Child Support Services
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The primary objective of this program is to ensure that children receive financial support from both parents, even when they live separately.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- Department/Agency of U.S. Territorial Gov
All States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Guam. Each of these jurisdictions is required to establish or designate a single and separate State Child Support Enforcement Agency. Tribes are eligible and we currently have sixty tribal child support programs.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
States are awarded funds quarterly based on their estimates of funds needed to provide support enforcement services to individuals eligible under an approved Title IV-D State plan. These awards are made up of matching funds (Federal Financial Participation – FFP), and incentive funds that states earn based on good or improved performance.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 60 to 90 days
- Appeal: From 30 to 60 days
State Plans and amendments submitted as new State Plans, and Plan amendments may require up to 90 days for approval.
Program details & compliance
Description
The purpose of this program is to establish and enforce the support obligations owed by absent parents to their children, locate absent parents, establish paternity, and obtain child, spousal and medical support.
Mission Categories
Primary: Families and Child Welfare Services
Other categories:
Specialized Family and Child Welfare Services
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
States and some Tribes provide support enforcement services directly to individuals who are receiving federally-funded Foster Care Maintenance Payments, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) (or those who cease to receive TANF), and to individuals not otherwise eligible for such services. TANF, Medicaid, and certain federally funded Foster Care applicants or recipients must have assigned support rights to the State. Non-TANF individuals other than those who cease to receive TANF and/or who provide authorization to the IV-D agency to continue support enforcement services, must have signed a written application for support enforcement services. The State must provide services to locate absent parents, establish paternity and enforce support obligations.
Restrictions
Only approved state plan IV-D program expenditures are allowed.
Required Documentation
The State IV-D agencies must be operating in accordance with an approved Title IV-D State plan. Costs eligible for Federal funding will be determined in accordance with 45 CFR 304. Tribes must submit a Tribal IV-D application and plan and upon approval receive funding to operate a IV-D program.
Except for §75.202 and §§75.351 through 75.353 of Subpart D the requirements in Subpart C, Subpart D, and Subpart E of do not apply to this program.
Matching Requirements
States receive a 66 percent Federal Financial Participation (FFP). Federally recognized Indian tribes and Alaska Native organizations are eligible to apply for direct funding for child support programs. Those with approved applications receive 90 percent FFP of their program needs during the first three years and 80 percent FFP thereafter. Tribes also may apply for two-year start-up grants. There are currently sixty tribal child support program recipients.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements
Formula
Quarterly reports have matching percentages and determine amounts.