When a non-custodial parent (NCP) fails to follow their support order, the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) can use one or more of the following enforcement tools:
License Suspension
DCSS may suspend:
- Driver’s licenses
- Professional or occupational licenses
- Recreational licenses (e.g., hunting, fishing)
You may be subject to suspension if you:
- Owe $3,500+ in past due support and haven’t made any payment in 60+ days
- Have an outstanding warrant for not appearing in court
You’ll receive a Notice of Intent before any action. You can:
- Pay arrears in full
- Enter into a payment agreement
- Request a hearing within 20 days
Lottery Intercept
DCSS can intercept lottery winnings for non-custodial parents who owe $150 or more in child support. If you receive a notice:
- You have 30 days to pay your arrears or request a hearing
- A $25 fee will be deducted from collections over $100
Passport Denial
DCSS, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, can deny passport applications if the non-custodial parent owes $3,500+ in past due child support.
If notified:
You have 30 days to pay in full or request a hearing
- If no action is taken, your passport will be denied
Tax Intercept
State Tax Refund Intercept
Non-custodial parents who owe $150+ in past due support are subject to interception of their Delaware state tax refund.
Federal Tax Refund Intercept
Non-custodial parents may also have federal tax refunds intercepted if they owe:
- $500+ (non-public assistance/Medicaid cases)
- $150+ (TANF/Foster Care cases)
Important Notes for Custodial Parents (CPs):
- There’s no guarantee a refund will be due or collected
- If the non-custodial parent is married, their spouse may file an IRS Injured Spouse Claim (Form 8379)
- DCSS must hold some federal refunds for up to 6 months if claimed jointly
A $25 fee is deducted from federal or state intercepts over $100.
Income Withholding Orders (IWOs)
All child support and medical support orders include automatic income withholding. Employers will receive:
- One IWO and one National Medical Support Notice (NMSN) per case
- Clear instructions if it’s a new, modified, or terminated order
Employers must:
- Withhold child and medical support from wages
- Enroll the child in available health coverage
- Follow CCPA limits on total withholding
Send all payments to:
Division of Child Support Services
P.O. Box 12287
Wilmington, DE 19850
Unemployment Compensation Intercept
If the non-custodial parent is receiving unemployment benefits, DCSS can intercept those payments through an automated system with the Delaware Department of Labor.
