Worker Responsibilities - WAC 388-422-0005

Explain the following to the TANF applicant:

When approved for TANF, a parent/caregiver assigns all rights to support, including child support, childcare, and spousal maintenance for each person applying for or getting TANF/SFA.

If a TANF recipient accepts direct child support for a child on TANF after TANF is approved, they may face an overpayment with DCS.

If there are children in the home who are not on TANF, like a child on SSI, there is no child support assignment or cooperation requirements. If the parent/caregiver is interested in pursuing child support for a child on SSI, they can request this assistance with DCS.

If DCS receives current child support for a child/ren on TANF, DCS will pass through up to $50 each month for households that include one child, and up to $100 for households with two or more children. The amount of pass-through will not be more than what DCS collects during the month.

If DCS receives arrears child support owed to the family prior to being approved on TANF, DCS sends that to the parent/caregiver. If it’s reasonable to anticipate arrears child support, that income is not exempt and will be used in the TANF benefit calculation.

Note: If the parent or caregiver has child support safety concerns, see additional guidance below under WAC 388-422-0010.

How do I complete child support referrals?

Enter Non-Custodial parent (NCP) information for TANF and SFA applications in ACES on the Non-Custodial Parent Screen (NCP). The ACES Manual provides information about completing the NCP page and processing the case in ACES.

Collect and enter as much information as possible on the NCP page so the system can generate the Division of Child Support (DCS) referral (SEMS Quick Referral) for DCS to establish paternity or collect support.

In SEMS, choose the Quick Cash (QC) option from the drop down menu to check for child support income, send comments to DCS when screening parent/caregivers for child support income or payments.

Notify DCS if a parent/caregiver receives a support payment from any party other than DCS after assignment is complete.

Treat support payments received by the parent/caregiver prior to assignment as unearned income.