More Child Support Dollars to Kids: Using New State Flexibility in Child Support Pass-Through and Distribution Rules to Benefit Government and Families

Publication Date: July 2006

Publisher: Center for Law and Social Policy

Author(s): Paul Legler; Vicki Turetsky

Research Area:

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 provides new state flexibility to pass through more child support dollars to current and former TANF families. This policy brief describes the new DRA changes in assignment and distribution rules, and explains why they can improve child support compliance, assist families making the transition from welfare to work, help states meet work participation and child support performance rates, and reduce state costs.