42 U.S.C. § 657 | Distribution of collected support

(a)

In general

Subject to subsections (d) and (e), the amounts collected on behalf of a family as support by a State pursuant to a plan approved under this part shall be distributed as follows:

(1)

Families receiving assistance

In the case of a family receiving assistance from the State, the State shall—

(A)

pay to the Federal Government the Federal share of the amount collected, subject to paragraph (3)(A);

(B)

retain, or pay to the family, the State share of the amount collected, subject to paragraph (3)(B); and

(C)

pay to the family any remaining amount.

(2)

Families that formerly received assistance

In the case of a family that formerly received assistance from the State:

(A)

Current support

To the extent that the amount collected does not exceed the current support amount, the State shall pay the amount to the family.

(B)

Arrearages

section 654(34) of this titleExcept as otherwise provided in an election made under , to the extent that the amount collected exceeds the current support amount, the State—

(i)

section 608(a)(3) of this title shall first pay to the family the excess amount, to the extent necessary to satisfy support arrearages not assigned pursuant to ;

(ii)

if the amount collected exceeds the amount required to be paid to the family under clause (i), shall—

(I)

pay to the Federal Government the Federal share of the excess amount described in this clause, subject to paragraph (3)(A); and

(II)

retain, or pay to the family, the State share of the excess amount described in this clause, subject to paragraph (3)(B); and

(iii)

shall pay to the family any remaining amount.

(3)

Limitations

(A)

Federal reimbursements

section 608(a)(3) of this titleThe total of the amounts paid by the State to the Federal Government under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection with respect to a family shall not exceed the Federal share of the amount assigned with respect to the family pursuant to .

(B)

State reimbursements

section 608(a)(3) of this titleThe total of the amounts retained by the State under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection with respect to a family shall not exceed the State share of the amount assigned with respect to the family pursuant to .

(4)

Families that never received assistance

section 654(6)(B)(ii) of this titleIn the case of any other family, the State shall distribute to the family the portion of the amount so collected that remains after withholding any fee pursuant to .

(5)

Families under certain agreements

section 654(33) of this titleNotwithstanding paragraphs (1) through (3), in the case of an amount collected for a family in accordance with a cooperative agreement under , the State shall distribute the amount collected pursuant to the terms of the agreement.

(6)

State option to pass through additional support with Federal financial participation

(A)

Families that formerly received assistance

Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a State shall not be required to pay to the Federal Government the Federal share of an amount collected on behalf of a family that formerly received assistance from the State to the extent that the State pays the amount to the family.

(B)

Families that currently receive assistance

(i)

In general

Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in the case of a family that receives assistance from the State, a State shall not be required to pay to the Federal Government the Federal share of the excepted portion (as defined in clause (ii)) of any amount collected on behalf of such family during a month to the extent that—

(I)

the State pays the excepted portion to the family; and

(II)

the excepted portion is disregarded in determining the amount and type of assistance provided to the family under such program.

(ii)

Excepted portion defined

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “excepted portion” means that portion of the amount collected on behalf of a family during a month that does not exceed $100 per month, or in the case of a family that includes 2 or more children, that does not exceed an amount established by the State that is not more than $200 per month.

(b)

Continuation of assignments

(1)

State option to discontinue pre-1997 support assignments

(A)

In general

September 30, 1997August 22, 1996Any rights to support obligations assigned to a State as a condition of receiving assistance from the State under part A and in effect on (or such earlier date on or after , as the State may choose), may remain assigned after such date.

(B)

Distribution of amounts after assignment discontinuation

If a State chooses to discontinue the assignment of a support obligation described in subparagraph (A), the State may treat amounts collected pursuant to the assignment as if the amounts had never been assigned and may distribute the amounts to the family in accordance with subsection (a)(4).

(2)

State option to discontinue post-1997 assignments

(A)

In general

Any rights to support obligations accruing before the date on which a family first receives assistance under part A that are assigned to a State under that part and in effect before the implementation date of this section may remain assigned after such date.

(B)

Distribution of amounts after assignment discontinuation

(c)

Definitions

As used in subsection (a):

(1)

Assistance

The term “assistance from the State” means—

(A)

August 22, 1996 assistance under the State program funded under part A or under the State plan approved under part A of this subchapter (as in effect on the day before ); and

(B)

foster care maintenance payments under the State plan approved under part E of this subchapter.

(2)

Federal share

The term “Federal share” means that portion of the amount collected resulting from the application of the Federal medical assistance percentage in effect for the fiscal year in which the amount is distributed.

(3)

Federal medical assistance percentage

The term “Federal medical assistance percentage” means—

(A)

75 percent, in the case of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa; or

(B)

section 1396d(b) of this titleSeptember 30, 1995 the Federal medical assistance percentage (as defined in , as such section was in effect on ) in the case of any other State.

(4)

State share

The term “State share” means 100 percent minus the Federal share.

(5)

Current support amount

The term “current support amount” means, with respect to amounts collected as support on behalf of a family, the amount designated as the monthly support obligation of the noncustodial parent in the order requiring the support or calculated by the State based on the order.

(d)

Gap payments not subject to distribution under this section

section 602(a)(28) of this titleAugust 22, 1996At State option, this section shall not apply to any amount collected on behalf of a family as support by the State (and paid to the family in addition to the amount of assistance otherwise payable to the family) pursuant to a plan approved under this part if such amount would have been paid to the family by the State under , as in effect and applied on the day before .

(e)

Amounts collected for child for whom foster care maintenance payments are made

Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this section, amounts collected by a State as child support for months in any period on behalf of a child for whom a public agency is making foster care maintenance payments under part E of this subchapter—

(1)

shall be retained by the State to the extent necessary to reimburse it for the foster care maintenance payments made with respect to the child during such period (with appropriate reimbursement of the Federal Government to the extent of its participation in the financing);

(2)

shall be paid to the public agency responsible for supervising the placement of the child to the extent that the amounts collected exceed the foster care maintenance payments made with respect to the child during such period but not the amounts required by a court or administrative order to be paid as support on behalf of the child during such period; and the responsible agency may use the payments in the manner it determines will serve the best interests of the child, including setting such payments aside for the child’s future needs or making all or a part thereof available to the person responsible for meeting the child’s day-to-day needs; and

(3)

shall be retained by the State, if any portion of the amounts collected remains after making the payments required under paragraphs (1) and (2), to the extent that such portion is necessary to reimburse the State (with appropriate reimbursement to the Federal Government to the extent of its participation in the financing) for any past foster care maintenance payments (or payments of assistance under the State program funded under part A) which were made with respect to the child (and with respect to which past collections have not previously been retained);

and any balance shall be paid to the State agency responsible for supervising the placement of the child, for use by such agency in accordance with paragraph (2).

Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531 Pub. L. 93–647, § 101(a)Jan. 4, 197588 Stat. 2356 Pub. L. 95–171, § 11Nov. 12, 197791 Stat. 1357 Pub. L. 97–35, title XXIII, § 2332(e)Aug. 13, 198195 Stat. 862 Pub. L. 98–369, div. B, title VI, § 2640(b)July 18, 198498 Stat. 1145 Pub. L. 98–378Aug. 16, 198498 Stat. 1315 Pub. L. 99–514, title XVIIIOct. 22, 1986100 Stat. 2917 Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, § 9141(a)(1)Dec. 22, 1987101 Stat. 1330–321 Pub. L. 100–485, title I, § 102(b)Oct. 13, 1988102 Stat. 2346 Pub. L. 104–193, title III, § 302(a)Aug. 22, 1996110 Stat. 2200 Pub. L. 105–33, title VAug. 5, 1997111 Stat. 626 Pub. L. 106–169, title III, § 301(a)Dec. 14, 1999113 Stat. 1857 Pub. L. 109–171, title VIIFeb. 8, 2006120 Stat. 141–143(, title IV, § 457, as added , , ; amended , , ; , , ; , , ; , §§ 7(a), 11(a), , , 1317; , §§ 1883(b)(6), 1899(a), , , 2957; , , ; , , ; , , ; , §§ 5532(a), (b)(1), (c)–(h), 5547, , , 627, 632; , (c), title IV, § 401(j), (k), , , 1858; , §§ 7301(b)(1)(A), (B)(i), (iii), (2), (c), 7310(b), , , 147.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 109–171, § 7301(b)(1)(A)Pub. L. 109–171, § 7301(b)(1)(B)(iii)2006—Subsec. (a). , which directed general amendment of subsec. (a), was executed by adding pars. (1) to (5) and striking out former pars. (1) to (6), to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the amendment by . See below. Prior to amendment, pars. (1) to (6) related to families receiving assistance, families that formerly received assistance, families that never received assistance, families under certain agreements, the Secretary’s report to Congress, and a State option for applicability, respectively.

Pub. L. 109–171, § 7310(b)Subsec. (a)(3). , amended heading and text of par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “In the case of any other family, the State shall distribute the amount so collected to the family.”

Pub. L. 109–171, § 7301(b)(1)(B)(iii)Subsec. (a)(6). , redesignated par. (7) as (6).

Pub. L. 109–171, § 7301(b)(1)(B)(iii)Subsec. (a)(7). , redesignated par. (7) as (6).

Pub. L. 109–171, § 7301(b)(1)(B)(i), added par. (7).

Pub. L. 109–171, § 7301(c)September 30, 1997August 22, 1996Subsec. (b). , amended heading and text of subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Any rights to support obligations, assigned to a State as a condition of receiving assistance from the State under part A of this subchapter and in effect on (or such earlier date, on or after , as the State may choose), shall remain assigned after such date.”

Pub. L. 109–171, § 7301(b)(2)Subsec. (c)(5). , added par. (5).

Pub. L. 106–169, § 301(c)(1)1999—Subsec. (a). , substituted “subsections (d) and (e)” for “subsections (e) and (f)” in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 106–169, § 401(j)August 22, 1996Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(i)(I). , made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to .

Pub. L. 106–169, § 401(k)Subsec. (a)(5)(C). , substituted “Opportunity Reconciliation Act” for “Opportunity Act”.

Pub. L. 106–169, § 401(k)August 22, 1996Subsecs. (a)(6), (c)(1)(A). , made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to .

Pub. L. 106–169, § 301(c)(2)Subsec. (d). , (4), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (d). Text read as follows: “If—

August 21, 1996“(1) the State share of amounts collected in the fiscal year which could be retained to reimburse the State for amounts paid to families as assistance by the State is less than the State share of such amounts collected in fiscal year 1995 (determined in accordance with this section as in effect on ); and

“(2)(A) the State has distributed to families that include an adult receiving assistance under the program under part A of this subchapter at least 80 percent of the current support payments collected during the preceding fiscal year on behalf of such families, and the amounts distributed were disregarded in determining the amount or type of assistance provided under the program under part A of this subchapter; or

section 664 of this title“(B) the State has distributed to families that formerly received assistance under the program under part A of this subchapter the State share of the amounts collected pursuant to that could have been retained as reimbursement for assistance paid to such families,

then the State share otherwise determined for the fiscal year shall be increased by an amount equal to one-half of the amount (if any) by which the State share for fiscal year 1995 exceeds the State share for the fiscal year (determined without regard to this subsection).”

Pub. L. 106–169, § 301(a)August 22, 1996, amended heading and text of subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “If the amounts collected which could be retained by the State in the fiscal year (to the extent necessary to reimburse the State for amounts paid to families as assistance by the State) are less than the State share of the amounts collected in fiscal year 1995 (determined in accordance with this section as in effect on the day before ), the State share for the fiscal year shall be an amount equal to the State share in fiscal year 1995.”

Pub. L. 106–169, § 401(k)August 22, 1996, made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to .

Pub. L. 106–169, § 301(c)(4)Subsec. (e). , redesignated subsec. (f) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (d).

Pub. L. 106–169, § 301(c)(3), struck out at end “For purposes of subsection (d) of this section, the State share of such amount paid to the family shall be considered amounts which could be retained by the State if such payments were reported by the State as part of the State share of amounts collected in fiscal year 1995.”

Pub. L. 106–169, § 301(c)(4)Subsec. (f). , redesignated subsec. (f) as (e).

Pub. L. 105–33, § 5547(1)1997—Subsec. (a). , substituted “subsections (e) and (f)” for “subsection (e)” in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 105–33, § 5532(c)Subsec. (a)(1). , inserted concluding provisions.

Pub. L. 105–33, § 5532(f)(1)Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(i)(I), (ii)(I). , in introductory provisions, struck out “(other than subsection (b)(1))” after “provisions of this section” and inserted “(other than subsection (b)(1) (as so in effect))” after “1996”.

Pub. L. 105–33, § 5532(f)(2)Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(ii)(II). , substituted “paragraph (5)” for “paragraph (4)”.

Pub. L. 105–33, § 5532(d)section 654(33) of this titleSubsec. (a)(4). , amended heading and text of par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “In the case of a family receiving assistance from an Indian tribe, distribute the amount so collected pursuant to an agreement entered into pursuant to a State plan under .”

Pub. L. 105–33, § 5532(e)Subsec. (a)(5). , substituted “1999” for “1998” in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 105–33, § 5532(b)(1)Subsec. (a)(6). , added par. (6).

Pub. L. 105–33, § 5532(a)September 30, 1997August 22, 1996August 22, 1996August 22, 1996Subsec. (b). , substituted “assigned” for “which were assigned” and “and in effect on (or such earlier date, on or after , as the State may choose), shall remain assigned after such date.” for “and which were in effect on the day before , shall remain assigned after .”

Pub. L. 105–33, § 5532(h)(1)Subsec. (c)(2). , substituted “is distributed” for “is collected”.

Pub. L. 105–33, § 5532(g)section 1318 of this titleSubsec. (c)(3)(A). , substituted “75 percent” for “the Federal medical assistance percentage (as defined in )”.

Pub. L. 105–33, § 5532(h)(2)September 30, 1995September 30, 1996Subsec. (c)(3)(B). , substituted “as such section was in effect on ” for “as in effect on ”.

Pub. L. 105–33, § 5547(2)Subsec. (f). , added subsec. (f).

Pub. L. 104–193July 1, 1975Sept. 30, 19761996— substituted “collected support” for “proceeds” in section catchline and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text consisted of subsecs. (a) to (d) relating to distribution of amounts collected by States as child support during 15 months beginning , and during any fiscal year beginning after , distribution of support collected for families whose assistance under part A of this subchapter has terminated, and distribution of support collected on behalf of children for whom foster care maintenance payments were being made.

Pub. L. 100–4851988—Subsec. (b)(1). substituted “of such amounts as are collected periodically which represent monthly support payments, the first $50 of any payments for a month received in that month, and the first $50 of payments for each prior month received in that month which were made by the absent parent in the month when due,” for “the first $50 of such amounts as are collected periodically which represent monthly support payments”.

Pub. L. 100–2031987—Subsec. (c). amended subsec. (c) generally, revising and restating as single unnumbered subsection provisions of former pars. (1) and (2).

Pub. L. 99–514, § 1899(a)1986—Subsec. (b)(3). , inserted “or administrative” after “court”.

Pub. L. 99–514, § 1883(b)(6)Subsec. (c). , substituted “subsection (b)(4)(A) and (B)” for “subsection (b)(3)(A) and (B)”.

Pub. L. 98–378, § 11(a)(2)1984—Subsec. (b). , inserted “(subject to subsection (d) of this section)” after “shall” in provisions preceding par. (1).

Pub. L. 98–369, § 2640(b)(1)Subsec. (b)(1). , added par. (1). Former par. (1) redesignated (2).

Pub. L. 98–369, § 2640(b)(1)Subsec. (b)(2). , (2)(A), redesignated former par. (1) as (2), and inserted “which are in excess of any amount paid to the family under paragraph (1) and”. Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Pub. L. 98–369, § 2640(b)(1)Subsec. (b)(3). , (2)(B), redesignated former par. (2) as (3), and substituted “paragraph (2)” for “paragraph (1)”. Former par. (3) redesignated (4).

Pub. L. 98–369, § 2640(b)(1)Subsec. (b)(4). , (2)(C), redesignated former par. (3) as (4), and substituted “paragraphs (1), (2), and (3)” for “paragraphs (1) and (2)”.

Pub. L. 98–378, § 7(a)(1)Subsec. (c). , substituted “shall” for “may” in provisions preceding par. (1).

Pub. L. 98–378, § 7(a)(2)Subsec. (c)(2). , substituted “any amount so collected, which represents monthly support payments, to the family (without requiring any formal reapplication and without the imposition of any application fee) on the same basis as in the case of other individuals who are not receiving assistance under part A of this subchapter,” for “the net amount of any amount so collected, which represents monthly support payments, to the family after deducting any costs incurred in making the collection from the amount of any recovery made,”.

Pub. L. 98–378, § 11(a)(1)Subsec. (d). , added subsec. (d).

Pub. L. 97–35, § 2332(e)(1)1981—Subsec. (b). , substituted in provision preceding par. (1) “as support” for “as child support”.

Pub. L. 97–35, § 2332(e)(2)Subsec. (c). , substituted in provision preceding par. (1) “whom support payments” for “whom child support payments” and in pars. (1) and (2) “amounts of support payments” for “amounts of child support payments” in two places and “amounts of support so” for “amounts of child support so”.

Pub. L. 95–171, § 11(a)1977—Subsec. (c). –(c), in par. (1), substituted “amounts of child support payments which represent monthly support payments” for “such support payments” and inserted “, which represent monthly support payments,” after “amounts so collected”; in par. (2), substituted “amounts of child support payments which represent monthly support payments” for “such support payments” and inserted “, which represents monthly support payments,” after “amount so collected”; changed to a comma the period at end of par. (2); and inserted provision for distribution of child support proceeds.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–171Oct. 1, 2009section 7301(e) of Pub. L. 109–171 section 608 of this titleAmendment by section 7301(b)(1)(A), (2), (c) of effective , and applicable to payments under parts A and D of this subchapter for calendar quarters beginning on or after such date, subject to certain State options, see , set out as a note under .

Pub. L. 109–171, title VII, § 7301(b)(1)(B)(ii)Feb. 8, 2006120 Stat. 143

October 1, 2008“The amendment made by clause (i) [amending this section] shall take effect on .”

, , , provided that:

Pub. L. 109–171, title VII, § 7301(b)(1)(B)(iii)Feb. 8, 2006120 Stat. 143Oct. 1, 2009, , , provided that the amendment made by section 7301(b)(1)(B)(iii) is effective .

section 7310(b) of Pub. L. 109–171Oct. 1, 2006section 7310(c) of Pub. L. 109–171 section 654 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–169, title III, § 301(b)Dec. 14, 1999113 Stat. 1857

October 1, 1998September 30, 2001“The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall be effective with respect to calendar quarters occurring during the period that begins on , and ends on .”

, , , provided that:

Pub. L. 106–169, title III, § 301(c)Dec. 14, 1999113 Stat. 1857Oct. 1, 2001, , , provided that the amendment made by section 301(c) is effective .

Pub. L. 106–169 Pub. L. 104–193 section 401(q) of Pub. L. 106–169 section 602 of this titleAmendment by section 401(j), (k) of effective as if included in the enactment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–33 Pub. L. 104–193 section 5557 of Pub. L. 105–33 section 608 of this titleAmendment by effective as if included in the enactment of title III of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–193, title III, § 302(c)Aug. 22, 1996110 Stat. 2204

“(1)

In General .—

October 1, 1996Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 654 and 664 of this title] shall be effective on , or earlier at the State’s option.

“(2)

Conforming amendments .—

section 654 of this titleAug. 22, 1996The amendments made by subsection (b)(2) [amending ] shall become effective on the date of the enactment of this Act [].”

, , , provided that:

Pub. L. 104–193 Pub. L. 104–193 section 654 of this titleFor provisions relating to effective date of title III of , see section 395(a)–(c) of , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–485, title I, § 102(c)Oct. 13, 1988102 Stat. 2346

section 602 of this titleOct. 13, 1988“The amendments made by this section [amending this section and ] shall become effective on the first day of the first calendar quarter which begins after the date of the enactment of this Act [].”

, , , provided that:

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

section 1883(b)(6) of Pub. L. 99–514Oct. 22, 1986section 1883(f) of Pub. L. 99–514 section 402 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .

Pub. L. 99–514, title XVIII, § 1899(b)Oct. 22, 1986100 Stat. 2957

Oct. 22, 1986“The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall become effective on the date of the enactment of this Act [].”

, , , provided that:

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–378, § 7(b)Aug. 16, 198498 Stat. 1315

October 1, 1984“The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall become effective .”

, , , provided that:

section 11(a) of Pub. L. 98–378Oct. 1, 1984section 11(e) of Pub. L. 98–378 section 654 of this titleAmendment by effective , and applicable to collections made on or after that date, see , set out as a note under .

Pub. L. 98–369, div. B, title VI, § 2646July 18, 198498 Stat. 1147

Pub. L. 98–369 Pub. L. 98–369 section 1320b–6 of this title section 51 of Title 26 section 51 of Title 26October 1, 1984“Except as otherwise specifically provided in this subtitle [subtitle B (§§ 2611–2646) of ], the provisions of parts 1 and 2 [sections 2611 to 2642 of , enacting , amending this section and sections 602, 609, 614, 615, 1320a–6, 1382 to 1382b, 1382j, and 1383 of this title and , Internal Revenue Code, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 602, 609, 614, 1320a–6, 1382a, and 1383 of this title and ] and the amendments made thereby shall take effect on .”

, , , provided that:

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–35Oct. 1, 1981section 2336 of Pub. L. 97–35 section 651 of this titleAmendment by effective , except as otherwise specifically provided, see , set out as a note under .