Pass-Through Cases

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.

What This Means

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.

How Payments Are Handled

  • The employer sends payments to the SDU.
  • The SDU posts and distributes payments the same way it does for full DCSE service cases.
  • Parents or caregivers should keep a copy of their court order and a record of all payments made or received.
  • Parents or caregivers should notify DCSE of any changes to their court order.

What DCSE Can Do

  • DCSE can process child support payments through the SDU and forward payments based on the court order.

What DCSE Cannot Do

  • Take enforcement actions such as license suspension or tax refund intercepts
  • Change or review the child support order
  • Close the case — only the court can end or close an order

Want More Help?

If you would like DCSE to provide full child support services, you can apply at any time.

Apply for full child support services

Key Things to Know

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.