CSSD cannot guarantee that payments will be received on a consistent basis. If the payments are deducted from the wages of a non-custodial parent, the employer should remit the payments to the Clearinghouse according to the NCP’s pay dates. Most payments received by the Clearinghouse come through the mail, and mail times will vary.
Electronic Payments
- Custodial parties are encouraged to receive his or her child support payments electronically.
- Payments may be deposited directly into a bank account, or may be available on a debit card.
- To receive child support payments faster and more safely than with paper checks, apply to receive electronic payments.
Checks
If you receive your child support checks by mail, you should allow up to 10 business days as time frames for mail delivery vary.
Child support checks must be replaced under the following conditions:
- The check is stolen
- The check is lost (please wait 10 business days before reporting a lost check)
- The check is “stale dated” (more than 90 days old)
Please contact the Clearinghouse to arrange for a replacement check to be issued. Replacement checks are generally received within 3 to 5 business days. Receiving payments electronically eliminates the chance of losing a check or having it stolen.
Recent Payments
CSSD offers several methods to see the most recent payments for a case. The Online Case Lookup application provides the information from any computer with access to the internet. The Interactive Voice Response system provides the information over the telephone. Otherwise, customers may contact CSSD during normal business hours and speak with a customer service specialist.
Payments on Hold
There are several reasons why payments are placed on hold. Contact CSSD’s Customer Service Unit and a referral will be submitted to the Distribution Unit to have the issue researched and the payment released. Please allow 30 days for processing.
Lost Payments
When a check is lost or stolen, the Clearinghouse should be notified and the check status researched. If the check has not been cashed, the Clearinghouse will send an Affidavit for Replacement Check to complete which must be signed, notarized, and returned to the Clearinghouse. After receiving the form, a replacement check will be issued within two to four weeks. If a Check was cashed illegally, a criminal investigation may need to be conducted, which requires up to 90 days.
Tax Refund Intercept Delays
An NCP will usually be notified approximately 60 days before the Clearinghouse receives any funds. While CSSD is required to apply the funds to the arrears balance when the collection is received, CSSD may hold the collection prior to disbursing it for a period of one (1) to six (6) months to allow for other claims to be filed. Also if such funds are received and a debt is owed to the District of Columbia, the debt owed to the state will be paid first. This is in compliance with federal and state requirements.