Otherwise the case must remain open until the three-year time period has expired. A case opened or being enforced by the Child Support Services Department (CSSD) can be closed for many reasons. The proposed rule clarifies the situations in which States may close child support cases and makes other technical changes. The IV-D agency should periodically monitor the noncustodial parent's status to ascertain the expected release date, and take appropriate action at such time. As previously stated in the preamble to the NPRM for this rule, the trend is moving toward a reduction in the mailing standard. VIII.This section provides guidance on completing the OCSE reporting forms. If the alleged father cannot be located after the IV-D agency has made regular attempts using multiple sources over a three-year period, all of which have been unsuccessful, the case may be closed under 303.11(b)(5). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Betsy Matheson, Director, Division for Policy and Planning, Office of Child Support Enforcement, 202-401-9386. 2. This final rule is not a "major'' rule as defined in Chapter 8 of 5 U.S.C. State A must offer, and continue to provide, all appropriate IV-D services and meet the relevant interstate and program standards requirements, until the new initiating State, State B establishes a new interstate case with the responding State C and State A is notified that it may close the case. in non-AFDC cases be addressed. 4. 2. Redesignated paragraph (b)(9) adds IV-D and food stamp agencies to the list of State agencies with the authority to make good cause determinations. There will be two other parties to your SAPCR- the other parent as well as the Attorney General of Texas. In the former case, the locate request is not considered an interstate referral. Administration for Children and Families Comment: One commenter suggested adding to the case closure criteria set forth in paragraph (b)(4) that the IV-D agency interview the recipient of services. When the arrearages are fully collected, the case may be closed under 303.11(b)(9), which provides for case closure when the non-AFDC custodial parent requests and there is no assignment to the State of arrearages which accrued under a support order. Under 303.6(c)(4), in cases in which enforcement attempts have been unsuccessful at the time an attempt to enforce the order fails, the IV-D agency must examine the reason the enforcement failed and determine when it would be appropriate to take an enforcement action in the future, and take an enforcement action in accordance with 303.6 at that time. Comment: One commenter recommended that the reference to 45 CFR 232.40 be removed from paragraph (b)(9) because this Federal regulation was obsolete. ATTACHMENT: Attached is a final ruleVisit disclaimer page(PDF), published in the Federal Register March 10, 1999 (64 FR 11810) revising Federal regulations outlining criteria for closing child support enforcement cases, in response to the Presidents Memorandum of March 4, 1995, to reduce or eliminate mandated burdens on States, other governmental agencies or the private section. f. Newly redesignated paragraph (b)(9) is revised to read as follows: Notification to the custodial parent that the custodial parent may be required to reimburse the IV-D agency for any misdirected child support collections received by the custodial parent could be included in the notice to the family regarding continuation of IV-D services. Comment: One commenter asked if paragraph (b)(1) could be used as authority for a IV-D agency to close a case that was opened after a child attained the age of majority, during which there was no need for a child support order, but subsequently (after emancipation) became disabled and under State law a support order was entered against this individual's parents? Therefore, the IV-D agency may close a case because the non-AFDC individual has failed to sign an agreement to pay to the State fees or costs incurred in providing IV-D services billed to the family under the State's fee and IV-D cost recovery policy. As currently drafted, the paragraph (c) notice of case closure may be sent by either first class or certified mail. (1) The reason for case closure determines whether the division of child support (DCS): (a) Sends a notice of intent to close; (b) Sends a notice of case closure; or (c) Notifies the other jurisdiction. The State could, when the IV-D agency realizes it failed to send the family of the notice of continuation of services, send such notice at that time, and then, as appropriate, follow with the letter of intent to close the IV-D case. From the Options drop-down, select Submit Case Closure Request and click Go. Conversely, one commenter expressed a concern that the States would compress these two 60 calendar day time frames into a single 60 calendar day period. A case opened or being enforced by the Child Support Services Department (CSSD) can be closed for many reasons. It would clearly be illogical to allow noncustodial parents to apply for IV-D services and not to allow them to request case closure. Comment: Two commenters objected to what they perceived to be a subjective standard in paragraph (b)(12) under which the responding State is authorized to close an interstate case when it documents a failure on the part of the initiating State to take an action which is essential for the next step in providing services. Here's how to remove a limitation from your account: Go to the Resolution Center. 3. This second letter is separate from the letter of contact described in paragraph (b)(10). Comment: One commenter recommended that OCSE consider a "soft closure'' case type, for use in removing certain cases (low collection potential or where payments are legally being made directly to the family outside of the IV-D program) from the State's open case count. In paragraph (d), we are making a technical amendment to the rule by removing the reference to "subpart D,'' as that subpart has been reassigned and no longer addresses the issue of record retention. Click here for step-by-step instructions **. Answer: A legal document that responds to a Complaint and must be filed with the court by the Person Paying Support. 303.11. Comment: One commenter requested that the 60 calendar day notice of case closure time frame appearing in paragraph (c) be reduced to a period of 30 calendar days. One example which would not meet the condition for case closure under section 303.11(b)(12) involves direct withholding under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. Note: Child support payments awarded by the courts but not received can be excluded only when the applicant/resident certifies that payments are not being made and further documents that all reasonable legal actions to collect amounts due, including filing with the appropriate courts or agencies responsible for enforcing payment, have been . Comment: One commenter objected to the criterion of (b)(10) on the basis that this would allow the States to close many "workable'' cases. The committee developed several recommendations, which were considered in the development of the notice of proposed rulemaking, published in the Federal Register on February 24, 1998 (63 FR 9172). You may need to take action in order to have your child support stopped, particularly if your wages are being garnished. In addition, Sec. In these instances the case is no longer "workable'' under the requirements of IV-D, and, therefore, it is appropriate for the IV-D agency to close the case. A PRS who is not receiving aid ("welfare") can close his or her case at any time. 1) There is no longer a current support order and arrears are under $500.00 or unenforceable ( (b) (1)). * * * * *, (iv) The identity of the biological father is unknown and cannot be identified after diligent efforts, including at least one interview by the IV-D agency with the recipient of services; Case Closure Desktop Guide 4. The protection of IV-D staff is the responsibility of the State, and States should develop procedures to deal with such situations. If assigned current cash medical is accruing then the case cannot close. Response: Once the IV-D agency has closed a case pursuant to an appropriate case closure criterion under 303.11, it need not continue to provide enforcement services. Response: Yes. 6. These are the individuals to whom the IV-D agency is required to send the child support collection. 651 et seq.). Response: In order for a paternity establishment case to be eligible for closure under subparagraph (b)(3)(iv), a State must make a meaningful attempt to identify the biological father. Response: As we stated in the preamble to the final rule, published on February 26, 1991 (56 FR 7988), for the implementation of P.L. Comment: Two commenters responded to the NPRM by asking that paragraph (c) exempt a number of factual situations from the requirement that a notice of case closure be sent. These commenters were concerned that, in the event the identity of the biological father remained unknown following the IV-D interview of the recipient of services, the recipient of services would be determined to be not cooperating with the State IV-D agency for purposes of TANF eligibility. Comment: One commenter requested that the final rule clarify that paragraph (b)(12) applied in both assistance and nonassistance cases. No costs are associated with this final rule. 1. . There is no order of support. 6. Under this subparagraph, this attempt to identify the biological father must include an interview of the recipient of services by IV-D staff. This paragraph also allows the IV-D agencies to close cases after three years where the noncustodial parent's location is unknown and the State has been unsuccessful, after regular attempts of multiple sources, to locate the parent when there is sufficient information to. Response: As we stated in response to a similar question in OCSE-PIQ-90-08, in a non-AFDC IV-D case with no assigned arrearages or medical support assignment, if the initiating State either provides no reason or one that does not conform with any of the closure criteria of 303.11(b), the responding State may close the case pursuant to 303.11(b)(9), which permits case closure at the request of the custodial parent where there are no assigned arrearages. 3. REFERENCES:OCSE-PIQ-90-05,OCSE-PIQ-90-08, OCSE-PIQ-90-09, OCSE-PIQ-91-02, OCSE-PIQ-91-14, OCSE-PIQ-92-04, OCSE-PIQ-92-09, and OCSE-PIQ-92-13. In non-IV-A cases the IV-D program is required to distribute child support collections to the recipient of services. Comment: One commenter requested that the final rule expressly provide that the paragraph (c) notice of case closure may be sent by first class mail. * * * * *. Close a Case - Child Support Services. Question 10: In an AFDC paternity case, the custodial parent has not cooperated. 5. Judicial officers: A Judge, or a Commissioner who is appointed by a Judge to hear a child support case. Since the criteria is the same for both subsections, the distinction is unnecessary. The following table provides guidance for determining when and how to close cases. You are supposed to. Response: The 60 calendar day time frame the commenter is addressing has been required under Federal case closure regulations since the original final rule was promulgated on August 4, 1989. (f) When CSS staff closes a case, CSS: 4. At Sec. Proceed with closure of your responding IV-D The initial filing in a child support case is called a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship. Question 2: May the IV-D agency close a case in which the custodial parent has applied for IV-D services, but the noncustodial parent's location is unknown? Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services. Response: Under sections 408(a)(2) and 454(29)(A) of the Act, the State's IV-D agency is responsible for making the determination as to whether or not a TANF recipient is cooperating with the IV-D agency. Although the IV-D agency closes a case, the support order remains in effect and arrearages continue to accrue for the life of the order. A parent does not have to pay current child support for an emancipated minor. Federal regulations at 303.2(a)(3) require the IV-D agency to accept an application as filed on the day it and the application fee are received. 2. When the IV-D agency is unable to identify the noncustodial parent, the only resource available to assist the IV-D agency is the recipient of services. Response: In this final rule OCSE makes a distinction between "identifying'' and "locating'' the noncustodial parent. Question 20: May a non-AFDC IV-D case be closed when the IV-D agency has attempted to contact the custodial parent repeatedly without success? When the initiating jurisdiction receives the intent to close notice for this case closure You can ask for a Child Support Review below: Child Support Enforcement, Request for Support Order Review In your case, the reason for the changed circumstances is that your child has reached the age of majority (age 18 in Florida). For cases requiring location of the noncustodial parent or his or her income or assets, 303.3(b)(5) specifies that repeat efforts must be made on a quarterly basis or immediately upon receipt of new information. As we stated in OCSE-PIQ-92-04, a State may close a case only if the applicant for services requests closure and the requirements of 303.11(b)(9) are met. In addition, information provided by the custodial parent such as former addresses or employers could lead to identification of the noncustodial parent's social security number. There are no case closure criteria which permit the unilateral closure of a IV-D case by the IV-D agency because the IV-D recipient has retained private counsel. . Response: This suggestion is inconsistent with OCSE's long-standing interstate policy that the responding State not have direct contact with the custodial parent residing in, and receiving IV-D services from, the initiating State. If the initiating State notifies the responding State that it may close the case, the responding State may close the case sooner than the three-year threshold set forth in 303.11(b)(5). Your case may be eligible to be transferred to a child support enforcement agency (CSEA) in another county, depending on specific facts and circumstances. The reason for this is to allow the recipient of services, who may have just moved, sufficient time to contact the IV-D agency to provide his/her new address. INQUIRIES TO: OCSE Regional Representatives, ___________________________David Gray Ross Question 19: May the IV-D agency close a IV-D case in which the IV-E foster care case has been closed and there are no arrears owed to the State, or the arrears are less than $500, and no application for IV-D services has been received from the custodial parent? Comment: One commenter requested an explanation as to what triggered the start of the 60 calendar day time period referenced in paragraph (b)(10). Update the Initiating State with the closure via CSENet ( Appendix 11.E - CSENet States) or hard copy. 100-203 (the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987), IV-D cases in which the non-AFDC Medicaid recipient/custodial parent refuses to cooperate in the establishment of paternity and the securing of medical support should be treated similarly to AFDC cases in which the custodial parent refuses to cooperate. However, OCSE encourages the States to keep this issue in mind when they are otherwise revising their local forms. If the term "recipient of services'' more accurately reflects the individual at issue, then the States should consider making a change in this terminology at that time. When Wyoming is the Responding State, the case worker shall. Finally, there must be insufficient information concerning this noncustodial parent to perform an automated locate search. 303.11(b)(4)(ii). May the State close the IV-D case of the former AFDC family for failure to return the misdirected child support collection, even though the State failed to notify the family, when they began receiving continued IV-D services, of their rights and responsibilities under the IV-D program? For example, some entities identify individuals by name and date of birth. 5. In redesignated paragraphs (b)(8), (b)(10) and (b)(11) the term "custodial parent'' is revised to read "recipient of services'' to reflect that Title IV-D child support enforcement services may be requested by either the custodial or noncustodial parent. BACKGROUND: Since publication of regulations governing standards for program operations (54 FR 32284, August 4, 1989, as disseminated in OCSE Action Transmittal 89-15 on the same date), we have received numerous requests for clarification of the case closure criteria listed at 45 CFR 303.11(b). Having an order from a judge for child support to be paid does not automatically open a child support case. In accordance with 302.33(a)(4), whenever a family is no longer eligible for assistance under the State's AFDC, IV-E foster care, and Medicaid programs, the IV-D agency must, within five working days of the notification of ineligibility, notify the family that IV-D services will be continued unless the family notifies the IV-D agency otherwise. It is possible that additional data elements will be required to undertake some automated locate efforts. Regulations at 42 CFR 433.147 and 433.148 require the Medicaid agency to determine whether the non-AFDC Medicaid recipient had good cause for failure to cooperate and whether the IV-D agency may continue to attempt to establish paternity and secure support without the cooperation of the non-AFDC Medicaid recipient, under 302.31(b) and (c). Contents It is OCSE policy that because the statute specifically states that any individual may apply for IV-D program services, we cannot exclude a category of applicants. Comments to Subparagraph 303.11(b)(3)(iv). 3. Direct Deposit: You can have the payments automatically deposited into a checking or savings account. * * * * *, b. Paragraph (b)(3) is redesignated as paragraph (b)(2). Nevertheless, notice to both parents is not precluded. If you have a checking account and would prefer to receive your child support payment via direct deposit you may download the form . This final rule amends redesignated paragraph (b)(4) by adding new subparagraphs (i) and (ii). Under this provision, the IV-D agency cannot open a IV-D case on behalf of a non-AFDC individual who applies for services under 302.33(a)(1)(i) unless that individual has paid the application fee in cases where the State does not pay the fee. Description of Regulatory Provisions---Sec. As we stated in OCSE-PIQ-91-02 and OCSE-PIQ-91-14, the case closure criteria enumerated in 303.11(b) do not allow the IV-D agency to close the IV-D case when the AFDC custodial parent refuses to cooperate and is removed from the AFDC grant. Response: The 60 calendar day time period appearing in paragraph (b)(10) commences with the date the letter is mailed to the recipient of services. In preparing the notice of proposed rulemaking, we also consulted with several advocates and other interested parties and stakeholders, including custodial parents and groups advocating on their behalf, to discuss their concerns with the IV-D Directors' Association recommendations and about the case closure criteria in general. In addition, if the paragraph (b)(10), 60 calendar day time frame was waived in these instances, and the IV-D agency immediately issued the written closure notice required in paragraph (c), this notice would undoubtedly be sent to the very same address reported by the Postal Service to be obsolete. As part of the regulation reinvention effort, Sec. The Department has determined that this final rule is not a significant regulatory action within the meaning of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. When opening the .pdf form from a web-browser such as Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Chrome: download the form - right click on the link and select save link as and save it to your computer; open the file - right click on the file and choose open with Adobe . 5. In light of these considerations, this recommendation was not adopted. Question 31: After a IV-D case has been closed in accordance with case closure criteria, is the IV-D agency obligated to continue to provide enforcement services? . When the court or administrative authority hears and decides factual and legal issues of the case, the parent's interests and concerns, in addition to the child's best interests, may bear on determinations with respect to the case. Comment: Five commenters asked if the 60 calendar day period (related to time frame in which the IV-D agency is unable to contact the recipient of services) referenced in paragraph (b)(10) could be viewed as satisfying the 60 calendar day period (related to the notice of case closure time frame during which the recipient of services may respond to the notice) referenced in paragraph (c). Question 13: If the IV-D agency fails to notify the family of the continuation of IV-D services at the time of discontinuation of public assistance, but later does send the letter of intent to close the IV-D case and receives no response from the custodial parent within the 60-calendar-day timeframe, has the requirement for notifying the family of continuation of services been met, in addition to notifying the family of the intent to close the case? AT-98-30 Publication Date: December 28, 1998 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children & Families Office of Child Support Enforcement If arrears (past- due support) are owed those arrears must be paid to the PRS. State Disbursement Unit (SDU): State Disbursement Unit A central payment processing site that is responsible for collecting and distributing child support payments. 3. Case Closure Matrix Page 3 of 5 3.50E1 (Rev. Question 3: May the IV-D agency close a case, with an order already established, in which the noncustodial parent is unemployed and has no other income or attachable assets? In 303.11(b)(9) then, the State IV-D agency may close a case if requested by the individual who applied for IV-D services under 302.33, and there is no assignment to the State of medical support under 42 CFR 433.146 or of arrearages which accrued under a support order. Both commenters recommended that a reference to "other exceptions'' be included in paragraph (b)(9) when the final rule was issued. even with support, a child is not safe within the family, child . NRPS: A document that tells the Person Paying Support that support payments must be made to the State Disbursement Unit. You can receive support payments easier, faster and have access to the funds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As we stated in OCSE-PIQ-91-14, Federal policy for case closure, under 303.11(b)(2), allows a case to be closed if there is no current support order and the arrearages are under $500 or unenforceable under State law. (If closure letter does not appear in document log list - check Alerts for a Case for corrections) Foster Care case, add child's name and EPICS number to the letter. Response: Use of the term "regular'' attempts in the proposed rule was intended to include attempts conducted in accordance with the program standards set forth in 45 CFR 303.3, which contains Federal location requirements. * * * * *. Arrears: Past-due unpaid support, including interest. 1. , GA 30303. Response: To meet the requirements of 303.11(c), the case closure notice should be sent to the last known address of the homeless family. Under the previous case closure regulations, a responding State was not free to close a case without the permission of the initiating State. First, the location of the noncustodial parent must be unknown. 6. to issue a notice to an address they know to be obsolete. Comment: Two commenters requested a revision to paragraph (b)(12) to provide for specific criteria which would support the case closure decision made by a responding State. Comment: One commenter objected to paragraph (b)(4) on the basis that it assumes a level of State automation which does not currently exist. The IV-D agency may also close the IV-D case at the request of the custodial parent if the case closure requirements of 303.11(b)(9) are met. Redirection of payments is accomplished by the second State using the Interstate Child Support Enforcement Transmittal form to request redirection by the first State of any payments received from the third State. The final rule adds a new paragraph, (b)(12) to Sec. and i want to know what they mean with 'Your case is initiating closure' More Child support Ask a lawyer - it's free! To open a case in California, fill out the online application or visit your local child support agency - agency locations can be found here. Comment: One commenter suggested that the final rule incorporate a 60 calendar day time frame to the paragraph (b)(12) interstate case closure criterion. AGENCY: Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), Administration for Children and Families, HHS. The requirements and time frames of Sec. If you want to understand how or if your child support case may close, contact us.Common Reasons for Child . Child support cases do not automatically close when a child turns 18 or emancipates. Response: OCSE concurs with both of these suggestions. It may also be possible to close the case, under 303.11(b)(11), if the IV-D agency is unable to contact the custodial parent within a 30-day period despite attempts by both phone and at least one certified letter, or under 303.11(b)(12), if the IV-D agency documents the circumstances of the custodial parent's non-cooperation and an action by the custodial parent is essential for the next step in providing IV-D services. (A) This rule describes the requirements that an initiating child support enforcement agency (CSEA) shall follow when processing an intergovernmental case. Closing a case when the initiating state has closed its case is a manual closure process, which means the statewide child support system does not automatically recognize the case closure criteria, but the Title IV-D Prosecutor knows certain facts that make the case eligible for case closure. If the initiating State continues to have an open case, but is asking Indiana to close its case because the initiating State no longer needs assistance from Indiana, can