The federal Office of Child Support Enforcement estimated that more than $100 billion in ordered child support went unpaid in 2009. About $53 million of this unpaid amount was owed to the government due to a lack of public assistance reimbursements.
These numbers have influenced governments to more arduously go after child support payments from the parents responsible to pay it so taxpayers are not left holding the bag to make-up nearly 50 percent of the missing funds through public assistance support.
There are many parents out there who owe child support, but can’t afford to pay it because they are unable to work due to a disability. It’s important to know that even though you may be entitled to Social Security disability payments, you may not be off the hook from paying child support.
Disabled workers who qualify for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program have paid into Social Security their entire working lives. Because the amount payable to these disabled workers is based on their earnings history SSDI recipients can have a portion of their benefits seized if they owe back child support.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is different. Because SSI is based, not on earnings history, but on economic need for low income people, these funds cannot be seized for child support payments. This program is basically a public welfare benefit similar to foods stamps and other public welfare benefits.
As the amount of unpaid child support increases, government officials will continue to ramp up enforcement by garnishing payments and even locking up those who are not meeting their child support obligation. A recent NBC News article reinforces the possibility that government officials are using jail as an option to enforce child support laws. Check out this article for more information.
