Howard County

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Howard County

Geneva Rieu
Acting Director

Welcome to Family Investment

Howard County DSS

9780 Patuxent Woods Drive
Columbia, Maryland 21046

Phone: 410-872-8700
Email Address: howco.dss@maryland.gov

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Office of Child Support

Child Support
Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:00pm

Child Support Payments
Mon-Fri, 8:30am-2:00pm

Customer Service: [content_block id=20367 slug=dhr-phone-child-support]

Automated Customer Service and Payment Information: [content_block id=20377 slug=dhr-csea-customer-service]

Facsimile: 410-872-4305

Child Support Information and Resources

Please call the Customer Service number, 1-800-332-6347, for more information, or any of our partner agencies listed below for more information on the enforcement or establishment of your case.

Howard County Sheriff’s Office
Circuit Court
8360 Court Avenue
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043

Marcus Harris, Sheriff for Howard County
410-313-2150

Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Howard County
Circuit Court
8360 Court Avenue
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043

Wayne A. Robey, Clerk of the Howard County Circuit Court
410-313-2111

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[content_block id=20436 slug=local-office-faqs]
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  • Within 30 days for most programs
  • Within 7 days if eligible for expedited Food Supplement
  • The case worker will determine if you are eligible during your interview
  • 90 days or more if a disability determination is required

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[su_spoiler title=”Heating & Electric Help” ]
Need Help with Paying Heating and Electric Bills?
Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP)
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
301-274-4474
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[su_spoiler title=”Additional Information” ]

  • Face-to-face interviews for Public Assistance Programs are on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays.
  • Please submit applications to the front desk by 11am to be sure you are seen that day.
  • Applications can be dropped off at the front desk (8:00 am – 4:30 pm) any day of the week to be screened for Expedited Food Stamps or for an interview at a later date.

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Contact Information

Service Phone
Adoption – Become a Foster Parent 410-872-8839
Adult Protective Services -24 Hours- 410-872-8823
Child Protective Services -24 Hours- [content_block id=20566 slug=howard-county-phone-cps]
Family Services Intake 410-872-8804
Service Fax
Economic Assistance [content_block id=20640 slug=howard_county_fax_economic_assistanc]