

Note: Details may not sum to totals because of rounding. For information on confidentiality protection, sampling error, nonsampling error, and definitions, see . Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey Child Support Supplement, April 1994 to 2018.

proportion of custodial mothers While the majority of custodial about twice as high, 33.1 percent. who were Hispanic (24.1 percent).13 parents had one child whose Among custodial parents who had parent lived outside the household one child, 11.3 percent of parents 13 The proportion of custodial fathers who were Black (15.1 percent) was not statistically (55.1 percent), custodial mothers had less than a high school educa- different from the proportion of custodial were more likely than custodial tion and 23.5 percent had obtained fathers who were Hispanic (18.4 percent). Hispanics may be any race and in this report fathers to have two or more of a bachelor’s degree or higher. For data for Hispanics overlap slightly with data their children living with them custodial parents with two or more for the Black population. Based on the April in 2018 (46.7 percent and 37.5 children, 14.8 percent had less than 2018 CPS supplement, 6.8 percent of Black custodial parents were Hispanic. Data for the percent, respectively). Custodial a high school education and 18.3 American Indian and Alaska Native popu- parents with one child had a family percent had a bachelor’s degree lation and the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population are not shown in poverty rate of 16.7 percent. The or more. A higher proportion of this report because of their small sample size. poverty rate for custodial parents custodial parents with one child See Detailed Table 4 at .

4 U.S. Census Bureau custodial- families (11.2 Figure 2. percent).15 Poverty Status of All Families and Custodial Parent Families With Children Under 21 Years Old by Sex: Custodial parents with more chil- 1993–2017 dren had a greater likelihood to be living below poverty. Among Recession Percent custodial mothers with one child 40 who had a parent living outside their household, 18.7 percent 35 were in poverty. The poverty rate increased to 29.2 percent for those 30 Custodial mothers with two children and 50.8 percent for custodial mothers with three or more children in their custodial 25 family.16 Custodial parents 20 EMPLOYMENT AND All families with children under 21 years old PARTICIPATION IN 15 GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 10 Custodial fathers One-half (51.4 percent) of custo- dial mothers were employed 5 full-time, year-round in 2017, while 21.6 percent did not have a job.

0 Full-time, year-round employ- 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 ment for custodial fathers in 2017 was higher, 74.3 percent, and Note: For information on confidentiality protection, sampling error, nonsampling error, and definitions, see 9.2 percent did not work at any . point in the year. For custodial- Recessions are defined by the National Bureau of Economic Research and more information is available here: . parent families below poverty, 18.4 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey Child Support Supplement percent were employed full-time, and Annual Social and Economic Supplements, April 1994 to 2018. year-round, while 44.6 percent were not employed at any time in 2017 (Figure 3).17 percent) than custodial parents children under 21 years of age In 2017, custodial mothers were with two or more children (38.6 was 24.1 percent, 10.5 percentage more likely than custodial fathers percent).14 points higher than the poverty rate to participate in at least one public of all families with children under assistance program (44.7 percent POVERTY 21 years old (13.6 percent) (Figure 2). Approximately 6.6 million The poverty rate in 2017 of all 15 (30.1 percent) of all children in See Detailed Table 4 at . 16 poverty in 2017 (Appendix Table 1). See Detailed Table 4 at . not statistically different from the proportion Poverty rates vary greatly among 17 The proportion of custodial parents of custodial parents with one child and aged types of custodial-parent fami- below poverty that were not employed (44.6 40 or older (48.8 percent). The proportion of percent) was not statistically different from custodial fathers with two or more children lies. The poverty rate of custo- the proportion who worked part-time, part- (37.5 percent) was not statistically different dial- families in 2017 year (37.0 percent). The proportion of custo- from the proportion of custodial parents dial mothers who did not have a job in 2017 with two or more children and aged 40 or (27.3 percent) was statistically (21.6 percent) was not statistically different older (38.6 percent). See Detailed Table 12 at higher than the poverty rate for from the proportion of custodial parents . in 2017 (18.4 percent).

U.S. Census Bureau 5 Figure 3. Employment Status of Custodial Parents by Sex and Poverty Status – (In percent)

Full-time, year-round Part-time or part-year Did not work

Custodial fathers  • • •  • • •  –• –• –•  •— • ˜•  • •– ˜•  •– • •  • ˜•— •  • ˜• •˜  –• —• •  –• • —•—  –•— •–  •  –˜• ˜•— •—  —• –• • Custodial mothers  —• • •–  ——• • —•˜  —–•˜ •˜ •—  —•˜  • ˜•   • • ˜•  • •– •  • ˜• •—  —•˜ • •  —• ˜• —•  —• ˜•˜ —•  —• • •  • • •  •— –• •– Custodial parents below poverty  • •  •–  —• –• —•  • — • ——•  –• —–•— •—  ˜•— — • •  • — • — •  —• ˜•˜ —–•  • • —•  • ˜• —–•˜  • • —•  •˜ • ——•  •˜ —• —•  ˜•— • ——•–

Note: Details may not sum to totals because of rounding. For information on confidentiality protection, sampling error, nonsampling error, and definitions, see . Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey Child Support Supplement, April 1994 to 2018.

6 U.S. Census Bureau and 26.2 percent, respectively).18 in place (51.4 percent) than were In 2018, 7.1 million custodial parents Benefits from the Supplemental custodial fathers (41.4 percent).20 were without any type of legal Nutrition Assistance Program child support agreement. When Child support order or agreement (SNAP), previously referred to as asked why a legal child support rates varied by the characteristics food stamps, were received by agreement was not established, of the custodial parents. For exam- 30.5 percent of custodial moth- the top reasons cited were that ple, 56.5 percent of non-Hispanic ers and 15.7 percent of custodial they did not feel the need to have White custodial parents had child fathers in 2017.19 a legal agreement (39.1 percent), support orders or agreements, the other parent(s) provided what higher than the rate for Black CHILD SUPPORT he or she could for support (38.1 custodial parents, 40.1 percent. AGREEMENTS AND CUSTODY percent), and that they thought Custodial parents whose child(ren) the other parent(s) could not One-half (49.4 percent) of all 12.9 had with their other parent afford to pay child support (29.6 million custodial parents had a had child support order or agree- percent) (Figure 4).23, 24 , child support award, ment rates of 53.1 percent, higher or some other type of agreement than the rate for parents whose CHILD SUPPORT RECEIPT to receive financial support from child(ren) did not have contact the noncustodial parent(s) in 2018 with their other parent, 42.3 Of the 6.4 million custodial parents (Appendix Table 3). Of the 6.4 percent (Appendix Table 3).21 with child support agreements, million custodial parents with child orders, or awards, 5.4 million (85.1 support agreements, 88.2 percent Of the 6.4 million custodial parents percent) were supposed to receive reported that these agreements who had some type of order or child support payments from the were formal legal orders—estab- agreement for child support in noncustodial parent in 2017. The lished by a court or other govern- 2018, 50.0 percent of noncustodial remaining 1.0 million custodial ment entity—while 11.8 percent parents had visitation privileges parents with child support agree- reported informal agreements or with their children but did not have ments, orders, or awards were not understandings. Custodial moth- shared legal or physical custody. expected to receive child support ers were more likely to have a An additional 30.6 percent of payments for a variety of reasons, child support order or agreement noncustodial parents had some such as the child being too old or type of joint-custody arrangement the noncustodial parent had died.25 (physical and/or legal), and 19.4 percent had neither noncustodial In 2017, about 7 in 10 custodial parental visitation nor any type of parents who were supposed .22 to receive child support from noncustodial parents received 20 An informal agreement is any written or verbal agreement or understanding that either full or partial child support was never approved or ordered by a court payments (Figure 1). Approxi- or a government agency and is generally considered not legally binding. See mately 45.9 percent of custodial Detailed Table 8 at . The proportion of custodial 23 Respondents could choose more than household where someone receives, at least parents with agreements (49.4 percent) was one reason why a formal legal agreement one of the following benefits: Medicaid, the not statistically different from the proportion was not established. See Figure 4. The pro- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program of custodial mothers with agreements (51.4 portion who answered that they did not feel (SNAP), public housing or rent subsidy, percent). the need to make a legal agreement (39.1 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 21 The proportion of Black custodial percent) was not statistically different from (TANF), or general assistance. The propor- parents with child support orders the proportion who said the other parent tion of custodial fathers participating in at or agreements (40.1 percent) was not provided what they could for support (38.1 least one assistance program (26.2 percent) statistically different from the proportion of percent). was not statistically different from the pro- custodial parents whose child(ren) did not 24 See Detailed Table 3 at . 19 See Detailed Table 4 at . -269-tables.html>. -269-tables.html>.

U.S. Census Bureau 7 Figure 4. Reasons No Legal Agreement Established for Custodial Parents (In percent)

Did not feel need “”•– to make legal

Other parent provides “—•– what he or she can

Other parent could not aord to pay ˜”•š

Did not want other ˜™•“ parent to pay

Child stays with other ˜“•“ parent part of the time

Did not want to have contact with other parent –š•”

Could not locate –™•› other parent

Other reasons ”•›

Did not legally ”•“ establish paternity

Child was too old œ•ž

Note: Universe is 7.1 million custodial parents without child support agreements or with informal agreements: excludes those with pending agreements. The total exceeds 100 percent because respondents could list more than one reason. The data are presented in ranked order for presentation purposes, but no statistical dierences are indicated or implied. Refer to the text for discussion of comparisons and statistically significant dierences. For information on confidentiality protection, sampling error, nonsampling error, and definitions, see . Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey Child Support Supplement, April 2018.

were supposed to receive, while proportion of custodial fathers payments, 28.7 percent received 24.0 percent received some, but (38.4 percent) compared with partial payments, and 31.2 percent not all, payments. The remaining custodial mothers (28.7 percent) received none—proportions that 30.2 percent of custodial parents did not receive any child support were not statistically different from who were supposed to receive payments in 2017 (Appendix Table each other.28 child support in 2017 received no 3).27 Receipt of full child support payments.26 For the 1.2 million custodial differed widely by the demo- There was no statistical difference parents below poverty who were graphic characteristics of the between the proportions of custo- supposed to receive child support custodial parent. In 2017, in situ- dial mothers who received full child in 2017, 40.0 percent received full ations where there was court- support payments in 2017 (46.4 27 The proportion of custodial fathers who ordered joint physical or legal percent) and custodial fathers received full child support payments in 2017 custody of children, 57.9 percent of (43.1 percent) was not statistically different (43.1 percent). However, a larger from the proportion who received none (38.4 custodial parents received full child percent), neither of which were statistically 26 See Figure 1 and Detailed Table 4 at different from the proportion of custodial 28 See Detailed Table 4 at . percent). -269-tables.html>.

8 U.S. Census Bureau Figure  Custodial Parents Who Were Supposed to Receive Child Support Who Received Full Amount by Selected Characteristics  (In percent)

Joint physical or legal custody ‘’

“— years or older “

Bachelor›s degree or higher ”

Child had contact with •– other parent in •—–‘

Custodial mothers “˜“

Custodial fathers “”–

Family income below •—–‘ “—— poverty level

Less than high school diploma ”‘–

Child had no contact with ”–‘ other parent in •—–‘

Under ”— years old ”—™

Note: Total exceeds 100 percent because respondents could have more than one type of characteristic. The data are presented in ranked order for presentation purposes, but no statistical dierences are indicated or implied. Refer to the text for discussion of comparisons and statistically significant dierences. For information on confidentiality protection, sampling error, nonsampling error, and definitions, see . Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey Child Support Supplement, April 2018.

support.29 Only 30.8 percent of child support that was supposed AMOUNTS OF custodial parents under 30 years to be received (Figure 5).30 CHILD SUPPORT of age received the full amount of 30 The proportion of custodial parents In 2017, custodial parents with under 30 years old who received full child legal orders or informal agree- support (30.8 percent) was not statistically ments for child support were different from other estimates in Figure 5, including custodial parents aged 40 and supposed to receive, on average, older (55.4 percent), custodial parents with $5,519, or approximately $460 29 The proportion of custodial parents a bachelor’s degree or higher (55.3 percent), with court-ordered joint physical custody custodial parents whose child(ren) had con- per month. The median amount and who received full child support (57.9 tact with the other parent, custodial parents of child support supposed to percent) was not statistically different from below poverty (40.0 percent), and custodial other estimates in Figure 5 including custo- parents whose child(ren) had no contact be received in 2017 was $4,356, dial parents with children who had contact with the other parent(s) (31.7 percent). The meaning half of custodial parents with their other parent(s) (52.1 percent), proportion of custodial parents under 30 custodial mothers (46.4 percent), custodial years old who received full child support were supposed to receive less parents with less than a high school diploma (30.8 percent) was not statistically differ- than that amount and half were (37.1 percent), and custodial parents with ent from the proportion of custodial parents child(ren) who had no contact with the other aged 30 to 39 who received full child sup- supposed to receive more. Among parent(s) (31.7 percent). port (53.8 percent).

U.S. Census Bureau 9 In 2017, custodial mothers received Figure  $16.1 billion of the $25.7 billion in Aggregate Child Support Received and Not Received for support that was supposed to be Child Support That Was Supposed to Be Received received (62.8 percent), and custo- – dial fathers received $2.5 billion of the $4.3 billion that was supposed Billions of   dollars to be received (58.4 percent). The  proportional amounts of child

 support received by custodial mothers, custodial fathers, and all  custodial parents were not statisti- Child support not received cally different from each other.35  CHILD SUPPORT AND INCOME  The 2017 median personal income  for the 5.4 million custodial parents who were supposed to  receive child support amounted to $29,030. The median annual family  Child support received income ($47,501) and the median annual household income ($55,251)  amounts were higher. The 2017

 median household income for custodial fathers who were supposed to receive child support                       ($70,029) was statistically higher For information on confidentiality protection, sampling error, nonsampling error, than the median household income and definitions, see. 36, 37 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey Child Support Supplement, receive support ($52,000). April 1994 to 2018. The mean annual child support amount of $3,431 received by custodial parents who had agree- A total of $18.6 billion of child the 5.4 million custodial parents ments for child support, a total support was reported as received who were supposed to receive of $30.0 billion in child support by custodial parents, amounting child support payments in 2017 payments was supposed to be to 62.2 percent of the $30.0 billion represented 8.8 percent of their received in 2017.31 that was supposed to be received personal income on average. The in 2017 (Figure 6).33, 34 mean amount of child support The mean annual amount received received by the 3.8 million custo- 33 Overall, custodial parents reported by custodial parents with legal receiving $20.6 billion directly from non- dial parents who received at least or informal child support agree- custodial parents for support of their shared some of the support they were children in 2017, which included $2.0 billion ments in 2017 was $3,431 or $286 received by 505,000 parents without child supposed to receive ($4,912) per month. However, the median support agreements. Custodial parents recei- 35 See Detailed Table 1 at . 36 with awards officially starting after 2017, and The median annual household income those with no legal awards or informal arran- of custodial parents who were to receive gements. These parents received a mean child support in 2017 ($55,251) was not 31 See Detailed Table 1 at . child support received by custodial parents were to receive support ($52,000). 32 See Detailed Table 1 at . 34 See Detailed Table 1 at . .gov/data/tables/2017/demo/families/p60 -269-tables.html>.

10 U.S. Census Bureau CHILD SUPPORT PAID In 2010, the Current Population Survey (CPS) directly to the custodial parent, or to the state Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) child support enforcement agency, which, depend- began asking a series of additional questions ing on the state, may have passed all, some, about a variety of topics in order to develop a or none of these payments on to the custodial Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) to serve as parent. This annual mean amount of child support an additional indicator of economic well-being. paid was $3,329 more than the average mean Included were questions that asked respondents if amount of child support reported as received by they had children living elsewhere and how much custodial parents who were supposed to receive child support they paid during the previous calen- support in 2017 from the 2018 CPS-CSS. dar year. For additional information about the SPM, please Analysis of these data show that an estimated 2.1 see: . in 2017, l.7 million less than the number of custo- For information about how child support paid is dial parents who reported receiving child support collected in CPS, please see: . was $6,760. These payments may have been paid

represented 12.0 percent of their current 1.2 million), and their with no support agreements, mean mean personal income in 2017 poverty rate would be 20.1 percent personal income was $36,172— ($40,795). Child support repre- (not statistically different from the amounts not statistically different sented 6.9 percent of personal current 22.2 percent).39 from each other.41 income for the 1.3 million parents Child support was greater for who received only part of the full NONCASH CHILD SUPPORT some lower income parents, support they were supposed to representing a substantial portion In 2017, 58.0 percent of all custo- receive and 14.0 percent for the of income. For example, among dial parents reported receiving at 2.5 million custodial parents who custodial parents below poverty least one type of noncash support received the full amount of child who received full payments, for their children, such as gifts or support that they were supposed the mean annual child support coverage of expenses, from the to receive.38 received in 2017 ($5,581) repre- noncustodial parent(s). Custo- Among the 5.4 million custodial sented 57.1 percent of their mean dial fathers (64.5 percent) were parents who were supposed to personal income.40 more likely than custodial mothers receive child support in 2017, 1.2 (56.4 percent) to receive noncash The 2017 mean personal income million or 22.2 percent had family support. Custodial parents with for the 1.6 million custodial parents incomes below the poverty thresh- child support agreements were who had support agreements old. If all of these custodial parents more likely to receive noncash but received no child support had received the full amount of support (63.7 percent) than payments was $35,189, while for child support they were supposed the 6.5 million custodial parents to receive, 1.1 million custodial parents would be in poverty (not 39 See Detailed Table 7 at . 40 See Detailed Table 6 at . /families/p60-269-tables.html>. -269-tables.html>.

U.S. Census Bureau 11 frequently provided reasons were Figure  to collect child support that was Noncash Support Received by Custodial Parents  supposed to be received (27.3 (In percent) percent) and to establish a legal agreement or court award (26.0 percent)—proportions not statisti- At least one type ŒŽ‘ 44 of support cally different from each other.

Birthday‹ holiday‹ ŒŒ’ HISTORICAL STATISTICS— or other gifts DEMOGRAPHIC

Clothes‹ diapers‹ The number of custodial parents •–• shoes‹ etc has varied somewhat over the past 24 years, including the propor- Food or ––” tion of fathers who are custodial groceries parents. In 1994, about 1 of every 6 custodial parents were fathers Pay for medical ’“Œ expenses (16.0 percent). By 2018, that proportion reached 1 in 5 (20.1 Pay for percent) (Appendix Table 2).45 ““” or summer camp The proportion of custodial Note: Total exceeds 100 percent because respondents could list more than one type. parents over 40 years of age For information on confidentiality protection, sampling error, nonsampling error, has increased over the past 24 and definitions, see . years. In 1994, one-quarter (25.4 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey Child Support Supplement, percent) of custodial mothers April 2018. were 40 years or older. By 2018, the proportion had grown to 41.6 percent. The proportion of custo- those without agreements (52.4 child care or summer camp (11.6 dial fathers who were 40 or older percent).42 percent) (Figure 7).43 also increased from 44.7 to 54.6 percent.46 The most common type of CONTACT WITH noncash support received was GOVERNMENT FOR The level of education for custo- gifts for birthdays, holidays, or ASSISTANCE dial mothers has increased during other occasions (55.2 percent), this period as well. In 1994, 22.2 followed by clothes (43.4 percent), In 2018, 20.9 percent of all custo- percent of custodial mothers had food or groceries (33.6 percent), dial parents had ever contacted less than a high school education, medical expenses other than a child support enforcement and 17.1 percent had at least an health insurance (21.5 percent), office, state department of social 44 and full or partial payments for services, or other welfare or TANF See Detailed Table 2 at . assistance. Contacts were made 45 See Detailed Table 4 for the years 1993 for many reasons. The most to 2017 at . These historical tables provide data referencing 1993 to 2017 from the April CPS-CSSs conducted from 42 The proportion of custodial par- 43 The total of percentages exceeds 100 1994 to 2018. Demographic characteristics ents who received noncash support (58.0 because more than one type of noncash sup- are based on the even-numbered interview percent) was not statistically different from port may have been received. See Detailed year. the proportion of custodial mothers who Table 9 at . who were 40 years or older in 2018 (41.6 received noncash support (64.5 percent) percent) was not statistically different from was not statistically different from the the proportion of custodial fathers who were proportion of custodial parents with child 40 years or older in 1994 (44.7 percent). See support agreements who received noncash Detailed Table 4 for the years 1993 to 2017 at support (63.7 percent). See Detailed . /tables/2017/demo/families/p60-269 -tables.html>.

12 U.S. Census Bureau associate’s degree. By 2018, the to 41.1 percent between 2015 of $19.5 billion from 2003, when proportion of custodial mothers and 2017. For custodial mothers, $49.5 billion was supposed to be who had not graduated from high participation in the Supplemen- received. Much of the decrease school decreased to 13.1 percent, tal Nutrition Assistance Program in the aggregate amount of child and the proportion with at least (SNAP), commonly referred to as support supposed to be received an associate’s degree increased to food stamps, decreased from 36.6 over the past 14 years can be 33.8 percent.47 percent in 2015 to 30.5 percent in attributed to the drop in the 2017.51 number of custodial parents who The poverty rate of custodial- were supposed to receive support, parent families declined from HISTORICAL STATISTICS— which fell from 7.3 million to 5.4 1993 (33.3 percent) to 2001 (23.4 CHILD SUPPORT million between 2003 and 2017 percent). Following the most (Appendix Table 2). recent recession which spanned The proportion of custodial moth- December 2007 to June 2009, ers who had formal child support Both the average annual amount of the poverty rate for all custodial agreements or awards increased child support that was supposed parents dropped from 28.9 percent from 59.8 percent in 1994 to 64.2 to be received, as well as the in 2011 to 24.1 percent in 2017 percent in 2004. Since that time, average annual amount actually (Figure 2).48 In 2017, 11.2 percent the percentage has declined to received decreased between 1993 of custodial fathers were below 51.4 percent as of 2018. Historically, and 2017. The average amount poverty, not statistically differ- the proportion of custodial fathers that was supposed to be received ent from 1993. The poverty rate with child support agreements has dropped from $5,999 in 1993 to for custodial mothers declined been considerably lower than that $5,519 in 2017. The average amount 9.5 percentage points between of custodial mothers. The propor- of child support that was received 1993 (36.8 percent) and 2017 (27.3 tion of custodial fathers with child fell from $3,917 in 1993 to $3,431 in percent).49 support agreements or awards was 2017 (Appendix Table 2). 41.4 percent in 2018, not statisti- The level of full-time, year-round cally different from 1994 SUMMARY employment for custodial mothers (Appendix Table 2). has increased from 40.9 percent Many children today live with one in 1993 to 51.4 percent in 2017. In 2017, 69.8 percent of custodial parent while their other parent Custodial fathers have historically parents who were supposed to lives elsewhere. Without the had higher full-time, year-round receive child support received advantage of both parents in the employment rates than custodial either full or partial payments. same household, a large number of mothers, with the level in 2017 This was a decrease from 1993, these custodial parents and their (74.3 percent) not statistically when 75.8 percent of custodial children are economically disad- different from 1993.50 parents who were supposed to vantaged and live below poverty. receive support received at least The cash and noncash contribu- The rate of receipt from at least some payment. The proportion tions received from noncustodial one public assistance program has of custodial parents who were to parents are often an important fluctuated over the past 24 years, receive child support, but received resource to help pay for the costs and decreased from 45.0 percent none, increased from 24.2 percent of raising children, maintaining in 1993 to 30.2 percent in 2017 economic stability, and increasing 47 See Detailed Table 4 for the years 1993 to 2017 at . has shown many of the socioeco- 48 Business cycle peaks and troughs used Among custodial parents who to delineate the beginning and end of reces- nomic characteristics of custodial had agreements for child support, sions are determined by the National Bureau parents as well as the degree to of Economic Research, a private research a total of $30.0 billion in child which they receive support for organization. More information is available at support payments was supposed . their children. 49 See Detailed Table 4 for the years 1993 to be received in 2017, a decrease to 2017 at . 50 See Detailed Table 4 for the years 1993 51 See Detailed Table 4 for the years 1993 to 2017 at . /child-support.Tables.html>.

U.S. Census Bureau 13 SOURCE OF THE DATA ACCURACY OF than age, race, sex, and Hispanic THE ESTIMATES origin. How this weighting proce- The population represented (the dure affects other variables in the population universe) in the Child Statistics from sample surveys survey is not precisely known. Support Supplement (CSS) to are subject to sampling error and All of these considerations affect the April 2018 Current Population nonsampling error. All comparisons comparisons across different Survey (CPS) is the civilian nonin- presented in this report have taken ­surveys or data sources. stitutionalized population living in sampling error into account and the United States. The institutional- are significant at the 90 percent Further information on the source ized population, which is excluded confidence level. This means the of the data and accuracy of the from the population universe, is 90 percent confidence interval for estimates, including standard composed primarily of the popula- the difference between estimates errors and confidence intervals, tion in correctional institutions and being compared does not include can be found at or in the 2010 Census). Approxi- sources, such as how the survey by contacting the Demographic mately 0.3 percent of all children was designed, how respondents Statistical Methods Division via under 21 years old were institution- interpret questions, how able and e-mail at . correct answers, and how accu- The estimates in this report are rately answers are coded and FOR MORE INFORMATION from the April 1994 through 2018 classified. To minimize these errors, biennial supplements to the CPS. Detailed tabulations, related the Census Bureau employs qual- The Census Bureau conducts information, and historic data are ity control procedures in sample the April supplement sponsored, available on the Internet at the selection, the wording of ques- in part, by the Office of Child child support page on the Census tions, interviewing, coding, data Support Enforcement of the Bureau’s Web site at . and earlier supplements are not ratio estimation whereby sample For additional questions or directly comparable with data estimates are adjusted to inde- comments, contact Timothy Grall from 1994 and later years because pendent estimates of the national at (301) 763-6685 or via e-mail at of changes made to the question- population by age, race, sex, and . naire (see Text Box, “Limitations of Hispanic origin. This weighting the Data” for more detail). Because partially corrects for bias due to SUGGESTED CITATION of changes made to the alloca- undercoverage, but biases may still tion procedures, data for custo- be present when people who are Grall, Timothy, “Custodial dial parents supposed to receive missed by the survey differ from Mothers and Fathers and Their and receiving child support were those interviewed in ways other Child Support: 2017,” Current revised starting with the April 1994 Population Reports, P60-269, survey. Reported estimates may U.S. Census Bureau, , differ from those published previ- DC, 2020. ously due to these changes.

14 U.S. Census Bureau Appendix Table 1. Children Under 21 Years of Age by Family Type, Poverty Status, Race, and Hispanic Origin of Child: 2018 (Numbers in thousands. Universe: People under 21 years of age living in families as of April 2018)

Children in all family groups1

Characteristic Not in In custodial-parent families custodial-parent families Total Total Percent Total Percent Total children in families. . . . . 82,637 21,870 26.5 60,768 73.5

Race and Ethnicity of Child White alone...... 59,826 13,591 22.7 46,235 77.3 White alone, non-Hispanic...... 41,854 8,818 21.1 33,036 78.9 Black alone...... 12,446 6,074 48.8 6,371 51.2 Other race alone ...... 6,182 841 13.6 5,341 86.4 Hispanic (any race)...... 20,787 5,958 28.7 14,828 71.3

Percent distribution...... 100.0 100.0 N 100.0 N White alone...... 72.4 62.1 N 76.1 N White alone, non-Hispanic...... 50.6 40.3 N 54.4 N Black alone...... 15.1 27.8 N 10.5 N Other race alone ...... 7.5 3.8 N 8.8 N Hispanic (any race)...... 25.2 27.2 N 24.4 N

Poverty Status in 2017 With family income below 2017 poverty level...... 13,347 6,588 49.4 6,759 50.6 Percent of total or family group total. . . 16.2 30.1 N 11.1 N N Represents not applicable. 1 Excludes families where a child under 21 years old is listed as the family reference person or is a spouse of the family reference person. Note: Details may not sum to totals because of rounding. For information on confidentiality protection, sampling error, nonsampling error, and definitions, see . Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey Child Support Supplement, April 2018.

U.S. Census Bureau 15

57.0 75.8 36.9 59.8 76.1 36.8 1993 7,800 6,688 5,999 3,917 5,070 2,466 5,889 6,878 5,913 6,078 3,987 4,501 2,178 4,627 13,690 11,505

58.1 75.7 42.3 61.4 76.2 43.0 1995 7,967 6,958 6,517 4,294 5,269 2,945 5,747 7,123 6,224 6,627 4,347 4,742 2,674 4,484 13,715 11,607 56.5 75.3 46.2 59.6 75.7 46.4 1997 7,876 7,018 6,337 4,223 5,282 3,240 6,074 7,080 6,342 6,366 4,249 4,802 2,945 4,792 13,949 11,872 58.7 73.7 45.1 62.2 74.6 45.9 1999 7,945 6,791 7,018 4,119 5,005 3,066 5,584 7,150 6,133 7,087 4,234 4,578 2,818 4,349 13,529 11,499 59.1 73.9 44.7 63.0 74.7 45.3 2001 7,916 6,924 7,001 4,386 5,119 3,093 5,466 7,110 6,212 8,036 4,666 4,639 2,815 4,181 13,383 11,291 60.0 76.5 45.3 64.2 77.0 45.2 2003 8,376 7,256 6,819 4,675 5,548 3,290 5,576 7,436 6,516 6,915 4,782 5,018 2,948 4,151 13,951 11,587 57.3 77.2 46.9 61.4 77.5 47.3 2005 7,802 6,809 7,026 4,584 5,259 3,192 5,803 7,002 6,131 7,122 4,605 4,754 2,900 4,404 13,605 11,406

54.0 76.3 46.8 56.9 76.6 47.1 2007 7,428 6,375 6,341 3,975 4,864 2,986 6,315 6,463 5,551 6,360 3,976 4,253 2,615 4,893 13,743 11,356

50.6 70.8 41.2 54.9 70.5 42.0 2009 6,914 5,897 6,820 4,162 4,174 2,428 6,759 6,174 5,278 6,868 4,240 3,723 2,217 5,063 13,672 11,237 48.9 74.1 43.4 53.4 74.8 43.6 2011 7,057 6,262 6,611 4,119 4,641 2,716 7,383 6,297 5,588 6,679 4,218 4,182 2,438 5,499 14,440 11,797 48.7 74.1 45.6 53.1 74.1 46.2 2013 6,528 5,697 6,086 4,167 4,222 2,595 6,891 5,879 5,049 5,997 4,048 3,743 2,331 5,280 13,416 11,069 50.2 69.3 43.5 52.7 71.2 44.9 2015 —Con. 6,807 5,845 5,960 3,567 4,049 2,543 6,766 4,961 5,990 3,612 3,530 2,229 5,162 5,756 13,573 10,918 49.4 69.8 45.9 51.4 71.3 46.4 2017 6,376 5,429 5,519 3,431 3,792 2,491 6,542 5,301 4,600 5,580 3,505 3,282 2,133 5,018 12,918 10,319 ...... PARENTS MOTHERS . CUSTODIAL Characteristic . . ALL CUSTODIAL ALL CUSTODIAL See note at end of table. at See note Appendix Table 2. Appendix Table Child Support, Receive Supposed to Child Support Agreements, With and Those Population Parent of Custodial Comparison Child Support: 1993–2017 and Received of age whose other parent under 21 years children and older living with own 15 years Parents year. interview (Numbers in thousands as of April the even-numbered sampling error, protection, on confidentiality information dollars. For Amounts in 2017 year. interview is not living in the home as of April even-numbered and definitions, see ) nonsampling error, Total child support With agreements Percent Supposed receive to child support child support Average be received supposed to (in dollars) child support Average (in dollars) received child support any Received Percent full amount of Received child support Percent child support Not awarded Total child support agreements With Percent receive Supposed to child support child support Average be received supposed to (in dollars) child support received Average (in dollars) child support any Received Percent full amount of Received child support Percent child support Not awarded

16 U.S. Census Bureau

922 775 569 288 57.0 75.8 36.9 59.8 76.1 36.8 42.2 73.4 37.2 1993 7,800 6,688 5,999 3,917 5,070 2,466 5,889 6,878 5,913 6,078 3,987 4,501 2,178 4,627 2,184 5,402 3,386 1,262 13,690 11,505

844 733 527 270 58.1 75.7 42.3 61.4 76.2 43.0 40.0 71.9 36.8 1995 7,967 6,958 6,517 4,294 5,269 2,945 5,747 7,123 6,224 6,627 4,347 4,742 2,674 4,484 2,108 5,571 3,854 1,263 13,715 11,607 796 676 479 295 56.5 75.3 46.2 59.6 75.7 46.4 38.3 70.9 43.6 1997 7,876 7,018 6,337 4,223 5,282 3,240 6,074 7,080 6,342 6,366 4,249 4,802 2,945 4,792 2,077 6,056 3,992 1,281 13,949 11,872 58.7 73.7 45.1 62.2 74.6 45.9 795 658 427 248 1999 39.2 64.9 37.7 7,945 6,791 7,018 4,119 5,005 3,066 5,584 7,150 6,133 7,087 4,234 4,578 2,818 4,349 2,030 6,368 3,043 1,235 13,529 11,499 59.1 73.9 44.7 63.0 74.7 45.3 807 712 480 278 2001 38.6 67.4 39.0 7,916 6,924 7,001 4,386 5,119 3,093 5,466 7,110 6,212 8,036 4,666 4,639 2,815 4,181 2,092 5,858 3,999 1,285 13,383 11,291 60.0 76.5 45.3 64.2 77.0 45.2 940 740 530 342 2003 39.8 71.6 46.2 8,376 7,256 6,819 4,675 5,548 3,290 5,576 7,436 6,516 6,915 4,782 5,018 2,948 4,151 2,364 5,973 3,737 1,424 13,951 11,587 57.3 77.2 46.9 61.4 77.5 47.3 2005 800 678 505 292 7,802 6,809 7,026 4,584 5,259 3,192 5,803 7,002 6,131 7,122 4,605 4,754 2,900 4,404 36.4 74.5 43.1 13,605 11,406 2,199 6,159 4,393 1,399

54.0 76.3 46.8 56.9 76.6 47.1 2007 965 825 611 371 7,428 6,375 6,341 3,975 4,864 2,986 6,315 6,463 5,551 6,360 3,976 4,253 2,615 4,893 40.4 74.1 45.0 13,743 11,356 2,387 6,209 3,962 1,422

50.6 70.8 41.2 54.9 70.5 42.0 2009 740 619 451 211 6,914 5,897 6,820 4,162 4,174 2,428 6,759 6,174 5,278 6,868 4,240 3,723 2,217 5,063 30.4 72.9 34.1 13,672 11,237 2,435 6,415 3,503 1,695 48.9 74.1 43.4 53.4 74.8 43.6 2011 7,057 6,262 6,611 4,119 4,641 2,716 7,383 6,297 5,588 6,679 4,218 4,182 2,438 5,499 760 674 459 279 28.8 68.1 41.4 14,440 11,797 2,643 6,037 3,293 1,883 48.7 74.1 45.6 53.1 74.1 46.2 2013 6,528 5,697 6,086 4,167 4,222 2,595 6,891 5,879 5,049 5,997 4,048 3,743 2,331 5,280 739 648 479 264 31.4 73.9 40.7 13,416 11,069 2,350 6,783 5,081 1,610 50.2 69.3 43.5 52.7 71.2 44.9 2015 —Con. —Con. 6,807 5,845 5,960 3,567 4,049 2,543 6,766 4,961 5,990 3,612 3,530 2,229 5,162 884 519 314 5,756 39.6 58.7 35.5 13,573 10,918 2,655 1,051 5,794 3,311 1,604 49.4 69.8 45.9 51.4 71.3 46.4 2017 6,376 5,429 5,519 3,431 3,792 2,491 6,542 5,301 4,600 5,580 3,505 3,282 2,133 5,018 828 510 357 12,918 10,319 41.4 61.6 43.1 2,598 1,075 5,177 3,022 1,524

...... PARENTS MOTHERS . CUSTODIAL Characteristic . . . ALL CUSTODIAL ALL CUSTODIAL CUSTODIAL FATHERS CUSTODIAL See note at end of table. at See note Note: Details may not sum to totals because of rounding. All child support income amounts are adjusted to reflect 2017 dollars using the CPS-U-RS. For more information on the CPI, go to on the CPI, go information For more dollars using the CPS-U-RS. 2017 reflect to adjusted amounts are All child support income because of rounding. totals not sum to Details may Note: Child Support Supplement, April 1994–2018. Survey Population Current Bureau, Census U.S. Source: Appendix Table 2. Appendix Table Child Support, Receive Supposed to Child Support Agreements, With and Those Population Parent of Custodial Comparison Child Support: 1993–2017 and Received of age whose other parent under 21 years children and older living with own 15 years Parents year. interview (Numbers in thousands as of April the even-numbered sampling error, protection, on confidentiality information dollars. For Amounts in 2017 year. interview is not living in the home as of April even-numbered and definitions, see ) nonsampling error, Total child support With agreements Percent Supposed receive to child support child support Average be received supposed to (in dollars) child support Average (in dollars) received child support any Received Percent full amount of Received child support Percent child support Not awarded Total child support agreements With Percent receive Supposed to child support child support Average be received supposed to (in dollars) child support received Average (in dollars) child support any Received Percent full amount of Received child support Percent child support Not awarded Appendix Table 2. Appendix Table Child Support, Receive Supposed to Child Support Agreements, With and Those Population Parent of Custodial Comparison Child Support: 1993–2017 and Received of age whose other parent under 21 years children and older living with own 15 years Parents year. interview (Numbers in thousands as of April the even-numbered sampling error, protection, on confidentiality information dollars. For Amounts in 2017 year. interview is not living in the home as of April even-numbered and definitions, see ) nonsampling error, Total child support agreements With Percent receive Supposed to child support child support Average be received supposed to (in dollars) child support Average (in dollars) received child support any Received Percent full amount of Received child support Percent child support Not awarded .

U.S. Census Bureau 17

77 70 60 43 90 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.2 1.4 1.6 2.7 4.0 4.4 286 219 204 142 144 178 125 192 264 207 192 157 159 168 118 170 118 293 312 1993

76 71 60 43 93 1.1 1.4 1.6 1.2 1.4 1.7 2.8 4.4 4.7 301 232 217 170 146 190 142 198 278 220 206 186 152 180 136 175 121 317 513 1995 74 68 58 45 94 1.1 1.4 1.6 1.2 1.4 1.7 2.8 4.6 5.0 303 231 218 139 131 190 149 203 281 219 208 147 141 181 142 181 120 431 368 1997 74 68 54 42 92 1.1 1.4 1.6 1.2 1.5 1.7 2.9 4.9 5.0 299 232 215 201 121 185 145 195 277 220 204 214 130 177 139 172 118 555 294 1999 71 67 55 42 89 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.1 1.4 1.6 2.7 4.4 4.6 282 219 205 326 176 177 138 183 260 208 195 361 185 169 132 160 114 351 566 2001 77 68 58 46 1.0 1.2 1.5 1.1 1.3 1.5 2.5 4.1 4.6 288 225 210 124 180 184 143 185 264 213 199 134 196 176 135 160 121 298 374 160 2003 71 65 56 43 93 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.1 1.3 1.6 2.6 4.2 4.8 285 218 204 154 133 180 140 189 262 207 194 164 140 171 134 165 117 434 458 2005 78 72 62 48 94 1.1 1.3 1.6 1.2 1.4 1.7 2.5 3.8 4.3 286 213 197 135 119 173 136 197 261 199 184 146 126 162 127 173 122 341 350 2007 68 62 53 36 1.1 1.5 1.6 1.2 1.6 1.7 2.3 4.5 4.8 286 205 190 179 247 160 123 203 260 194 180 189 271 152 117 176 123 544 473 103 2009 69 65 53 42 1.0 1.4 1.6 1.1 1.5 1.7 2.2 4.5 4.7 293 208 196 149 133 169 130 212 266 196 185 158 143 161 123 184 128 401 336 108 2011 68 64 55 41 1.1 1.5 1.6 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.4 4.3 4.8 283 200 187 131 145 161 127 205 258 188 176 133 144 152 120 180 121 504 609 100 2013 88 78 62 48 1.2 1.6 1.8 1.3 1.8 1.9 2.6 4.5 4.4 311 222 206 141 130 172 137 222 280 205 190 150 136 161 128 194 140 365 372 106 2015 89 78 61 51 1.2 1.7 1.8 1.3 1.8 2.0 2.6 4.6 4.7 303 215 199 134 136 167 135 218 272 197 183 148 151 155 125 191 138 297 295 106 2017 ...... Characteristic ...... CUSTODIAL FATHERS CUSTODIAL CUSTODIAL MOTHERS CUSTODIAL . . . Total Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey Child Support Supplement, April 1994–2018. Survey Population Current Bureau, Census U.S. Source: Appendix Table 2a. Appendix Table 2: 1993–2017 Appendix Table for Errors Standard of age whose other parent under 21 years children and older living with own 15 years Parents year. interview (Numbers in thousands as of April the even-numbered sampling error, protection, on confidentiality information dollars. For Amounts in 2017 year. interview is not living in the home as of April even-numbered and definitions, see ) nonsampling error, child support agreements With Percent child support receive Supposed to child support supposed Average (in dollars) be received to child support received Average (in dollars) child support any Received Percent full amount of child support Received Percent child support Not awarded Total child support agreements With Percent child support receive Supposed to child support supposed Average (in dollars) be received to child support received Average (in dollars) child support any Received Percent full amount of child support Received Percent child support Not awarded Total child support agreements With Percent child support receive Supposed to child support supposed Average (in dollars) be received to child support received Average (in dollars) child support any Received Percent full amount of child support Received Percent child support Not awarded

18 U.S. Census Bureau Appendix Table 3. Characteristics of Custodial Parents by Agreement Status and Payments Received: 2017 (Numbers in thousands as of April 2018. Parents 15 years and older living with own children under 21 years of age whose other parent is not living in the home as of April 2018. For information on confidentiality protection, sampling error, nonsampling error, and definitions, see ) With child support agreements or awards Supposed to receive child support payments in 2017 Average Received all Did not receive Characteristic sup- payments payments posed to Average Percent Total Total Percent Total receive received received Total Percent Total Percent ALL CUSTODIAL PARENTS Total ...... 12,918 6,376 49.4 5,429 $5,519 $3,431 62.2 2,491 45.9 1,637 30.2 Standard error...... 303 215 1.2 199 $134 $136 1.8 135 1.8 110 1.7

Sex Male...... 2,598 1,075 41.4 828 $5,177 $3,022 58.4 357 43.1 318 38.4 Female...... 10,319 5,301 51.4 4,600 $5,580 $3,505 62.8 2,133 46.4 1,318 28.7

Age Under 30 years...... 2,664 1,051 39.5 864 $3,716 $1,962 52.8 266 30.8 325 37.6 30 to 39 years ...... 4,539 2,440 53.8 2,093 $5,049 $3,006 59.5 856 40.9 569 27.2 40 years and over...... 5,715 2,885 50.5 2,472 $6,546 $4,305 65.8 1,369 55.4 743 30.1

Race and Ethnicity1 White alone...... 8,712 4,630 53.1 3,991 $5,595 $3,656 65.3 1,880 47.1 1,103 27.6 White alone, not Hispanic . . 6,195 3,498 56.5 3,055 $5,762 $3,906 67.8 1,450 47.5 853 27.9 Black alone...... 3,293 1,319 40.1 1,125 $4,864 $2,577 53.0 493 43.8 394 35.0 Hispanic (any race)...... 2,970 1,340 45.1 1,080 $4,952 $2,727 55.1 487 45.1 319 29.5

Current Marital Status2 Married...... 2,165 1,285 59.4 1,134 $5,433 $3,353 61.7 505 44.5 329 29.0 Divorced ...... 4,122 2,318 56.2 1,969 $5,976 $3,761 62.9 963 48.9 564 28.6 Separated...... 1,521 633 41.6 538 $6,015 $3,878 64.5 269 50.0 163 30.3 Never married...... 4,929 2,073 42.1 1,727 $4,922 $2,955 60.0 717 41.5 562 32.5

Educational Attainment Less than high school diploma...... 1,665 701 42.1 529 $4,825 $2,214 45.9 196 37.1 184 34.8 High school graduate. . . . . 3,901 1,810 46.4 1,609 $5,024 $2,697 53.7 628 39.0 565 35.1 Less than 4 years of college. . 4,620 2,419 52.4 2,066 $5,590 $3,761 67.3 990 47.9 574 27.8 Bachelors degree or more. . . 2,732 1,445 52.9 1,224 $6,348 $4,367 68.8 677 55.3 313 25.6

Selected Characteristics Family income below 2017 poverty level...... 3,110 1,452 46.7 1,207 $4,756 $2,868 60.3 483 40.0 377 31.2 Worked full-time, year-round...... 7,239 3,604 49.8 3,110 $5,818 $3,616 62.2 1,513 48.6 909 29.2 Public assistance program participation3...... 5,293 2,484 46.9 2,095 $5,001 $2,780 55.6 824 39.3 673 32.1 With 1 child...... 7,123 3,082 43.3 2,653 $5,261 $3,156 60.0 1,252 47.2 799 30.1 With 2 or more children. . . . 5,795 3,294 56.8 2,776 $5,764 $3,695 64.1 1,239 44.6 838 30.2 Child had contact with other parent in 2017...... 8,411 4,470 53.1 3,770 $5,716 $3,905 68.3 1,965 52.1 901 23.9 Child had no contact with other parent in 2017. . . . . 4,507 1,905 42.3 1,659 $5,069 $2,355 46.5 526 31.7 736 44.4 Court ordered physical or legal joint custody...... 3,261 1,951 59.8 1,702 $6,254 $4,900 78.3 985 57.9 396 23.3 1 Includes those reporting one race alone and not in combination with any other race. 2 Excludes 181,000 with marital status of widowed. 3 Received any of the following: Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, public housing or rent subsidy, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or general assistance. Note: Details may not sum to totals because of rounding. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey Child Support Supplement, April 2018.

U.S. Census Bureau 19