Understanding case numbers

On April 1, 2008, the Sacramento County Department of Child Support Services converted to the new statewide computer system.  Sacramento joined other local child support agencies, such as those in Yolo and El Dorado counties, on the Child Support Enforcement (CSE) computer system.  By November, 2008, all 52 local child support agencies will be utilizing CSE, making the system truly statewide.  This system will allow you to access information not only on your Sacramento case, but also cases from other counties.

Statewide case number

The statewide case number is a twelve or sixteen-digit number used by the child support agencies to identify the cases within the statewide system. You may be asked for the statewide case number when you contact your local child support agency.

Participant number

Also called the Participant number or Participant I.D. number, this is the number assigned by the statewide system to each person on a case. Each mother, father, child, etc. has their own separate Participant I.D. number. Using Participant numbers as well as case numbers is necessary to allow the child support agency to keep track of accounts when a participant has more than one case.

Through Customer Connect, you can verify: appointment times, account balances and payments received. Contact and employment information can also be updated using the secure website. It also provides general information about child support services for those who do not have an open case. If you wish to access the automated line, you can call our new toll free number 1-866-901-3212. When you call, our system will ask if you are a parent or guardian calling about your case. Have your Social Security number and your personal Identification Number (PIN) ready. If you are unsure what your participant identification number is, you can call 916-875-7400 and speak to a representative.

Court case number

Also called the Court File number or Docket number. This is the number assigned by the court to a court case. Judgments, child support orders, stipulations, and any other documents filed in the court action will have this number stamped or typed in the upper right-hand portion of the first page of each filed document. If there is more than one court case (perhaps in different counties or states) each will have its own number.