College and Adult Child Support in the District of Columbia: Post-Secondary and Disabled Children
We found no District of Columbia statute for court-ordered college support or for a disabled adult child past 21, but support usually already runs to 21. Parents can agree to more in an agreement the court approves.
Does child support cover college in the District of Columbia?
We found no D.C. statute that provides for court-ordered child support for college. In practice support already runs to age 21 for most children (D.C. Superior Court), which covers the early college years without a separate order. Parents can agree to more, for example to share costs past 21, and ask the court to approve it.
Is there child support for a disabled adult child in the District of Columbia?
We found no provision in the D.C. Code sections we read for support of a disabled adult child beyond the usual 21. The guideline does treat benefits received for a child with a disability in one way: if a child receives SSDI derivative benefits through either parent, the benefit is included in the gross income of the parent from whom it derives, and the order is set at the difference between the obligation and the benefit, or at zero if the benefit is greater (16-916.01(d)(9), (l)).
What should the parent of a child with a disability do?
- Talk to a licensed D.C. attorney well before the 21st birthday.
- Gather medical and financial records showing the child’s condition and needs.
- Ask whether an agreement or another proceeding fits your situation.
- Keep the payment and withholding history, since installments already owed stay enforceable.
What are the age limits for a given birth date?
| Child born | Turns 18 | Support usually ends (21) |
|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2012 | March 15, 2030 | March 15, 2033 |
| August 31, 2010 | August 31, 2028 | August 31, 2031 |
| November 2, 2015 | November 2, 2033 | November 2, 2036 |
After the 21st birthday any college help comes only from an agreement.
What does the District of Columbia guideline say about a child with a disability?
| Situation | What the guideline says |
|---|---|
| Child receives SSDI derivative benefits through a parent | The benefit is included in the gross income of the parent from whom it derives (16-916.01(d)(9)) |
| Support amount in that case | The difference between the obligation and the benefit; zero if the benefit is greater (16-916.01(l)) |
| Benefits paid before the motion was filed | Credited toward retroactive support or arrears (16-916.01(l)) |
| Support past 21 | No provision found in the sections we read |
Who can help with an agreement or a change?
The Superior Court’s Parentage and Child Support Branch handles starting, changing and ending support, and a parent can file with help from the Child Support Services Division of the Office of the Attorney General (D.C. Superior Court). Either parent can also ask a court to approve an agreed change by praecipe with a certification of waiver (16-916.01(r)(9)).
How are college costs handled in an agreement?
- Which costs are covered: tuition, housing, books or a cap.
- Each parent’s share and when payments are due.
- Grade or enrollment conditions and what happens if the child leaves school.
- An end date or maximum number of years.
- Court approval so the agreement can be enforced.
So when does support end for most children?
For most children it is the 21st birthday. Use the District of Columbia child support end date calculator.
What about unpaid support from before the end?
It stays owed: see how long District of Columbia arrears last.
Frequently asked questions
Does District of Columbia child support cover college?
We found no statute for court-ordered college support, but support usually already runs to 21.
Can District of Columbia parents agree to pay for college past 21?
Yes, in an agreement the court approves.
Is there District of Columbia support for a disabled adult child past 21?
We found none in the D.C. Code sections we read; ask a licensed D.C. attorney.
How are SSDI benefits for a child counted in District of Columbia support?
They are included in the gross income of the parent from whom the benefit derives, and the order is the difference between the obligation and the benefit, or zero.
Do District of Columbia arrears survive after support ends?
Yes. Installments already owed remain money judgments.
Official sources
- D.C. Code 46-101: age of majority
- D.C. Superior Court: Parentage and Child Support Branch
- LawHelp.org/DC: child support fact sheet
- D.C. Code 46-204: support awards are money judgments
- D.C. Code 16-916.01: child support guideline
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 District of Columbia statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed District of Columbia attorney.