Custodial parent’s cooperation with child support agencies

At the option of a State agency, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), no natural or adoptive parent or other individual (collectively referred to in this subsection as “the individual”) who is living with and exercising parental control over a child under the age of 18 who has an absent parent shall be eligible to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program unless the individual cooperates with the State agency administering the program established under part D of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 651 et seq.)—

(A) in establishing the paternity of the child (if the child is born out of wedlock); and

(B) in obtaining support for— (i) the child; or (ii) the individual and the child.

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the individual if good cause is found for refusing to cooperate, as determined by the State agency in accordance with standards prescribed by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The standards shall take into consideration circumstances under which cooperation may be against the best interests of the child.

Paragraph (1) shall not require the payment of a fee or other cost for services provided under part D of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 651 et seq.).