Consultation with Child Support Workers (CSW) is encouraged to promote:

• Case Management
• Communication
• Program information sharing
• Cost savings to the Income Support (IS) Program (e.g., appropriate referrals)

POLICY

Child Support Services (CSS) File Closure

CSS requires support action to be concluded within one year from the date of referral to that program. Documentation concerning the outcome of support activities is forwarded to the Supports and Financial Services Coordinator (SFSC) on Mobius Notes.

There are a number of reasons for a CSS file closure. The CSS closure reasons that may impact eligibility are: 

• Agreement/Order – MEP – Crown/Special Handle 
• Agreement/Order – Crown Interest – Applicant
• Agreement/Order – No Crown Interest – Applicant
• Applicant/Respondent Reconciled
• Dependant(s) Left Applicants Care
• Non-Compliant

The CSS Closure reasons that do not impact client eligibility are: 

• Respondent Deceased
• Respondent Does Not Live In a Reciprocal Jurisdiction
• Divorced, Support Reserved
• Unable to Identify Person Responsible
• History of Threats/Violence
• Whereabouts Unknown Locate Unsuccessful
• Respondent Excluded by DNA Testing
• Person Responsible Has No Ability To Pay
• Applicant Decision to End Services
• Wrong CSS Applicant Referral on LISA
• Assistance File Closed
• Other- See Comments

When an order or agreement is registered with the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP), disbursements are usually made to the Crown during the time the client’s IS file is active. The exception occurs when:

• The support payments exceed the IS benefit amount. MEP then disburses the payments to the client, enabling the worker to close the IS file, or

   

• When the responsible parent pays according to the order or agreement and MEP forwards the support directly to the client. In such cases, the client must declare the income they received through the monthly reporting.

Arrears collected by MEP are disbursed depending upon the time period during which the arrears accrued. If the arrears accrued during the time the client was in receipt of IS benefits, the arrears are disbursed to the Crown. If the arrears accrued during the time the client was not in receipt of assistance, MEP disburses the arrears to the client even when their IS file is open.

PROCEDURES

Child Support Worker

The CSW advises the SFSC of relevant ongoing CSS activities in Mobius Notes on the Integrated Case Home Page. Depending upon the urgency of the notes or CSS activity, the CSW may phone or email the SFSC.

SFSC

The SFSC responds in a timely manner to requests from the CSW for follow-up phoning or emailing the CSW.

The SFSC adjusts Client Budget function 9 prior to the next cut-off date after being advised by the CSW that the client is receiving or is no longer receiving direct child/adult support payments.

In situations where the client does not cooperate with the CSW, the CSW recommends to the SFSC that IS benefits be held pending further direction from the CSW. In emergency situations, the SFSC may negotiate release of the benefit with the Supervisor. The SFSC advises the CSW of the outcome for all cheque hold recommendations made by the CSW.

When the SFSC withholds further benefits, the SFSC:

• Sets the Cheque Release Flag in CRC Processing function 5 to N for the following month’s benefit
  
  
• May use the Automated Reporting Card system to hold financial benefits
  
  
• Advises the client to contact the CSW

   

• Advises the client that their benefits are on hold pending their cooperation with the CSW

   

• Releases the following month’s benefits when advised by the CSW that the client has complied with CSS expectations

   

• Denies or suspends benefits under IESA Section 6(2)(d), when a client is unwilling to cooperate with the CSW and places CCD Alert 28 Non-Compliant Child Support Services.