HELP WITH DEBT
California has a program that helps parents with overdue child support pay off their debt
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What does the program do?
The Debt Reduction Program offers qualifying parents with child support debt the opportunity to lower the amount they owe to the government. This debt, called “arrears,” is owed to the government if your children received cash aid (welfare) or were in foster care while you were not paying court-ordered child support. Those programs are paid for by the government, and federal and state laws require that you repay that debt.
If you qualify, you may be able to pay an amount that is less than the full amount you owe. Any reduction in your debt will be based on a calculation of your income, assets, family size, and the cost of living where you live.
Please note:
- It will not forgive the entire debt
- Your current monthly support responsibilities do not change
- It will not reduce unpaid child support owed directly to the person receiving support – you can only reduce the amount you owe the government
- It will not reduce spousal support arrears
Every case is different, and these are very general items for review. Other details of your case may also affect your eligibility.
- If you have an order for current child support, you must be able to pay the monthly current support and the amount of your debt reduction agreement
- If your children never received public assistance or were never in foster care, you are not eligible as the program can only reduce what is owed to the government
- Please make sure that the application is complete, and that all needed documents are provided. Applications cannot move forward until all required information is provided
- Be honest. If you hide income or assets, your application will be denied
- Keep making your current child support payments while applying for the debt reduction program. Any missed current child support payments will result in the denial of your application
- Make your payments as agreed. If you do not make the debt reduction payments after an agreement has been reached, your agreement will be canceled, and you will owe the entire debt to the government
Contact the office handling your case and ask for a Debt Reduction Program application. Your child support specialist can guide you through the application process and help you submit it electronically, by mail, or in person.