Quick answer: In Alaska, each unpaid child support payment is a judgment that vests when it becomes due. Interest on arrears is 6% a year, or a lower federal maximum, charged on notice once a payment is 10 or more days overdue. Wage withholding, Permanent Fund Dividend and license enforcement can follow.
This Alaska child support arrears calculator adds up the unpaid principal and simple interest at the statutory rate under AS 25.27.020 and 25.27.025, and shows which enforcement tools a balance can trigger. Alaska courts cannot forgive or modify payments after they come due, but the state has an arrears forgiveness program for debt owed to the state, and parents can agree in writing to reduce arrears between themselves when neither received public assistance.
Alaska child support arrears and interest at a glance
| Rule | What Alaska says |
|---|---|
| Each payment | A judgment that becomes vested when it is due and unpaid (AS 25.27.225) |
| Interest rate | 6% a year, or a lesser rate if federal law sets a lower maximum (AS 25.27.025) |
| When interest is charged | On notice if payments are 10 or more days overdue (AS 25.27.020(a)(2)(B)) |
| Retroactive changes | Not allowed; modification only on or after service (Civil Rule 90.3(h)(2)) |
| Permanent Fund Dividend | Attached automatically when arrears are $5 or more; up to 100% of the dividend (agency FAQ) |
| Licensing | Case qualifies at four times the monthly support, or $1,000 with no payments in 60 days (agency FAQ) |
| Wage withholding limit | 40% of net disposable earnings, 50% with health coverage, within federal limits (agency FAQ) |
How do child support arrears work in Alaska?
- Rate and method. See the Alaska child support interest rate.
- Collection. See what happens if you do not pay child support in Alaska.
- Time limits and forgiveness. See whether Alaska child support arrears expire or can be forgiven.
What does this arrears calculator check?
You enter the monthly support and the number of installments unpaid. The calculator figures simple interest at 6% a year on each unpaid installment from its due date, and shows whether the balance reaches the Permanent Fund Dividend, licensing and passport thresholds. It does not model partial payments, the 10-day and notice trigger or the agency’s own calculation; the official balance is the agency’s. To change the amount going forward, see the Alaska child support modification calculator, and for when the obligation stops, the Alaska child support end date calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the interest rate on child support arrears in Alaska?
6% a year, or a lesser rate if federal law sets a lower maximum, under AS 25.27.025. The agency charges it on notice once a payment is 10 or more days overdue.
Does Alaska charge interest on late child support that is withheld from wages?
Not on late current payments while support is withheld from wages, unemployment compensation or workers' compensation for disability; interest can still be charged on arrearages.
Can a judge forgive child support arrears in Alaska?
The Alaska Supreme Court has held that the system does not empower a court to forgive or modify child support payments after they become due and unpaid. Arrears owed to the state can be forgiven through the agency's program.
Can Alaska take my Permanent Fund Dividend for child support?
Yes. The agency attaches the dividend automatically when arrears are $5 or more, based on the debt as of the last day of August, and can take up to 100% of it.
Can I lose a license for unpaid child support in Alaska?
Yes. A case qualifies for licensing enforcement at four times the monthly support, or $1,000 with no payments in 60 days; the agency must give notice before listing an obligor.
Official sources
- AS 25.27.225: support payment obligations as judgments
- AS 25.27.226: collection of past due support
- AS 25.27.020: duties of the agency, interest and arrears forgiveness
- AS 25.27.025: rate of interest
- Alaska Civil Rule 90.3(h)(2): no retroactive modification
- Alaska Child Support Enforcement Division: Permanent Fund Dividend FAQ
- Alaska Child Support Enforcement Division: licensing FAQ