How Illinois is Changing Child Support Benefits for the Better

 Posted on August 05,2024 in Criminal Law

Illinois has taken a significant step forward in supporting low-income families by implementing new child support policies. These changes, effective July 1, 2024, aim to provide more financial resources directly to families in need. An Illinois lawyer can help you understand the aspects of the policy updates and the potential impact on you.

The New Pass-Through Policy

The main aspect of this reform is ensuring that child support payments are fully passed through to families who are either current or former beneficiaries of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Previously, the state retained some of these payments to cover operational costs. Now, all collected child support will be directed to the families for the care and support of their children. The main points of the new policy include:

• Full pass-through of child support payments to eligible households

• Retroactive payments for support collected between January 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024

• No impact on TANF eligibility or child support account balances

This shift ensures that families receive the full financial support intended for their children, potentially improving their economic stability and overall well-being.

Legislative Background and Implementation

The foundation for this change was laid in January 2023 when Governor JB Pritzker signed Public Act 102-1115 into law. This legislation aligns with federal regulations while exercising the state’s option to pass through child support collections to families. Some of the implementation details you should know about are the following:

• The Illinois Department of Health and Family Services (HFS) budget has been increased to cover the operational costs previously offset by retained child support payments.

• Retroactive payments are being issued via paper checks from the Illinois Office of the Comptroller.

• Future payments above standard pass-through amounts will be paid to families in the following month.

Impact on Families and Future Outlook

The new policy is expected to have a positive impact on low-income families in Illinois. By providing full access to child support payments, families may experience improved financial stability, a better ability to meet children’s needs, and a potential reduction in reliance on public assistance programs. It is important to note that federal law allows states to pass through up to $100 for families with one child and $200 for families with two or more children without financial penalty. Illinois’ decision to pass through all child support payments demonstrates a commitment to maximizing support for families in need.

Contact a Geneva, IL Child Support Lawyer

These changes to Illinois child support benefits can significantly impact your family’s financial situation. To fully understand how these new policies affect you and to ensure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to, consider scheduling a private consultation with a Kane County, IL family law attorney. Call Serrano Hanson at 630-844-8781 to get started today and to protect your rights and secure your family’s financial future.