Child Support and Unemployment - Questions and Answers

What authority does the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) have to take my Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefit?

For parents in the State’s IV-D program, DES must deduct child support from UI benefits. This is required by A.R.S. § 23-789. When a parent owing child support applies for UI, DES Child Support gets an electronic alert. DES can deduct up to 50 percent of the total UI benefit for child support payments.

What if I lose/lost my job?

Child support helps parents meet their child’s needs. The parent ordered to pay, known as the obligor, must still pay even if they lose their job. If they miss payments or cannot pay, they will owe back support and interest. We urge both paying parents and those receiving support to visit azui.com to apply for unemployment benefits right after losing a job. Parents should also reach out to DCSS at https://des.az.gov/dcss if there are any changes that could affect their child support case.

How much child support will be deducted from my unemployment insurance payment?

The DCSS will deduct up to 50% of the unemployment insurance benefit to apply towards any child support obligation owed. This amount includes the additional $600 and $300 from the extension of the unemployment insurance benefit that a claimant may receive as a result of COVID-19.

A child support payment was withheld from my Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefit, but I already paid my full obligation for the month. What do I do?

The Social Security Act requires states to automate child support withholdings from UI benefits. Up to 50 percent of your benefit amount or the total support owed, whichever is less, may be withheld. If you get UI benefits, pay extra child support only if the withheld amount does not cover your total obligation. If you paid and met your obligation before the withholding, your case will be reviewed. You will receive a refund for any excess funds. This process may take up to 5 business days. We encourage clients to use the AZ Child Support Portal for online services. You can also email or call Customer Service at 1-800-882-4151, Monday to Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

A child support payment was withheld from my Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefit, but I already had a payment withheld from my paycheck for this month. What do I do?

If DCSS took a child support payment from your UI benefits and it is more than what you owe, your case will be reviewed. Any extra amount will be refunded to you. This process may take up to 5 business days. You do not need to do anything to start it. If you have questions about your case, please use the AZ Child Support Portal to conduct services online, via email or by calling Customer Service at 1-800-882-4151 Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

A child support payment was withheld from my regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefit. Will additional money be withheld from the additional $600 and $300 extension of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) if I am eligible for the payment?

Yes. Fifty percent (50%) will be withheld from your Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) payments. If there is past-due support on the child support case, the extra money collected will first go toward current support debt, then to other child support obligations. If the paying parent is up to date with their child support and has no debt, the weekly UI payments, any retroactive UI payments, FPUC, or other payments may lead to an overpayment of child support. If that happens, your case will be reviewed to see if a refund is warranted. The paying parent does not need to take any action to receive a refund. This review may take up to 5 business days. We encourage clients to access the AZ Child Support Portal for online services. You can also email or call Customer Service at 1-800-882-4151, Monday to Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For example: A paying parent owes $500 each month for current support. They also pay an $8 handling fee and $50 on arrears. This adds up to a total monthly obligation of $558. However, the parent is $5,000 behind on past due support.

The paying parent is receiving an UI benefit payment of $320 per week. The deduction from the DCSS is 50% of the weekly UI amount, which equals $120 per week, totaling $480 (for four weeks). As a result, the monthly obligation is not fully met with the UI benefit. $558-$480 = $78 remaining due.

Note: If extra money is withheld  (from an employer, federal offset, or additional payment of FPUC, etc.) and applied to a case, the monthly obligation could be met very quickly.

The paying parent was also eligible for FPUC. So, an extra $300, which is 50% of the $600 weekly benefit, is deducted from the UI benefit. This amount is applied to the case.

• After one weekly FPUC payment, the monthly obligation is exceeded ($480+$300=$780).
• After four weekly payments of FPUC the amount is even greater ($480+1,200 = $1,680).

The $558 monthly payment is now covered. Also, $1,122 goes to other child support debt, which means $1,122 is paid toward past due support.

In the scenario, If no past due support is owed, the extra money taken will be refunded to the paying parent.

Now that I lost my job, what about health insurance?

The child support order shows who must provide health insurance. If there is a big change in circumstances, either party can reach out to DCSS for more information. This includes asking to modify the child support order. For questions about your child support case, call DCSS Customer Service at 1-800-882-4151. They are available Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.

DES helps communities during the COVID-19 outbreak to meet their basic needs. For more information about medical assistance, visit​​​​​​​ https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/ or call (855) 432-7587.

Will my unemployment benefit amount be increased if I owe child support?

The State of Arizona calculates unemployment insurance benefits based on your past income, not your monthly expenses. Child support payments are considered expenses, so they will not raise your benefit amount. However, up to 50% of your unemployment benefits will be deducted for child support. This ensures that the child's needs are met.

If I am not meeting my child support obligation, am unable to pay, do not qualify for unemployment insurance benefits or am not able to find employment as a result of COVID-19, what actions will the DCSS take?

The paying parent should keep working with the child support program, family court, and the other parent during unemployment. The unemployed parent must document their job search and any relief programs related to COVID-19. It is important to stay compliant with the child support order. For payment options and FAQs about modifications, visit the DCSS child support website. You can find more resources on assistance and programs in Arizona at the Arizona Together website.

Now that I am not earning the same income and my employer is no longer garnishing my wages, can I change my current child support order?

A child support order can only change if a parent asks for a modification. If you lose your job, have a lower salary, or face another income loss, contact DCSS to request a change. Since courts set child support amounts, you must file modification requests with them. The courts may grant a temporary order due to COVID-19-related unemployment. Until the court changes the order, you must keep paying the current amount. Before asking to modify your child support order, gather information about your unemployment benefits. These benefits count as income for child support. Arizona’s Child Support Guidelines include these benefits in calculations. The court needs this info to see if a modification is needed. Also, details about child care and medical insurance costs can impact the child support obligation and the modification request.

Does the state pay child support if the paying parent does not pay as a result of a lost job?

No, child support is paid by the paying parent and not the state. You can find more resources on assistance and programs in Arizona at the Arizona Together website.

If I already receive child support payments by electronic pay card (EPC), how will I receive my unemployment insurance benefit payment?

Your unemployment insurance benefits and child support payments go onto the same debit card. If you already have a debit card for child support, you will not receive a second one.