Policy
OCSE proposes and implements national policy for the child support program. We provide guidance and training to help states and tribes develop and operate their individual programs according to federal law.
We issue guidance using several types of documents:
- Action Transmittal (AT) describes actions that programs must take to comply with new and amended federal laws.
- Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) conveys general information on program activities.
- Information Memorandum (IM) provides information on program practices that may be useful for program improvement.
- Policy Interpretation Question (PIQ) responds formally to policy inquiries.
Helpful links:
Related Pages
Featured Resources
For Comment - IRS Disclosure Matrix
June 12, 2013
Child Support and Fatherhood Initiative in the Administration's FY 2014 Budget
April 15, 2013National Child Support Strategic Plan FY 2010-2014
May 1, 2013
Garnishment of Supplemental Security Income Benefits
February 27, 2013
Partnering with other programs, including outreach, referral, and case management activities
December 7, 2012
Facts on Garnishing Federal Benefits for Child Support
February 27, 2013
Requests for Locate Services, Referrals, and Electronic Interface
August 1, 2012
Notice of State Plan Preprint Pages Electronic Forms
January 31, 2013
Most Recent & Requested Documents for Policy RSS Feed
For Comment - IRS Disclosure Matrix
June 12, 2013Provides states with draft copy of IRS Disclosure Matrix and comment form, along with completion instructionsOpen Comment Period – Administrative Subpoena and Notice of Lien
May 7, 2013Request for comment on renewal of Administrative Subpoena and Notice of Lien FormsNational Child Support Strategic Plan FY 2010-2014
May 1, 2013Announces the FY 2010-2014 National Child Support Strategic PlanFederal Offset Collections Report for OCSE Cycle 2013-15
April 18, 2013Provides summary of offset collections for OCSE Cycle 2013-15Federal Offset Collections Report for OCSE Cycle 2013-14
April 16, 2013Provides summary of offset collections for OCSE Cycle 2013-14
Foreign Reciprocating Countries
February 4, 2012List of countries which were declared by the U.S. government as foreign reciprocating countriesAlternatives to Incarceration
June 18, 2012Describes promising practices to help states reduce the need for civil contempt proceedings leading to incarcerationInterstate Child Support Enforcement Case Processing and UIFSA
December 28, 1998PRWORA provisions related to interstate child support enforcement case processingRevised Income Withholding for Support (IWO) Form
May 16, 2011Provides the revised Income Withholding for Support (IWO) Form and instructions and highlights recent changesCollection of Child Support through Federal Income Tax Refund Offset, Administrative Offset, and Passport Denial
July 6, 1998Collection of child support through Federal and administrative offset and passport denial programs
