e-IWO is an efficient and cost-effective way for employers to receive and acknowledge income withholding orders (IWOs) electronically. The e-IWO process does not include electronic payment features. Below are some benefits of using e-IWO:
- Reduces errors from manual processing
- Eliminates cost of postage and processing paper documents
- Allows reporting of upcoming lump sum payouts and employee terminations
- Allows employers to implement withholding orders sooner so families receive child support quickly
Find out more about the free e-IWO service in this printable flyer (PDF).
What is the e-IWO process?
Employers must have secure servers and allow OCSS to drop off and pick up files in dedicated directories to participate in either Option 1 (No Programming) or Option 2 (System to System). All states and most territories use this process.
Resources:
What are the implementation options?
Option 1 — No Programming
The No Programming Option is ideal for employers who process a few IWOs per month.
How it works: You receive an image-ready portable document format (PDF) copy of the IWO and a prefilled acknowledgement as either a fillable PDF or Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. It requires no programming and minimal effort from your IT department to configure a server and directories.
Estimated implementation time: 2-4 weeks
For more information about this option, go to:
To register, contact: eIWOmail@acf.hhs.gov or enroll through the Child Support Portal.
Option 2 — System-to-System
The System-to-System Option is ideal for a medium to large employer seeking to fully automate the process to receive IWOs electronically and automatically initiate or update an employee’s child support withholding amount without manual intervention.
How it works: OCSS sends IWOs to you in your choice of flat file or XML format. You process the electronic records and make the appropriate update to your payroll system based on the IWO. OCSS can send an image-ready PDF of the IWO along with your file selection. You create an acknowledgement record, indicating to the child support agency whether you accept the IWO for processing. You can reject the IWO for reasons such as the person does not work for your organization, or the IWO is a duplicate.
Estimated implementation time: 3-5 months
For more information about this option, go to
Option 3 — e-IWO Online
The e-IWO Online Option is ideal for smaller employers and those unable to use Options 1 or 2 because an internal server is not available to them. Users must register on the Child Support Portal .
How it works: e-IWOs are delivered to the Child Support Portal for employers to download. Employers must download and acknowledge the e-IWOs within three business days. Users must register on the Child Support Portal . Once you have completed your Portal registration, you can enroll in e-IWO online.
Estimated implementation time: 5-15 business days
How do I register?
Register online with the Child Support Portal for Employers . For more information, see Child Support Portal Information for Employers or email eIWOmail@acf.hhs.gov.