How Kentucky Collects Unpaid Child Support: Wage Garnishment, License Suspension and Passport Denial
If you don’t pay child support in Kentucky, the Cabinet can withhold income and lump sums, file liens, seek license suspension at six months of assigned arrears and use vehicle booting; a judgment bears 12% interest, and arrears over $2,500 can affect a passport.
What happens if you don’t pay child support in Kentucky?
In cases the Cabinet enforces, it can use income withholding, liens, license sanctions, vehicle booting and administrative orders (921 KAR 1:410). A court can also enforce the order, including by contempt, and federal law adds passport certification above $2,500.
Can Kentucky garnish wages for unpaid child support?
Yes. Income withholding is the primary tool. Employers may deduct $1 for each payment made under an order, and an employer with 20 or more employees must give written notice of a lump-sum payment of $150 or more to an employee who is under an income withholding order; if the employee owes arrears, the Cabinet starts a court order or administrative order to the employer (921 KAR 1:410). Federal law sets the outer limits: 50% or 60%, and 55% or 65% for support more than 12 weeks overdue (15 U.S.C. 1673(b)).
| If the person | Limit | If support is more than 12 weeks overdue |
|---|---|---|
| Supporting a spouse or another child | 50% | 55% |
| Not supporting a spouse or another child | 60% | 65% |
Can the Cabinet put a lien on property?
In a case where support is assigned to the Cabinet, it may file a lien when the obligor owes an arrearage equal to or greater than one month’s obligation, the property has been identified and located, and the property’s value exceeds the costs of filing the lien (921 KAR 1:410).
Can you lose a license for unpaid child support in Kentucky?
Yes. If an obligor owes an arrearage equal to or greater than six months of an assigned support obligation, or fails to comply with a subpoena or warrant relating to paternity or child support proceedings, the Cabinet can seek denial, suspension or revocation of licenses (921 KAR 1:410, citing KRS 205.712(10)). The regulation also describes vehicle booting after notice and an opportunity to settle within ten days.
Does interest add to the Kentucky pressure?
Once arrears are reduced to a judgment they bear 12% interest compounded annually (KRS 360.040(2)), so a large judgment grows quickly. See the Kentucky interest rule.
What does the Cabinet do with a large lump sum?
If the employee owes arrears when a lump-sum notice arrives, the Cabinet starts a court order or an administrative order to the employer, and if the Cabinet does not contact the employer, the employer must hold the lump sum for 30 calendar days from the projected release date (921 KAR 1:410). That is why a bonus can disappear into arrears.
What about passports?
If a state agency certifies that a person owes child support arrearages of more than $2,500, federal law requires refusal of a passport (42 U.S.C. 652(k)). The Kentucky arrears calculator warns when the unpaid principal passes that figure.
What should you do if you owe?
Respond to every notice, ask the Division of Child Support for a payment plan, add up the balance in the Kentucky child support arrears calculator and, if your circumstances changed, file a motion to modify right away because only installments after the filing can change.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if you don’t pay child support in Kentucky?
The Cabinet can use income withholding, liens, license sanctions and booting; a court can use contempt.
How much of my paycheck can Kentucky take for child support?
Federal law limits it to 50% or 60% of disposable earnings, and 55% or 65% for support more than 12 weeks overdue.
When can a Kentucky license be suspended for child support?
At six months of assigned support in arrears, or on failure to comply with a subpoena or warrant.
What happens to my lump-sum bonus in Kentucky if I owe support?
A large employer must notify the Cabinet of lump sums of $150 or more to an employee under a withholding order, and the Cabinet can intercept it for arrears.
When can the passport of a Kentucky parent who owes child support be denied?
When arrears above $2,500 are certified under federal law.
Official sources
- KRS 360.040: interest on judgments; 12% for child support
- 921 KAR 1:410: child support collection and enforcement
- KRS 403.213: only installments after filing can change; arrears survive emancipation
- 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 Kentucky statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Kentucky attorney.