Can a lien be placed on my IRA if I'm in arrears in child support and not paying now

Why are you not paying?

Unemployment was cut off and just started a new job.

Unemployment was cut off and just started a new job.

Child support should have been garnished from your unemployment checks. Unemployment isn't a reason not to pay child support.

If you're starting a new job, odds are that the Child Support office is now going to send a letter to your employer ordering them to withhold so the money gets taken out before you ever get to see it.

If you're into arrears far enough, they'll order an intercept of your tax refund and take the arrears out of there and then send you the balance.

Depends on the state you live in. Some states have laws to protect your IRA from creditors, but others don't. Unlike 401(k) palns, IRAs are not covered by ERISA, so there is no federal shield against creditors.