Interest on Child Support Arrears in Iowa: Rate, Simple vs. Compound and When It Applies
The Iowa child support interest rate is 10% a year, starting 30 days after each periodic payment is due, with no interest on interest and no interest on withholding delays caused only by the payor’s pay cycle.
What is the interest rate on child support arrears in Iowa?
Ten percent per annum. Interest on periodic payments for child, spousal or medical support does not accrue until thirty days after the payment becomes due and owing and then accrues at ten percent a year (Iowa Code 535.3(2)). The general judgment rate in 535.3(1) follows a different formula, so use the 10% rule for support.
Is Iowa child support interest simple or compound?
The statute sets a rate and a start date and does not provide for interest on interest. The Iowa arrears calculator uses simple interest on each installment from 30 days after its due date, so a payment unpaid for 12 months bears 11 months of interest.
| Case | Interest at 10% | Total owed |
|---|---|---|
| 12 unpaid installments of $500 | $229.17 | $6,229.17 |
| 24 unpaid installments of $500 | $1,054.17 | $13,054.17 |
| 36 unpaid installments of $500 | $2,479.17 | $20,479.17 |
| 60 unpaid installments of $500 | $7,129.17 | $37,129.17 |
The interest grows faster than the months because older installments carry more months of interest.
Is there interest on money paid by withholding?
Not always. Interest does not accrue on amounts being paid through income withholding under chapter 252D for the time those payments are unpaid solely because the date on which the payor withholds, based on its regular pay cycle, differs from the dates in the support order (535.3(2)).
How much interest builds at other support amounts?
Twelve unpaid monthly installments, the newest just due, at 10% simple interest starting 30 days after each due date:
| Monthly support | Principal | Interest at 10% | Total owed |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300 a month | $3,600.00 | $137.50 | $3,737.50 |
| $750 a month | $9,000.00 | $343.75 | $9,343.75 |
| $1,200 a month | $14,400.00 | $550.00 | $14,950.00 |
The first two installments earn nothing yet because of the 30-day grace.
How are payments recorded?
Orders must direct payment to the clerk of the district court or the collection services center. Payments to anyone else do not satisfy the support obligation, except for trusts governed by the federal Retirement Equity Act, tax refunds or rebates and certain Social Security dependent benefits (598.22(1)). A satisfaction can be recorded only if the court confirms it on an affidavit or documentation after notice (598.22A).
Can a payment made directly to the other parent be credited?
Treat direct payments as risky. The statute says they do not satisfy the obligation, and a credit requires a court-confirmed satisfaction. If you paid directly, ask the court to confirm the satisfaction with proof.
Does interest apply to medical support?
The interest rule speaks of periodic payments for child, spousal or medical support (535.3(2)). Medical support that has been reduced to a dollar amount can be collected through the same remedies as child support (598.22(7)), so ask whether interest is being charged on it.
Where do you get the official figure?
From the clerk of court or the collection services center, or from Child Support Services if it has your case. See whether arrears expire or can be forgiven and file to modify if your circumstances changed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Iowa interest rate on back child support?
10% a year, starting 30 days after each payment is due.
Is Iowa child support interest simple or compounded?
The statute provides no interest on interest; the calculator uses simple interest.
Does Iowa charge interest for the first 30 days?
No. Interest does not accrue until thirty days after the payment is due.
Do direct payments to the other Iowa parent reduce arrears?
Generally not unless the court confirms a satisfaction; payments should go to the clerk or collection services center.
Where can I check my Iowa child support balance?
With the clerk of court, the collection services center or Child Support Services.
Official sources
- Iowa Code 535.3: interest on judgments and support
- Iowa Code 598.22: support payments, defaults and security
- Iowa Code 598.22A: satisfaction of support payments
- Iowa Code 252D.1: delinquent support and income withholding
- Iowa Code 252J.2: licensing sanctions
- Iowa Code 598.23: contempt
- 15 U.S.C. 1673: restriction on garnishment
- 42 U.S.C. 652(k): denial of passports
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Iowa statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Iowa attorney.