A Guidebook for a Common Methodology for Determining NDNH-Attributable Child Support Collections

Publication Date: November 16, 2012
Current as of:

The Guidebook for a Common Methodology for Determining NDNH-Attributable Collections (PDF) is designed to provide a set of detailed, step-by-step instructions for estimating annual child support collections attributable to new hire or quarterly wage proactive matches returned to states from the National Directory of New Hires (NDNH). These proactive matches occur after employment information is submitted to the NDNH, resulting in an automatic comparison of the data with child support case data in the Federal Case Registry. After receiving a proactive match, states can issue an income withholding order. Currently, all 50 states and all four territories, as well as many federal agencies, are regularly submitting employment information to the NDNH.

The purpose of calculating an estimate of annual NDNH-attributable child support collections is to quantify the tangible benefits of using proactive matches returned to states by the NDNH. Many states have expressed an interest in quantifying the results at the state level, so employing consistent methodology there allows the broader, national benefits of the system to be demonstrated. Information about the results of these data matches over time can be useful for policymakers and managers at both the state and federal levels.

This guidebook presents:

  • A discussion of the characteristics of the random sample
  • A step-by-step guidelines for reviewing cases and recording attributable collections
  • An explanation of the formula used for calculating NDNH-attributable collections

Although the guidebook provides detailed information for calculating the benefits of NDNH data, technical support is available. For questions, please contact Linda Boyer at linda.boyer@acf.hhs.gov.