Overview

Federal law mandates that each state create a centralized state disbursement unit to collect and distribute child support payments (42 USC 654b). Michigan law (MCL 400.236) was enacted to provide authority for the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU) to fulfill this federal requirement.

The MiSDU provides the single physical location where all support payments are received and disbursed in Michigan. The MiSDU processes over $1.6 billion annually and distributes over 90% of the money received within 24 hours. The rest is held as required by law or to identify the recipient's address.

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Collecting and Distributing Child Support Payments

All support in Michigan is collected and distributed by the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU). The MiSDU receives support payments from employers through Income Withholding Orders (IWN) or directly from individual payers.

Please go to the MiSDU payments page for information on how to make payments over the internet or with a credit card.

The MiSDU forwards payments to recipients of support.

For additional information on receipt and disbursement of child support see www.misdu.com.

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Electronic Disbursement (debit cards)

Except in specific, limited circumstances, State law requires electronic disbursement of child support, which provides debit cards to all support recipients who do not choose direct deposit to their personal bank account.

Support is automatically deposited into the debit card account with immediate access to funds.

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Customer Service

Customer Service is a priority for the MiSDU. The following is available:

• For the custodial party or the non-custodial parent, a 24 hour case information access line. This system connects to an Interactive Voice Response System (IVR). The system allows inquiries to information on a case through a pin access number or will direct an individual to the MiSDU or local Friend of the Court, as needed. The SDU is available for referral from the IVR from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on business days.
• A toll-free employer assistance line to help employers of all sizes communicate with the MiSDU and take advantage of electronic payments.
• A toll-free Friend of the Court (FOC) assistance line to assist Friend of the Court staff with questions for the MiSDU.
• An informational Web site.

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Frequently Asked Questions

For frequently asked question for the MiSDU please see the MiSDU FAQ page.