The New York Times today reported that up to 50% of the states collect child support from absent fathers and primarily use those collections to recoup the monies paid out to mothers and children through TANF grants (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families). According to the NY Times, nearly half of the states pass along none of the funds collected in child support to families on welfare. Other states pay about $50/month to the custodial parent (usually a mother), despite the fact that the absent father may be paying hundreds of dollars per month.
Read Mothers Scrimp as States Take Child Support, New York Times, December 1, 2007. A one-time registration may be required.
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The State of Michigan also took the absent parent's stiumulus package funds last summer, even from parents who are no longer recieving cash assistance. I was one of them. My ex paid over 6000 in child support last year that the State confiscated while I was no longer receiving cash assistance. I am disabled with three children and of course we could have used the money.
Thanks for "listening."
M
Posted by: Mindi Bowen, FlintMI | December 21, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Any statistics on these TANF payments in Michigan?
Posted by: Murray | July 14, 2008 at 07:15 AM