When a parent makes payments toward current child support in a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) case, DC law allows up to $150 of the payments each month to “pass through” directly to the custodial parent (CP).

Purpose of the $150 Pass-Through

  • To grant access to additional funds to children receiving TANF benefits
  • To encourage parents to pay their monthly child support obligation on a consistent basis
  • To encourage parents ordered to pay support to have an ongoing relationship with their children
  • To aid the District’s neediest children from living below the poverty line
  • To work in the best interest of the children and families of the District of Columbia

Frequently Asked Questions -- $150 Pass-Through

​​​​​​​How does the pass-through work?

The District of Columbia will provide additional income to CSSD customers who receive TANF benefits.  The law allows up to $150 of monthly child support payments for current support to be distributed directly to the custodial parent (CP).  This pass-through payment is provided to the CP in addition to the TANF benefits.

Who may receive the pass-through amount?

The pass-through amount applies to any CSSD customer who receives TANF benefits, who has a child support order in place for current support, and who receives a current support payment during the month.

How does the pass-through payment benefit a family?

The pass-through payment offers up to $150 in additional income to provide for the needs of the family.

Does the family receive the entire $150 as additional income?

The family will only receive the entire $150 if both of the following occur:

  • The current monthly child support obligation amount is $150 or more.
  • The parent ordered to pay support makes payments toward current support during the month of at least $150.

What time of the month will pass-through payments be received?

It is not possible to predict the exact timing of payments reaching families.  However, CSSD disburses pass-through amounts to families once payments are made by the parent.

Does a family receive a pass-through payment if the other parent does not pay?

A family will only receive pass-through money if the parent who is ordered to pay support makes a payment toward the current-support obligation during the month.

Will a family receive the same pass-through amount each month?

The pass-through amount may be different each month.  The pass-through payment amount is based on both the current monthly child support obligation amount and the amount the parent owing support actually pays during the month.

Example 1: The monthly child support order is $100.  

  • Month 1: Obligor pays $100.  The family receives $100 as a pass-through amount.
  • Month 2: Obligor pays $75. The family receives $75 as a pass-through amount.

Example 2: The monthly child support order if $200.

  • Month 1: Obligor pays $200.  The family receives $150 as a pass-through amount.
  • Month 2: Obligor pays $75. The family receives $75 as a pass-through amount.
  • Month 3: Obligor pays $0.  The family does not receive a pass-through amount.