Resuming Child Support Enforcement Administrative Sanctions

In March 2020, CSSD suspended its enforcement of administrative sanctions for non-payment of child support in response to the National Emergency Concerning the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-⁠19) Pandemic and the Mayor’s Declaration of a Public Health Emergency-Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Beginning December 1, 2021, CSSD resumed reviewing matters to consider whether sanctions should be sought for failing to make required child support payments. If you are behind on your child support obligations, you must begin paying again or you may face sanctions. Failure to make a required child support payment after December 1, 2021 may result in the following administrative enforcement actions being taken against you: 

  • Suspension of your driver’s license
  • Suspension of your vehicle registration
  • Suspension of your passport
  • Filing of civil contempt of court
  • Federal and State tax intercepts
  • Freezing of bank accounts
  • Lottery intercept
  • Liens on your property
  • Credit bureau reporting
  • Disability withholding / worker’s compensation intercept
  • Other administrative offsets to certain federal payments

If you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to make a required child support payment, please contact our office. CSSD has many programs that can help you get back on track with your payments.  Please visit our website at www.cssd.dc.gov or contact us at 202-442-9900 to learn more. 

Resuming TANF Sanctions

In March 2020, the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General, Child Support Services Division (CSSD) suspended the practice of reporting our non-compliant TANF customers to Department of Human Services (DHS) to prevent a reduction in TANF benefits. That action was taken in response to the National Emergency Concerning the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-⁠19) Pandemic and the Mayor’s Declaration of a Public Health Emergency-Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Effective November 1, 2021, CSSD resumed seeking TANF sanctions for non-compliant TANF customers. Please visit the Services section of this site for information about applying for our services or contact our office at 202-442-9900 for additional information.

Failing to comply with the requirements of completing the Child Support On-line Application and providing information on the non-custodial parent may result in your reduction of TANF benefits.