DEAR IDA: I’m beyond frustrated because my ex has stopped paying child support, saying the economy has hurt him and he got laid off. But I still have kids to feed and bills to pay, so what am I supposed to do when the money I depend on just disappears? – Beth
Dear Beth: Unfortunately, there is no easy, quick-fix answer to your question and, sadly, unpaid child support is a plague in Louisiana.
According to the Louisiana Child Support Enforcement audit released late last year, only 56% of obligated child support was collected in 2023, ranking Louisiana 52nd nationally (including territories). The statistics are likely to get worse in the coming years since mandatory minimum payments were repealed in 2024 to base support on ability to pay. Even before the minimum payment requirement was repealed, the minimum amount was a paltry $100. On July 31, 2025 the Department of Children and Family Services ended an employment and training program that provided job readiness, training, education and training support to both custodial and non-custodial parents alike because the Federal Office of Child Support Services did not approve its continuation.
If you have never had to seek assistance due to financial hardship, finding reliable information from a reliable source can be a daunting task. An article on nationalreliefprogram.orgprovides information on various programs available on the State and Federal levels as well as non-profit organizations that provide assistance. The article also has a table that outlines the general Federal Poverty Level (FPL) income thresholds utilized by various Louisiana relief programs for a family of three. Should your income level fall within the qualifying parameters, you can apply for numerous programs via the DCFS online LA CAFE’ portal. You can also call or text the Louisiana Statewide Network 211 which maintains a computerized database of more than 8,500 resources and services available statewide. You can get more information about the hotline at their website Louisiana211.org.
You can also get assistance from non-profit organizations within your community. Many churches operate food and clothing banks, provide financial assistance for paying a utility bill, and offer tutoring services as part of their ministry outreach and don’t require that you be a member of the church. If your church doesn’t offer assistance, chances are, they know of a church that does. National non-profits like the Salvation Army, which offer a wide range of assistance, including training and mentoring services , are also good resources for breaking the generational cycle of poverty. You can lean more about the Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope Program and other assistance that they offer on their website.
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