The Financial Institution Data Match (FIDM) program is an enforcement tool that is authorized by federal and District law.  The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) uses this tool to collect past-due child support. With FIDM, CSSD can freeze and then seize funds from the bank or other financial account(s) of a parent who has not paid the ordered child support.

Frequently Asked Questions -- FIDM

How does FIDM work?

CSSD compares lists of parents who are behind in making child support payments with names of account holders at financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions. CSSD then asks the financial institutions to freeze the accounts of the delinquent parents. When an account is frozen, the parent loses access to the funds in the account. Once the account is frozen, CSSD takes steps to seize the funds in the accounts to pay the past-due child support.

Who is subject to FIDM?

Only parents who have been ordered to pay child support and who are behind in making those payments are subject to FIDM's freeze and seize activity.  Parents who pay child support on a timely basis will not have their accounts taken.

When are accounts frozen?

CSSD may use FIDM and issue a writ of attachment to freeze a parent's account(s) if the parent owes:

  • Monthly current child support with no payments during the 30 days after the payment is due
  • A judgment obligation that is 60 days past due
  • Arrears (past-due support) amounts that total $500 or more

When are accounts seized?

CSSD may submit an order of condemnation to a bank or other financial institution to seize the account of a non-paying parent in either of the following situations:

  • Parents Not Paying Support through Income Withholding: Seizure will move forward if the account contains at least twice the monthly child support amount. (Example: If the monthly order is $300, the account can be seized if it contains $600 or more.) If the account is less than $150, however, it will not be seized.
  • Parents Paying Support through Income Withholding: Seizure will move forward, if the parent owes $5,000 or more in child support arrears and there is at least $2,500 in the account.

Can a parent avoid having an account frozen and seized?

The best way to prevent having an account frozen and seized is to pay child support on a consistent basis. Parents who are up to date on their child support obligations will not have their names matched with financial institutions.

What can a parent do if the person believes the account should not be seized?

CSSD will notify a parent after an account is frozen and before it is seized. If the parent believes that there is an error in freezing the account, based on the criteria described above, the parent should contact CSSD’s Enforcement Unit at (202) 724-2316 to speak with the case management specialist assigned to the case. If CSSD moves forward and seizes account funds, a parent may request a hearing from the Office of Administrative Hearings.