Interest on Child Support Arrears in Rhode Island: Rate, Simple vs. Compound and When It Applies
Rhode Island child support interest is 12% a year on any support debt due or owing, assessed unless the family court relieves you of it for good cause. The statute does not say whether it is simple or compound.
Does Rhode Island charge interest on child support arrears?
Yes. Interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum on any support debt due or owing, child or spousal support, shall be assessed unless the responsible party, for good cause shown, is relieved of the obligation to pay interest by the family court (R.I. Gen. Laws 15-5-16.5). The Rhode Island arrears calculator shows the scenario.
Is Rhode Island interest simple or compound?
The statute does not say. The calculator uses simple interest from each due date, which is the conservative reading; ask the Office of Child Support Services how it computes yours.
| Scenario at 12% simple, no payments | Interest | Total owed |
|---|---|---|
| 12 unpaid installments of $500 | $390.00 | $6,390.00 |
| 24 unpaid installments of $500 | $1,500.00 | $13,500.00 |
| 36 unpaid installments of $500 | $3,330.00 | $21,330.00 |
Each figure assumes no payments and interest from each due date.
How do I ask for relief from Rhode Island interest?
Ask the family court to relieve you of the interest for good cause shown. The statute gives no list of causes, so bring evidence such as a layoff, illness, incarceration or an error in the arrearage record, together with a payment plan you can keep.
How are Rhode Island payments applied?
The sections we read do not set an order of application between principal and interest. Income withholding orders take current support first and add 10% of the current order toward arrears (15-16-5(a)). Ask for a ledger showing how each payment was applied.
What is a support debt in Rhode Island?
The statute covers support “due or owing”, child or spousal. An allowance or order under the divorce chapter is a judgment for debt, so unpaid amounts can be sued on or executed (15-5-16.3). The court can also set the arrearage after a hearing when assigning property (15-5-16.2(d)(1)).
How do I restore compliance and stop a license suspension?
Pay current support and pay all past-due support or, if you cannot, make periodic payments under a written agreement with the department that is filed with the family court, and meet any health insurance duty (15-11.1-3(7)). Within five business days of your compliance the department gives you written confirmation and a release, and the board has five business days to reinstate the license (15-11.1-7).
Does interest stop when I start paying?
The statute assesses interest on support debt “due or owing”, so interest keeps running on what is unpaid until it is paid or the court relieves you (15-5-16.5). Paying early is the cheapest option.
Can I ask for a hearing about compliance?
Yes, in writing within 30 days of the notice, and the hearing is limited to whether you must pay support under an order and whether you comply; a timely request stays certification, and you can still file a motion to modify (15-11.1-4, 15-11.1-5).
Where do you get the official Rhode Island figure?
From the Office of Child Support Services or the Family Court. See whether arrears can be changed and file to modify if your circumstances changed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rhode Island interest rate on child support arrears?
Twelve percent per annum on any support debt due or owing.
Is Rhode Island child support interest automatic?
It is assessed unless the family court relieves you of it for good cause.
Is Rhode Island child support interest simple or compound?
The statute does not say; the calculator shows a simple scenario.
Does Rhode Island charge interest on spousal support arrears too?
Yes. The statute covers child or spousal support debt.
Where can I check my Rhode Island child support balance?
With the Office of Child Support Services or the Family Court.
Official sources
- R.I. Gen. Laws 15-5-16.5: interest on arrearages
- R.I. Gen. Laws 15-5-16.3: judgment for debt
- R.I. Gen. Laws 15-16-5: income withholding
- R.I. Gen. Laws 15-11.1: license suspension
- 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 Rhode Island statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Rhode Island attorney.