Cash assistance rules let families seek child support exceptions

The Family Investment Program must find good cause when cooperating with child support may go against a child's best interest. This applies to people applying for or receiving Family Investment Program cash assistance who do not cooperate with child support. A person may state that cooperation risks harm or retaliation, the child was conceived through rape or incest, adoption proceedings are pending or under consideration, cooperation could discourage family relationships or support, or cooperation is otherwise not in the child's best interest. A person does not need written proof or third-party verification. An oral or written statement is enough; a worker must document an oral statement and help prepare a statement if the person needs assistance. A person may request a good-cause decision at any time during the application or certification period.

The Child Support Enforcement Administration must decide whether a person has an adequate reason for not cooperating with child support. This applies to people applying for or receiving temporary cash assistance who do not cooperate with child support. Examples include agency mail sent to the wrong address, a natural disaster or civil disorder, critical illness, a family crisis needing the person's full attention, or travel while notices were mailed and appointments were scheduled.