Interest on Child Support Arrears in New Hampshire: Rate, Simple vs. Compound and When It Applies
New Hampshire child support interest: support is a judgment when due, and judgments carry simple interest at the state treasurer’s annual rate, the 26-week T-bill discount rate plus 2 points, reset every January 1.
Does New Hampshire charge interest on child support arrears?
Support payments are deemed judgments when due and payable (RSA 461-A:14, VI), and the annual simple rate of interest on judgments, including prejudgment interest, is set by the state treasurer (RSA 336:1, II). The statutes we read do not spell out how a given support judgment is charged, so ask the court or the department which rate and start date apply to yours.
What is the New Hampshire rate?
The 26-week U.S. Treasury bill discount rate at the last auction before the last day of September, plus 2 percentage points, rounded to the nearest tenth. The treasurer sets it by December 1 and it applies from the next January 1 through December 31 (336:1, II). It changes every year, so we do not state one.
Is New Hampshire interest simple or compound?
Simple. The statute says the annual simple rate. The New Hampshire arrears calculator uses simple interest from each due date at the rate you enter.
| Scenario at 6% simple, no payments | Interest | Total owed |
|---|---|---|
| 12 unpaid installments of $500 | $195.00 | $6,195.00 |
| 24 unpaid installments of $500 | $750.00 | $12,750.00 |
| 36 unpaid installments of $500 | $1,665.00 | $19,665.00 |
The 6% is an illustration only, not the New Hampshire rate.
Can the New Hampshire department waive interest?
Yes for support debt owed to the department: interest at the RSA 336:1 rate may be collected by the commissioner, who is not required to keep interest balance accounts and may waive it if that would help collect the debt (RSA 161-C:23). Ask in writing, with an offer to pay.
How are New Hampshire payments counted?
An income assignment withholds current support first and then arrears (458-B:4, III, VI). When less than the full amount is withheld, the shortfall accrues as arrears while the order remains in effect (458-B:4, VI).
What happens when less than the full support is withheld?
The difference accrues as arrears for as long as the order remains in effect (RSA 458-B:4, VI), so a short paycheck deduction still builds a balance that carries judgment interest.
Does the interest follow the arrears into a lien?
A lien arises by operation of law for child support arrearages and covers unpaid support that accrues later; notices of liens are filed with the secretary of state for personal property and the registry of deeds for real property, with no fee (461-A:14, VII). Ask what amount a lien statement shows before you pay it off.
Is the interest part of the lien amount?
Ask the department or clerk for a lien statement that separates principal and interest, because a lien covers arrears and later unpaid support (461-A:14, VII). Pay-off figures should say which rate year applies.
Can interest keep running on an old judgment?
The statute sets the rate for judgments year by year (336:1, II). Ask the court for a ledger that applies each year’s rate to the balance in that year, and compare it with your payment records.
Where do you get the official figure?
From the Division of Child Support Services or the court. See whether arrears can be changed and file to modify if your circumstances changed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the New Hampshire interest rate on child support arrears?
The treasurer's annual simple judgment rate: the 26-week T-bill discount rate plus 2 points.
When is the New Hampshire judgment rate set?
By December 1 each year, for the next calendar year.
Can New Hampshire waive child support interest?
The department may waive interest on support debt owed to it if that helps collection.
Is New Hampshire child support interest compounded?
No. The annual rate is a simple rate.
Where can I check my New Hampshire child support balance?
With the Division of Child Support Services or the court.
Official sources
- RSA 461-A:14: support; judgments; liens; arrears
- RSA 336:1: rate of interest
- RSA 161-C:23: interest on support debt owed to the department
- RSA 458-B:4: amount withheld
- RSA 161-B:2: definitions, including compliance
- RSA 161-B:11: revocation and denial of licenses
- 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 New Hampshire statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed New Hampshire attorney.