Child Support Services Disburses 159 Million in 2003 2004 Represents Highest Yearly Total Ever in San Diego County

sandiegochildsupport.com/pres, Sep 27, 2005

The County of San Diego Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) distributed an all-time high $159,077,974 in support payments during fiscal year 2003-2004. The total represents a 6% increase over last year’s disbursement and a 38% increase compared to five years ago. In 1998-1999, child support payouts in San Diego County totaled $115,502,360. The County fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. Included in the disbursement total for the fiscal year is $45.3 million that reimbursed federal, state and county public assistance funds.

If a custodial parent currently receives welfare, any child support collected on the case serves to recoup public assistance moneys, except for $50 of each month’s payment that is forwarded to the custodial party. “This reflects the dedication of the men and women who work in this department and achieved this total in spite of the budgetary challenges this past year,” said DCSS director Dr. Thomas Boardman. “The families in San Diego County can be assured that we will continue our efforts to offer outstanding customer service and insure children get the support the deserve.” Among the services added in the past fiscal year are online credit card payments, direct deposit options, development of a simplified application and expansion of the information available at the Department web site.

In December 2003, San Diego’s DCSS was recognized by the state child support office as the top performer in California among “very large counties” by winning three out of five federal performance standard awards. The department also surpassed all five federal child support performance standards for the first time ever.