42 USC 654b - Collection and disbursement of support payments

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

§ 654b.

Collection and disbursement of support payments

(a)

State disbursement unit

(1)

In general

In order for a State to meet the requirements of this section, the State agency must establish and operate a unit (which shall be known as the “State disbursement unit”) for the collection and disbursement of payments under support orders—

(A)

in all cases being enforced by the State pursuant to section 654(4) of this title; and

(B)

in all cases not being enforced by the State under this part in which the support order is initially issued in the State on or after January 1, 1994, and in which the income of the noncustodial parent is subject to withholding pursuant to section 666(a)(8)(B) of this title.

(2)

Operation

The State disbursement unit shall be operated—

(A)

directly by the State agency (or 2 or more State agencies under a regional cooperative agreement), or (to the extent appropriate) by a contractor responsible directly to the State agency; and

(B)

except in cases described in paragraph (1)(B), in coordination with the automated system established by the State pursuant to section 654a of this title.

(3)

Linking of local disbursement units

(b)

Required procedures

The State disbursement unit shall use automated procedures, electronic processes, and computer-driven technology to the maximum extent feasible, efficient, and economical, for the collection and disbursement of support payments, including procedures—

(1)

for receipt of payments from parents, employers, and other States, and for disbursements to custodial parents and other obligees, the State agency, and the agencies of other States;

(2)

for accurate identification of payments;

(3)

to ensure prompt disbursement of the custodial parent’s share of any payment; and

(4)

to furnish to any parent, upon request, timely information on the current status of support payments under an order requiring payments to be made by or to the parent, except that in cases described in subsection (a)(1)(B), the State disbursement unit shall not be required to convert and maintain in automated form records of payments kept pursuant to section 666(a)(8)(B)(iii) of this title before the effective date of this section.

(c)

Timing of disbursements

(1)

In general

(2)

Permissive retention of arrearages

(d)

“Business day” defined

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 454B, as added Pub. L. 104–193, title III, § 312(b), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2207; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title V, § 5549, Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 633.)

cite as: 42 USC 654b