Changes To California State Child Support Guidelines

State of California, Sep 13, 2006

Changing How Payments are Processed  –  What You Need to Know

California’s child support program is changing. Using new technology, the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) will now have a greater ability to track, collect and send-out child support payments statewide. The automated system will make it easier for parents to receive their support dollars and make it easier for parents and employers to make child support payments.

If you are a family receiving child support or a parent making support payments, the following information should help answer some general questions about how you will be affected by these changes. If you need more information, please call your local child support agency for specific information about your case.

If you do not have an open case with a local child support agency and your private support payments are being processed by the State Disbursement Unit (SDU), we refer to you as a Non-IV-D case. The Administrative Review Process is available to Non-IV-D individuals that have already contacted the SDU for assistance, and believe their issues have not been addressed.

What is the State Disbursement Unit (SDU)?
Federal law requires states to have a single unit responsible for collecting and processing child support payments. California has met this federal requirement by implementing the State Disbursement Unit (SDU).

Today, the SDU processes 100% of child support payments that used to be handled at the Local Child Support Agencies. Local offices are currently forwarding payments to the SDU.

In September 2006, all IV-D child support payments and all employer wage withholding payments must be sent to a new address  –  directly to the SDU. Parents who pay support and employers responsible for all wage withholding payments are being sent change of address information.