A Pass-Through case, also called a Non-IV-D case, is a child support case where the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) does not provide full child support services. DCSE only processes and forwards payments as required by the court order.
In this type of case, the court has ordered child support payments to be sent through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU), which is the state's central payment processing center for child support. The parents have not applied for full DCSE services. DCSE does not enforce the order, review it or manage the case.
Example: A court orders an employer to take child support out of a parent's paycheck and send it to the SDU. The parents have not applied for full DCSE services. DCSE forwards the payment to the other parent but does not manage the case.
What DCSE Can Do
What DCSE Cannot Do
If you would like DCSE to provide full child support services, you can apply at any time.
Court involvement: In a Pass-Through case, only the court can change, stop or move income withholding. DCSE cannot make these changes.
When support ends: Child support usually ends when the youngest child turns 18 and graduates high school or at age 19 if still in high school. Check your court order for details.
If a parent passes away: The court must be told if the obligor dies so income withholding can be reviewed.
Overpayments: Payments sent through income withholding go to the obligee and are not refunded to the obligor.
Applying can unlock more help than payment processing alone.
If paternity has not been legally established, this may be a needed step.
DCSE uses state guidelines to set support amounts and can help you understand how the amount is calculated.