What is iv-d?

IV-D refers to Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, which was enacted in 1975 to establish and enforce child support obligations. IV-D stands for "income withholding for child support" and describes the federal program that assists states in collecting and distributing child support payments.

The IV-D program is administered by the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) within the Department of Health and Human Services. Its primary goal is to help custodial parents receive financial support from noncustodial parents, ensuring the well-being and stability of children.

Key features of the IV-D program include:

1. Establishment of paternity: IV-D agencies facilitate establishing legal paternity for children born out of wedlock. This process ensures that both parents are legally recognized, allowing for child support orders to be enforced.

2. Child support order establishment: IV-D agencies assist in establishing legally binding child support orders. This involves determining the financial responsibility of the noncustodial parent and setting appropriate payment amounts.

3. Location of noncustodial parents: IV-D agencies help locate absent parents who may have moved or are difficult to find. This is crucial for enforcing child support orders and ensuring parents fulfill their financial obligations.

4. Income withholding: IV-D agencies have the authority to garnish wages and income from noncustodial parents to enforce child support payments. Income withholding is the most effective method for collecting child support, as it automatically deducts the amount owed from the parent's paycheck.

5. Enforcement methods: IV-D agencies employ various enforcement measures to encourage compliance with child support orders. These include wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver's licenses or professional licenses, credit reporting, and legal action.

6. Collection and distribution of child support: IV-D agencies collect child support payments from noncustodial parents and distribute them to custodial parents or state welfare programs. This ensures that funds reach the intended recipients.

It's important to note that IV-D services are available to any individual, regardless of income level. The program aims to assist custodial parents, regardless of whether they receive public assistance.

Overall, the IV-D program plays a crucial role in ensuring children receive the financial support they deserve. By establishing and enforcing child support obligations, it helps custodial parents provide for their children's basic needs and promotes their overall well-being.