5162-1        CHILD SUPPORT INCOME

Family Medicaid households may keep monthly child support payments received directly from a noncustodial parent or from a child support services agency.  Follow the guidance below to handle child support payments:

1. Allow a disregard of $50 per month on any child support payment received and kept, or expected to be received by an applicant or recipient.   Use the “PT” code in EIS.  The amount in excess of $50 is countable unearned income.  Use the “CH” code in EIS.  

Example:

Client receives $300 child support.  Code the UNIN screen: $50 PT $250 CH.

Child support payments count as income to the child for whom the payments are intended.

2. Child Support contributions that are made in-kind (i.e., not in the form of money) are not counted as income.

3. In cases where the noncustodial parent occasionally sends money to a child or the caretaker relative, it may be difficult to tell whether these payments are gifts or direct child support.  If either one of the parents involved states that a particular payment is for support of the child, the payment must be treated as direct child support.

Note:  

Refer to the Alaska Temporary Assistance Manual Section 758-1 for information on how child support payments are treated for TA applicants and recipients.