Can I Still Collect Child Support While In Rehab?

Facing the challenges of substance abuse can be incredibly daunting, especially when you’re a parent with dependent children.

The good news is that there is a system in place to assist you in securing child support payments even as you seek rehabilitation.

Here we will delve into the role of the Child Support Enforcement program (IV-D Program) and how it can help parents collect child support payments from the non-custodial parent or guardian.

Understanding The IV-D Program

The IV-D Program is a federally mandated initiative through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

It is designed to assist single parents, particularly those with lower incomes, in navigating the challenges in supporting their children.

One of the benefits of the IV-D Program is that it can help parents secure child support payments.

The program operates in collaboration with state agencies and provides essential services to ensure that children and their families receive the financial support they deserve.

Helping You Through The Drug Rehab Process

Beginning addiction treatment is a brave and crucial step toward lasting recovery, but it may raise concerns about your ability to continue collecting child support.

The good news is that your commitment to getting healthy should not hinder your right to receive child support.

The IV-D Program’s Commitment To Parents With Low Incomes

Approximately 34% of families and 42% of children in the IV-D Program in 2015 were living at or below the poverty level, highlighting the program’s significant impact on parents with lower incomes.

It is designed to be a valuable resource for parents facing financial hardships and difficulties surrounding co-parenting, and its services extend to those struggling with addiction.

The IV-D Program offers several advantages to parents:

• establishment of paternity: For parents who were not married, the IV-D Program can assist in establishing paternity, ensuring that both parents are legally recognized and responsible for the child’s financial support.
• enforcement of support orders: The program is dedicated to enforcing child support orders, which includes taking legal actions against non-custodial parents who fail to meet their financial obligations.
• collection and distribution: The IV-D Program efficiently collects child support payments and ensures timely distribution to custodial parents, providing financial stability to children in need.
• modification of orders: If circumstances change, such as your completion of drug rehab or a significant shift in your income, the IV-D Program can help modify child support orders to reflect these changes accurately.

Conclusion

Beginning addiction treatment is a commendable step toward bettering your life and ensuring a stable life for your child.

It’s essential to understand that you still have the right to collect child support during this period, and the IV-D Program is there to assist you.

By keeping an open line of communication with your caseworker and working together to provide the best for your child, you can navigate these challenging times successfully.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff