pennsylvania Child handbook Support 3 Bureau of Child Support Enforcement For general information about child support or to discuss specific case problems, contact: Child Support Helpline 1-800-932-0211 Pennsylvania State Collection and Disbursement Unit If you pay or receive support and have questions or problems regarding the receipt of your actual support dollars, you can call the PA State Collection and Disbursement Unit at: 1-877-727- SCDU (7238) 1-877-676-9582 (For the hearing impaired) Table of Contents Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement Program 2 Locating the Noncustodial Parent. 4 Establishing Paternity. 5 Domestic Violence: Addressing Safety 8 Establishing the Support Order. 9 Medical Support 10 Receiving Child Support 14 Child Support and Cash Assistance 16 Paying Child Support 18 Child Support Enforcement Measures 20 Modifying the Child Support Order. 21 Child Support Resources and Telephone Numbers. 22 1 Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement Program Child support is money a parent pays to help What do I need to bring with me to the provide food, clothing and other things for his Domestic Relations Section when I apply for or her child. Child support may include medical child support? support, payment of uncovered medical bills and Bring as much information as you can regarding contributions to child care costs. the other parent including name, Social Security The Department of Human Services, Bureau of number, place of employment, and address. Also Child Support Enforcement (BCSE) administers the bring along information about your income, assets, Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement Program. and any expenses you pay for your child such as BCSE manages the program's funding and ensures health care, day care, and special needs. that child support orders in Pennsylvania follow federal and state child support regulations. Does it cost anything to file for child support? No, Pennsylvania does not charge any fees to Domestic Relations filing County Sections file for child support. The Domestic Relations Sections (DRSs) of the county Court of Common Pleas provide child Are there any additional fees? support services in Pennsylvania. Federal law requires child support agencies to The DRS helps parents apply for child support, collect a $35 annual fee. You will not have to pay establishes paternity and support orders, and the annual fee if you have ever received cash enforces support orders. DRS workers can answer assistance benefits. You will also not pay the fee your questions about support and help you start if you receive less than $2,000 in child support your application. They can also discuss how their during the year. office helps clients facing domestic violence. See the "Domestic Violence: Addressing Safety" section Who is responsible for paying the annual fee? for more information about how DRSS handle cases The child support program collects the fee involving domestic violence. $35 from the parent receiving support when they The DRS can also help if the other parent lives in receive collections that equal or exceed $2,000. another Pennsylvania county, a different state or even another country. When is the annual fee collected? Feel free to ask your DRS workers questions. The child support program collects the $35 fee You should keep a written record of contacts and once each federal fiscal year (FFY). The FFY is the documents you receive from the DRS. period between October 1 and September 30. The program does not collect the fee during December, Applying for Child Support January, and February. You must file a complaint for child support at your local DRS to start the child support process. Pennsylvania Child Support Program Website The DRS will ask you for supporting documents, You can learn more about the Pennsylvania Child including evidence establishing the father of the Support Enforcement Program, apply for support, child. See the "Establishing Paternity" section for and check information about your child support more information. case at macidsupotsalenaus You will need to establish a password to apply for support After you file your complaint for support, the DRS or view the details of your case on this website. To will schedule a support conference and send notices, access the PA Child Support Program website, log with the date and time, to you and the other party. into ctlsumptsatepaus and register. You 2 Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement Program will be able to view details and update information Program. You can also call the Child Support about your child support case such as: Helpline at 1-800-932-0211 for more information. See page 22 titled "Child Support Resources and Add or update personal contact information Telephone Numbers" for the telephone number of (address, phone number, email, etc.); the county DRS. Change your password; The information contained here is not intended to Update communication preferences to either give solutions for all situations. Each child support opt-in or opt-out of text messaging, email or case has individual differences that may require mobile telephone communication; special attention by a qualified professional at the DRS. Submit employment information; View specific child support case information including payment information, scheduled appointments and docket information; and Submit support documents online. Can I apply online? Yes, you can submit an online application directly to your local DRS through the child support website. Visit www.childsupport.state.pa.us and click "Request Support Services" to get started. How long will it take to complete and submit documents online? It should take 30 minutes or less to complete the application. Where do I apply for alimony pendente lite (APL)/spousal support? The county DRS handles APL and spousal support matters. You may apply for spousal support online through the child support website. Contact your local DRS if you have questions about applying for APL or spousal support. For Your Information Contact the county DRS that handles your case if you have any questions about the Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement 3 Locating the Noncustodial Parent What happens if I don't know where the other prevent us from finding them. The most important parent is? thing you can do to help us find them is to provide If you do not know where your child's parent lives, us with their Social Security number and date of the DRS can help you locate them. You must give birth. the DRS as much information as you know about the other parent. The DRS will ask you for their How long will the child support program name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone search for the other parent? number, employer, and any other information that This question is difficult to answer without knowing can be used to conduct the search. the specifics of your case. Generally, the program You can find more information about how the DRS will spend more time looking for a parent when we locates absent parents by visiting the child support have their Social Security number. Talk to your website at mcisupataatepaus and local DRS workers for more information. clicking on the "View Frequently Asked Questions" link. What happens when you locate the other parent? I know the other parent moves around a lot. After the child support program locates the other Will this create a problem with locating him/ parent, the next step is usually to establish her? paternity of the children. If the other parent is the It might be harder for us to locate the other parent mother, the next step is setting up a child support conference. if they move frequently, but that generally will not 4 Establishing Paternity What is paternity? After leaving the hospital, if both parties wish Paternity refers to the biological relationship to file an AOP, they can receive a blank form between father and child. Pennsylvania law from county assistance offices, the DRSS, or by requires fathers to share the legal and financial contacting the Department of Human Services, responsibilities for their child up until the child Bureau of Child Support Enforcement Paternity is 18 years old or graduates from high school, Coordinator at 1-800-932-0211, option number whichever happens last. two. Officials at each of these locations can help you complete the form. What if the parents were married when Each AOP form must include the signed consent the child was born? of the mother and father, Someone other than Pennsylvania law presumes that the husband is the mother and father must witness the parents the father of any child born during a marriage signing the form. Mail the completed form to between a man and women. BCSE at the address located on the bottom of the AOP. Once BCSE determines the form is it Note: valid, Pennsylvania no longer recognizes is recorded as an acknowledgement of common law paternity. marriage. Parents should not sign the AOP form if they What if the parents were in a same sex have any doubt about who the father is. marriage when the child was born? Instead, contact or go to your county DRS to Pennsylvania's child support regulations have paternity established through the court. currently only address paternity - the biological The court may order genetic testing. See relationship between father and child. However, page 22 titled "Child Support Resources and the DRSS can still help same sex parents Telephone Numbers" to find the telephone establish who has a legal duty to support their number of your county DRS. children. Can the AOP form be rescinded after it is What if the mother and father are not married? submitted? In Pennsylvania, when a child is born to a Either party may cancel the AOP within 60 days woman who is unmarried, there is no legal of signing the form, or before the date of a relationship between the father and the child. court proceeding related to the child, whichever The father of a child born to an unmarried is sooner. After 60 days, the parents may woman is not the father for legal purposes challenge the AOP in court only through a claim unless: of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact. e Both parties sign a valid Acknowledgement The parents must support their claim with clear of Paternity (AOP) form (PA/CS 611) and and convincing evidence. file it with the state, or What if the father will not sign the AOP form? A court establishes an order naming the legal father of the child. The court will order genetic testing. If the named father fails to report for genetic testing, What is an AOP form and when can it be the court may issue an order finding him to be signed? the father of the child. Unmarried mothers and fathers may sign an I don't know who the father is, what can do? form. I AOP When the child is born, the hospital staff will give the unmarried mother and birth Contact the DRS for help. See page 22 titled father an AOP form to complete. The hospital "Child Support Resources and Telephone staff will submit the' completed form. Numbers". 5 Establishing Paternity (continued) Are minor parents legally able to sign the What is the DNA testing process? voluntary AOP form? The DRS or their genetic testing partner collects A minor can sign the AOP form without parental a genetic sample using a buccal swab. This consent as long as he/she fully understands his or procedure is quick and painless. The sample her rights and responsibilities with respect to the collector inserts a cotton swab in the subject's child and the legal consequences of signing the AOP mouth and rubs along the inside of the cheek. The form. If the minor has any doubts, they should not DRS sends the sample cells from the cheek to the sign the AOP form. The minor should speak with laboratory for the DNA testing. his/her parents or a trusted adult for guidance. In addition to the buccal swab, the DRS must photograph and fingerprint the parties to record Who is responsible for paying for DNA testing? the identity of the person providing the sample. The father is responsible for paying genetic testing fees. What if the birth mother will not sign the AOP form? Who needs to participate in the DNA testing? A man claiming to be the father of a child may The DRS will ask the mother, father, and child make a claim of paternity. The man needs to to appear for genetic testing. The child and the complete the child's information section, the child's named father must participate in the DNA testing. birthplace information section, the mother's name The mother should participate as well, but the DRS and the father's information section on the AOP can establish a genetic match for the child with form. Fathers who file an AOP without the mother's just the father if necessary. signature can learn about certain legal proceedings related to the child, but they do not gain any parental rights. If the man wants parental rights, he may go to the DRS and request genetic testing. a 6 What are the Benefits of Establishing Paternity? Parental Rights Social Security Establishing paternity gives both parents certain The child may be eligible to receive Social Security legal rights. It gives the absent parent the right to benefits if the father becomes disabled or dies. seek custody, visitation, and file to pay support. It allows the custodial parent to seek child support Who do I call if I have questions? from the absent parent. If you have more questions, contact the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Child Family History Support Enforcement Paternity Coordinator at: The child will have the benefit of knowing both legal parents as well as relatives from each side of 1-800-932-0211, option number two his/her family. Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Medical Background Or go to www.childsupport.state.pa.us for more information about The child will have the benefit of access to establishing paternity. important medical background from both sides of his/her family. Adoption The father of a child has the right to be notified before any adoption proceeding. Inheritance Upon the death of the father, a child may have the right to inherit from his estate. U.S. Military Benefits The child may be entitled to benefits as a result of the father's service in the military. Child Support Parents who pay child support tend to be more involved in their children's lives and children who receive child support appear to perform better in school and are less likely to become teen parents. Health Care Benefits (Medical Support) If the father's employer provides health care benefits, the father may be able to include the child under his health care plan. 7 Domestic Violence: Addressing Safety Domestic violence is a form of violence involving The DRS can keep you physically separated intimate partners and their children. Abusers from the other party during conferences and subject their victims to mental and physical harm court appearances, allow you to appear for to assert control over their victims' lives. Victims proceedings by phone, provide security to suffer physical injury, live in fear in their homes, escort you to your choice of transportation, and and lose power over their lives. Domestic violence connect you with domestic violence resources includes: available in your area. Individuals applying for Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, shoving, or receiving cash assistance may be excused kicking, punching, burning, choking, not allowing from the requirement to pursue support based you to leave home, neglect/deprivation of medical on domestic violence or other good cause. care, or using objects to cause injury (guns, See page 17 titled "Child Support and Cash knives, baseball bats, etc.). Assistance". Mental Abuse: Threats, telling you what you can Note: Many government agencies and groups that or cannot do, name calling, and put-downs. work in the prevention of domestic violence use the phrases "domestic violence", 'domestic abuse" Sexual Abuse: Rape, unwanted touching, forced and "family violence" to mean the same thing. sexual acts, refusal to practice safe sex, or sexual activity involving a dependent child. Victims or potential victims of domestic violence may include: children, custodial parents, Property or Economic Abuse: Stealing or noncustodial parents, caretakers and spouses. destroying personal belongings, hurting pets, Any individual with safety concerns should talk to taking money, withholding basic needs such as the DRS or court staff at least one week before a food and clothing, and not allowing you to work. scheduled conference or hearing to review safety If you need help with domestic violence problems, options. call the national helpline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or a local agency. Local agency information for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence is available at www.pcadv.org. Addressing Safety Risks Pursuing support may create risks HELP safety for you and your SUPPORT family. The DRS can provide the following safeguards to help keep your family safe if you are at risk for domestic GUIDANCE violence: ADVICE The DRS or court can designate the case as a domestic violence risk ASSISTANCE SOLUTIONS in our system to protect addresses and other confidential information from the other party. 8 Establishing the Support Order The DRS will send you a notice providing the date/ required to provide other information. You must time of your support conference and instructions make this request as soon as possible. for what to bring with you. You should be prepared to talk about and provide proof of your What are the support guidelines? income, expenses, and any special needs your The support guidelines are rules and tables that child has. provide recommendations for support order amounts in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania's state Who must attend the support conference? supreme court consults with an economist to In most instances, both parties must attend the determine how much Pennsylvania families spend support conference. on their children at different income levels. The court uses this information to create support What if I cannot attend the support guidelines for the state. The supreme court conference? developed the child support guidelines using the principle that the child(ren) of separated, divorced, You may ask the DRS if you may attend by receive the or single parents should same amount telephone. You will need to explain why you of parental support as if the parents were together. believe you cannot attend, and you may be How does the DRS use the guidelines to set a child support amount? The DRS will use your income and expense information to set a support amount based on the guidelines. The DRS will also consider other factors, such as how often each parent has custody of the child. The PA Child Support Program website includes the Pennsylvania Support Estimator, which you can use to estimate the amount of your monthly child support obligation. However, the estimator will only give you a general idea of how much support you might receive. What details are in the support order? The support order tells the obligor how much support they must pay each month and identifies any other expenses they must pay, such as medical support. Can I appeal my support order? Yes, you can appeal your support order. Contact your county DRS for guidance on the appeal process. Medical Support Who is responsible for providing medical May require one or both parents to pay part of support for the child? the expenses not covered by the health care Pennsylvania law gives the courts the authority coverage, including birth-related expenses that to order either parent involved in a child support occurred prior to the application for support. action to provide medical support if it is available Will enforce a court order if a parent who is at a reasonable cost. "Reasonable cost" is defined ordered to provide medical support fails to do SO. as an amount not to exceed five percent of the net monthly income. What must the employer and the health care coverage plan administrator do? What is medical support? When an employed parent is ordered to provide Medical support includes health coverage provided medical support, the employer and the plan for a child or children in a child support case administrator must comply with federal and state in which there is a medical support order. This laws. A plan administrator who manages the health includes private health insurance, publicly-funded care coverage for an employer must: health coverage such as Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), cash medical support including payment of health insurance premiums, and payment of medical bills (including dental and eye care). How do I get medical support for a child? You must apply for child support. The DRS will determine whether to order medical support along with child support. Anyone who has custody of a child can apply for child support services at the DRS. The DRS will help people seeking child support to set up a new support order or change an existing order to include medical support. The court: Will determine each parent's responsibility for the health care coverage for the child. Will decide which parent has primary responsibility for medical support; usually, it is the parent who has access to health care coverage at work at a Reasonable Cost,' - which is: Not more than five percent of the party's net monthly income; and If the obligor is to provide the coverage, the total cost of the premium, the cash and other child support-related obligations are not more than the threshold set forth in the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act. 10 Medical Support (continued) e Make the health care coverage available to the Disenroll or eliminate coverage for a child only child without regard to custody arrangements, when: seasonal or other enrollment restrictions or the child's residence. Notified in writing that the court order is no longer in effect; 0 Enroll a child born out of wedlock or a child who is not claimed as a dependent on the The child is enrolled or will be enrolled in federal income tax return of the parent without comparable health care coverage beginning on the date of disenrollment; custody. Process and pay claims to the individual with The employer has eliminated family health custody of the child. care coverage for all employees; - o Tell the individual with custody of the child Any available continuation coverage is not about changes in the health care coverage. elected or the period of such coverage expires; or Provide health care benefit booklets to the individual with custody of the child. The employee is no longer eligible for dependent health care coverage due to a 0 Allow the individual with custody of the child to change in employment status. enroll the child. Getting the Facts About A Child's Health Care Coverage By law, the person with custody of the child must receive the following information: The name of the administrator of the medical support; Health care cards and identification numbers; e Instructions on how and where to file a claim; 0 Claim forms; and Basic benefit facts, including deductible, co-payments and any restrictions on coverage. The National Medical Support Notice The National Medical Support Notice is a medical child, support order that state child support enforcement agencies must use to enforce medical child support. The National Medical Support Notice is used when a parent is ordered to provide medical support for his/ her child and is employed or in active military or reserve military duty. The county DRS sends the National Medical Support Notice to the employer. The employer and the 11 Medical Support (continued) medical support plan administrator must complete For Your Information the National Medical Support Notice. The medical support information is then reported to the county The information contained in this handbook is DRS. not intended to give solutions for all situations. Each child support case has individual differences Confidentiality that may require special attention by a qualified professional at the DRS. The county DRS is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of protected Contact the DRS that handles your case for more health information in accordance with the Health information. See page 22 titled "Child Support Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Resources and Telephone Numbers." (HIPAA). This includes information in health You can apply online for any of the records including, but not limited to: names, commonwealth's health care coverage programs, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, including Medical Assistance and CHIP at medical/health plan numbers, Social Security v.compassiatenaus numbers and birth dates. If you feel that your rights to medical support are not being met or that you need special help, contact: Child Support Helpline 1-800-932-0211 mlidupptsateoaus To learn about the health care coverage programs available in Pennsylvania, which nclude Medical Assistance and CHIP, visit the website www.pa.gov or contact: Medical Assistance Information Helpline 1-800-842-2020 Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) 1-800-986-KIDS (5437) See next page for general information about the CHIP program. You can apply online for any of the commonwealth's health care coverage programs, including Medical Assistance and CHIP, at ww.compasate.pa.s 12 Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Free or Low-cost Health Insurance Is CHIP free for your family? CHIP covers all uninsured children and teens who No family makes too much money for CHIP. Most aren't eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance. kids reçeive CHIP for free. Others can get the same No one makes too much money. It's easy to sign benefits at a low cost. If you make too little for up and even easier to qualjfy. Regardless of why CHIP, your child or teen may be enrolled in Medical your kids don't have insurance right now maybe Assistance. you lost your job or health care has gotten too expensive - CHIP may be able to help. Applying is so easy, a kid could do it. How do I know if my child qualifies? You can apply online mw.csCONpPAl6.cm, over the phone 800-986-KIDS) or by mail. It's easy Based on your family's size and income, your child and we're happy to help you through the process - or teen may be eligible if he or she is just call us at 800-986-KIDS. To apply, you will need e Under 19 years of age; to gather the following information: A U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or Qualified Alien; Your total household income before taxes; and A resident of Pennsylvania; Child care and work transportation expenses. Uninsured and not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance, Coverage that can keep up with kids. Learn more and CHIP is there for your kids with quality, comprehensive health insurance coverage for APPLY TODAY by visiting routine doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, eye care and much more! You'll have your choice of leading www.ChipCoversPAkids.com insurance companies you know and trust. In fact, or calling 800-986-KIDS your kids may even be able to keep visiting the same doctors that they see now. (5437). Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program We Cover All Kids. 13 Receiving Child Support There are twO ways to receive child support payments, the Pennsylvania child support payment card (also known as Way2Go Carde) or direct deposit into a personal bank account. You must contact the PA State Collection and Disbursement Unit (PA SCDU) at 1-877-727- 7238 to set up direct deposit into your checking or savings account. If you do not choose direct deposit, you will receive a PA child support payment card. What is a Pennsylvania child support payment card? The Pennsylvania child support payment card is a fast, convenient way to receive your child support payments. A type of debit card, the PA child support payment card is safer than using cash or checks. How does the Pennsylvania child support payment card work? The child support program deposits your child support payments in an account linked to your card. You will need to select a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to activate your card. Where can I use the Pennsylvania child support payment card? You can use the Pennsylvania child support payment card at any location that accepts MasterCarde or displays its logo such as banks, retail stores and automatic teller machines (ATM). You can get cash back with purchases at many businesses like grocery stores. You can use your PA child support payment card for all of your purchases as long as you have money in your account. 14 5 Receiving Child Support (continued) How do I use the Pennsylvania child support Cash back with a purchase: Many retail payment card? stores accept MasterCarde and will give you 1. To make purchases: Present your card cash back with no fee when you make a when paying. The amount of your purchase is purchase. automatically deducted from your account. At ATMs: You can use any ATM that has 2. To get cash: the MasterCarde logo. You may have to pay an ATM fee to use this service, From a teller at a bank: Give your card to a teller in any bank displaying the If you are a Pennsylvania child support MasterCarde logo and ask for the amount payment cardholder and you have a question of cash you want that is available to you. about your support payment, you may call There is no charge to you to get cash from customer service at 1-800-304-1669 or a bank teller that accepts MasterCarde, access the website at www.SoProgram.com. When making your cash withdrawal, do not ask the teller for a cash advance. The phone number is toll-free nationwide. You can review your payment information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no balance inquiry fee for the first 6 calls each month. After the 6th call you will be charged $.25 for each balance inquiry. Must I do anything else? The law requires each parent to tell the DRS within seven days of any major change in your life, such as moving, changing employment, or getting married. Please be sure the DRS has your current address. The DRS lists your address in PACSES, the state's child support computer. You can update this information online at ACspAIstIePaus If you have questions about your case that are not related to your support payment, you must contact the DRS that handles your case. See page 22 titled "Child Support Resources and Telephone Numbers" for the telephone number of the county DRS that handles your case. Note: Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations requires government issuers of prepaid cards to clearly explain the terms of use, policies and fees associated with their prepaid card, as well as any alternative payment methods that the agency provides. The DRS will give the client a document which explains the card fees and other important information. 15 Child Support and Cash Assistance Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) How and when can someone request good clients must seek child support and cooperate with cause? DRS staff. Families at risk for domestic violence TANF clients can claim good cause at are exempt from this requirement. This exemption any is called time. When a TANF client claims good the "good cause. cause, DRS will not take any action to establish paternity or support. The DRS will refer TANF clients that When are TANF clients excused from claim good cause at the DRS to the CAO for cooperating with the child support help with filling out the Domestic Violence Verification requirement? Form (PA 1747). The CAO will decide whether Domestic Violence - TANF clients can be to grant the good cause exemption and will give excused from the child support requirements when written notice of this decision to the individual who cooperation would: claimed good cause. Make it more difficult for an individual or family What does "assignment of support rights" member to escape domestic violence; mean? Place an individual or family member at risk of If you receive cash assistance, you give DHS further domestic violence; or and the DRS the right to pursue and collect the Unfairly penalize an individual who has been current support that charged during the time you receive cash assistance to the amount of victimized cash or who is at risk of further violence. up assistance you receive. See pages 8 and 9 titled "Domestic Violence: Addressing Safety" for more information. What happens to the "assignment of support Rape, incest or adoption - TANF clients can also rights" when cash assistance ends? be excused from cooperation requirements when: When your cash benefits stop, you receive the full The child was conceived as a result of rape or amount of your support collections and any arrears incest. owed to you. You will receive all support due to you before DHS collects any debt owed to the Court proceedings for adoption of the child are state. pending or the applicant or recipient is working with an agency that is helping to decide whether or not the child should be placed for adoption and these discussions have not progressed for more than three months. 16 Child Support and Cash Assistance (continued) What is a support pass-through? If you have an order for spousal support, If the obligor pays the child support they owe for you are eligible to receive $50 of the current the month on time, DHS pays a portion of that support paid in each month. child support to the TANF client. This is called the You will receive only one support pass-through support pass-through payment. DHS deposits payment a month. this payment to the TANF client's EBT card the next calendar month. If you have any questions regarding support pass- through, contact the Child Support Helpline at 0 If you have one child, you are eligible to 1-800-932-0211. receive up to $100 of the current child support paid in each month; 3 If you have two or more children, you are eligible to receive up to $200 of the current child support paid in each month; or 17 Paying Child Support The most common way to pay child support in can pay by telephone with your credit/debit Pennsylvania is through an income withholding card by calling toll free at 1-800-955-2305. The order. Income withholding orders instruct child support program does not accept recurring employers to withhold a portion of their employee's credit/debit card payments. You must call the pay to satisfy the employee's child support debt. toll-free number every time you wish to make a If your employer gets a court order, they will credit/debit card payment. You may also make take child support out of your pay and send it credit/ debit card payments online at to the child support program. The court can also wwipehlcsupport.co/clcsupporra or at attach your unemployment compensation, workers www.expertpay.com. There is a convenience fee compensation, Social Security, retirement, and for both services. pension oenefits. MoneyGram. MoneyGram accepts child National and state new hire reporting: support payments in many local retailers including CVS, Dollar General, and Wal-Mart. Your employer must report information on new MoneyGram retailers accept payments made employees. This information is matched against by cash. Additionally, Wal-Mart will accept child support records. The records are used to debit card payments. MoneyGram also accepts locate parents, establish child support orders and online payments via debit or credit card at enforce existing orders. www.MoneyGram.com/mgo/us/en/paylills. MoneyGram charges fees for their services. How can I pay child support if I don't have income withholding? For information about your support payment, contact the child support program at 1-877-727-7238. You can pay child support by: Individuals with hearing impairment should use Personal check, cashier's check or money 1-877-676-9582. order. The child support program sends payment Both numbers are toll-free nationwide. You can coupons to support obligors that do not have an access your payment information 24 hours a day, 7 income withholding order. Send your payment days a week. To speak with customer service staff, coupon with the check or money order SO your call between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through account is credited. Write your PACSES Member Friday. If you have questions about your case that ID number or SSN on the check or money order are not related to your support payment, contact the and make it payable to PA SCDU. DRS that handles your case. Bank account debit. You may send one-time What must I do if I move or change my job? payment or recurring payments from your bank account at www.expertpay.com. Call Expert Pay The law says that parents have 7 days to report customer service at 1-800-403-0879 for more to the DRS in writing or in person if they move or information. change jobs. You may also report changes on the PA Child Support Program website at Credit/debit card. The child support program www.childsupport.state.pa.us. accepts Visa@, MasterCarde or Discover8, You 18 PA CareerLink0 PA CareerLinke is Pennsylvania's statewide Many PA CareerLinke services are also available employment and training program, This program online. Online services are accessible at provides all Pennsylvanians access to career and www.pacareerink.pa.gov/iponlinel. The PA job training services, including job postings and CareerLinke website gives job-seekers access to opportunities for work. PA CareerLinke is the name more than 200,000 job openings, allows users for the program's physical locations as well as its to create and upload resumes directly to the website. website and provides job recommendations based PA CareerLink0 is a project involving multiple on chosen preferences. PA CareerLinke allows agencies designed to assist job-seekers in finding individuals to manage all their job search activities family sustaining jobs and assist employers in in one place. finding skilled candidates to fill job openings. Job-seekers will receive personalized Noncustodial parents can be court ordered to recommendations based on their qualifications, and perform PA CareerLinke work searches. PA both Domestic Relations Sections and noncustodial CareerLinke is also available as a resource parents can track job applications electronically. The entire is to noncustodial parents ordered to perform a process paperless and much simpler traditional work search. for both noncustodial parents and Domestic Relation Sections. PA CareerLink0 offices and access points are Noncustodial parents that meet certain criteria each available in of the 67 Pennsylvania counties. will also receive PA CareerLinke alerts when The PA CareerLinke offices are a valuable resource logging into the Child Support Website (CSWS) and CSWS that provide many different services to individuals. Mobile. They will first receive a Registration Alert In-person PA CareerLinke services include: with a link to PA CareerLinke and then receive Job Services to help persons with disabilities Recommendation alerts once registered and logged through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation's into the CSWS or CSWS Mobile. Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, The DRS can order obligors to complete a work Services to help persons who are blind search using the PA CareerLinke Website, Obligors or visually impaired through the Office of ordered to complete a PA CareerLinke work search Vocational Rehabilitation's Bureau of Blindness must register on the PA CareerLinke website and and Visual Services, use it to complete their job search activities. The The future road builders program, where website will track your applications and other job individuals can learn about the opportunities search activities and report that information to and realities of highway construction careers, the DRS. It will also send you personalized job recommendations based on your and e qualifications. In-house web resources for individuals to view past experience. Your DRS worker will provide you workforce and career-related websites, with more information regarding this program if Assistance with Unemployment Compensation, you are ordered into a work search. Several training programs designed to help individuals learn new skills or enhance existing skills, and Veteran focused information, including assistance with finding jobs, acquiring skills and career planning. 19 Child Support Enforcement Measures What happens if I don't pay? which investigates and prosecutes the most flagrant instances of non-payment of child If you do not pay your child support, the DRS may order automatic support. Federal law makes it a crime if you owe an wage withholding or use one or more than $5,000 of child support for more of the following enforcement measures: longer than a year and you do not pay the child support e Federal and state tax refund offset program: for a child who lives in another state. If you are The DRS can intercept your federal and state convicted, the court will order you to pay the income tax refunds. unpaid support. In addition, the court can fine e Financial institution data match: The court you and/or send you to prison for up to two can order financial institutions, such as banks years. and credit unions, to turn over your financial Publication of name: The DRS can publish your assets. name in the newspaper if you are at least 30 Work requirements: The court can order you to days behind in your support payments. work or join an employment program. See the Liens on real estate: Your overdue support PA CareerLinke section for more information. automatically becomes a lien against all real estate that own e Credit bureau reporting: If you don't pay your you in Pennsylvania. child support, the DRS will report your name and the amount of back support you owe to the For Your Information major credit bureaus. The above information describes actions a DRS License suspension: If you owe at least three may take to enforce a child support order. Each months of support and don't have an income child support case is different and may require withholding order, the DRS may suspend, deny, special attention by a qualified professional or not renew the following licenses: at the DRS. If you have questions about your case or want more information about any of Driver's license the enforcement measures described above, Commercial driver's license contact the DRS that handles your case. DRS telephone numbers are located on page 22 of this Professional or occupational license booklet. Additional contact information for all of Fishing and/or hunting license Pennsylvania's 65 county DRS offices and other child support resources and telephone numbers Passport denial: The United States Department are available on the child support website at of State can deny the issuance or renewal of a www.childsupport.state.pa.us in the "Program passport if you owe more than $2500 in child Information" section under "Child Support support. Resources and Telephone Numbers". e Lottery intercept: The DRS can intercept your lottery winnings of $2,500 or more if you owe About Enforcement overdue child support. You can avoid these enforcement actions by paying Intercept of workers compensation and your support or reporting changes in your income lump sum personal injury payment: The and expenses to the DRS. If you have a hardship DRS can intercept the amount of overdue or change in your financial circumstances, then child support you owe from your settlement or you can go to your DRS and explain the situation. benefits. The DRS may be able to modify your order or work with you on a payment plan to avoid enforcement. Fine or prison: The federal government funds the Project Save Our Children task force, a federal multi-agency law enforcement initiative 20 Modifying the Child Support Order When can I request to modify my child support order? Parents can petition the court for a review and modification of their child support order at any time if they feel there is a change in circumstance that may affect the amount of their child support order. Additionally, every three years, the DRS sends each parent a notice asking if they want their support case reviewed. The DRS must review TANF support cases every three years to determine if the order should change. The DRS decides whether to modify an order based on the following factors: D Significant changes in income for either party. New or ongoing medical expenses for the child. Child care and/or medical insurance changes. Age and graduation date of the child. The living arrangements of the fàmily and custody status of the child. Whether either parent is incarcerated. Any other substantial change in circumstances. How do I request a support order modification? Contact your local DRS to obtain a Petition for Modification. You may also log into the child support website at madhlsumotsiat-paus and submit a Petition for Modification through E-Services. The DRS will provide you with a date and time for your modification conference. They will also provide you with a list of items to bring to the conference. 21 Child Support Resources and Telephone Numbers Pennsylvania Child Support DOMESTIC RELATIONS SECTIONS TELEPHONE NUMBERS Website County City Phone County City Phone Adams Gettysburg 888-707-3300 Lackawanna Mayfield access If you have to the internet, 570-963-6721 you can view the Pennsylvania Allegheny Pittsburgh 412-350-5600 Lancaster Lancaster 717-299-8141 Child Support website at Armstrong Kittanning 800-235-3002 Lawrence New Castle 724-658-5651 mchidupporsaepaus: Beaver Beaver 724-773-8500 Lebanon Lebanon 717-228-4480 The website is an interactive online Bedford Bedford 814-623-4813 Lehigh Allentown 610-782-3185 guide to child support information Berks Reading 610-478-2900 Luzerne Wilkes-Barre 570-822-0600 in Pennsylvania. The site is useful to anyone who is receiving or Blair Hollidaysburg 814-693-3220 Lycoming Williamsport 570-327-2395 paying child support, as well as Bradford Towanda 570-265-1718 McKean Smethport 814-887-3377 employers, financial institutions, Bucks Doylestown 888-848-6538 Mercer Mercer 724-662-3800 attorneys and the public. Butler Butler 724-284-5181 Mifflin Lewistown 717-248-3955 You can: Cambria Ebensburg 800-638-4409 Monroe Stroudsburg 570-517-3845 View your payment information Cameron Emporium 814-486-5875 Montgomery Norristown 610-278-3646 online; Carbon Jim Thorpe 570-325-2179 Montour Bloomsburg 570-387-8870 Provide and update information Centre Bellefonte 814-355-6741 Northampton Easton 610-253-3566 such as a new address or Chester West Chester 800-221-4636 Northumberland Sunbury 570-988-4227 employment information; Clarion Clarion 814-226-1030 Perry New Bloomfield 717-582-5178 Locate a Domestic Relations Clearfield Clearfield 814-765-5339 Philadelphia Philadelphia 215-686-7466 Section in your area; Clinton Lock Haven 570-893-4055 Pike Milford 570-296-6511 View scheduled events; Columbia/Montour Bloomsburg 570-387-8870 Potter Coudersport 814-274-7020 Obtain forms; and Crawford Meadville 800-982-9019 Schuylkill Pottsville 570-628-1588 e View docket or lien information. Cumberland Carlisle 888-697-0371 Snyder Middleburg 570-837-4229 Dauphin Harrisburg 800-328-0058 Somerset Somerset 814-445-1440 The following additional Delaware Media 610-891-4314 Sullivan Laporte 570-946-5481 information concerning child support is available on the Elk Ridgway 814-772-5155 Susquehanna Montrose 570-278-4600 website: Erie Erie 814-451-6151 Tioga Wellsboro 570-724-9330 Frequently Asked Questions Fayette Uniontown 724-430-1260 Union Lewisburg 570-524-8661 Forest/Warren Warren 814-728-5534 Venango Franklin 814-432-9590 Child Support Terms Franklin Chambersburg 717-264-6144 Warren Warren 814-728-5534 e Useful Links Fulton McConnellsburg 717-485-3192 Washington Washington 724-228-6756 Greene Waynesburg 724-852-5214 Wayne Honesdale 570-251-9827 Huntingdon Huntingdon 814-643-1403 Westmoreland Greensburg 800-561-5022 Indiana Indiana 724-465-3940 Wyoming Tunkhannock 570-836-8645 Jefferson Brookville 814-849-1632 York York 717-771-9605 Juniata Mifflintown 717-436-7749 22 Child Support Resources and Telephone Numbers Paternity 1-800-692-7462 For additional information, contact the Department Department of Human Services Helpline of Human Services, Bureau of Child Support Enforcement's Paternity Coordinator at: 1-800-842-2020 Medical Assistance Information Helpline 1-800-932-0211 - option number two Monday through Friday 1-800-986-KIDS (5437) 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CHIP Helpline Medical Coverage 1-866-857-7095 LIHEAP Information To learn about the health care coverage programs available in Pennsylvania, which 1-866-502-9105 include Medical Assistance or CHIP, visit the State Supplementary Payment Hotline website www.pa.gov. You can apply online for any of the commonwealth's health care coverage 1-800-451-5886 programs, including Medical Assistance and TDD service for individuals with hearing CHIP, at w.compassate.na.s impairment (Callers must have text telephone equipment) Legal Assistance Visit www.palegalald.net to learn more about free The HELPLINE numbers are toll free nationwide. and low cost legal services in Pennsylvania. They offer recorded information that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To speak with a Helpline Telephone Numbers customer service person, call betwéen 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you have questions about public assistance programs in Pennsylvania, including Cash Domestic Violence Assistance; Medical Assistance; Medicare Part B Buy-in; Food Stamps; Children's Health Domestic violence can affect your family physically, Insurance Program (CHIP); the Low-Income Home emotionally and financially. Domestic violence Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); and State services are available through the national Supplementary Payment (SSP), contact: helpline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or through a local agency. Local agency information for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence is available at www.pcadv.org. 23 NOTES: B NOTES: Important information about Pennsylvania's Child Support Program. If you need help reading this, please call 1-800-932-0211. Language assistance is provided free of charge. Informacion importante sobre el Programa de Manutencion de los Hijos de Pennsylvania. Si necesita que alguien le ayude a leer esta informacion llame al 1-800-932-0211. La asistencia de intérprete es gratuita. a 6 F 1-800-932-0211. BaxHble CBeAeHMA o porpamme B3bICKMBAHMA anMMeHTOB Ha pebeHka B urate NleHCWIbBAHMS. Ecnu BaM HyoKHa NOMOW4b npw 4TEHMM AaHHOrO, AOKymeHTa, 3BOHMTe no TenedpoHy 1-800-932-0211. NOMOub nepeBonyka npepocraBnwercs. 6ecnnatHo. muaimdaimplmgmgangptpaamgsAmmgnt mmgrgmingumsmamais: AJEGIAJD -800-932-0211"1 rgquignaamansngalsantusmntuamang" Thông tin quan trong vé Chuong Trinh Hô Trd Trê Em cha Tiêu Bang Pennsylvania. Néu qui vi cân trg giup dé doc bân tin này xin goi sô 1-800-932-0211. Trd giup vê ngôn ngu dugc cung càp miên phi. pennsylvania DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES PUB 266 3/22