EFFECTIVE 10/01/13 the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) will implement a new computer system: Delaware Child Support System (DCSS).

ALL Income Withholding Orders (IWO) and National Medical Support Notices (NMSN) issued from DCSS will still be in the same federal format; however, DCSS will issue one IWO and one NMSN - per CASE. This is a CHANGE in our business process.

Previously IWOs and NMSNs were issued per employee, even if that employee is responsible for multiple child support obligations. This means that employers will see an increase in the number of notices issued.

When an employer receives an IWO for an employee, it will be very important to review it carefully to ascertain not only which employee it is for, but if this is a case in which the employer is already withholding wages for the named employee; or, if this is an additional withholding order for the same employee.

Each IWO will clearly be marked as either:

• an original IWO to signify this is an IWO for a new child support obligation - even though there may already be a withholding(s) in place for this employee for another child support obligation;
• a modified IWO to signify that this is an amended order for an existing withholding that is already in place;
• a one-time lump sum IWO; or
• an IWO termination.

All existing IWOs and NMSNs issued are to continue to be honored. An amended or terminated IWO for one case will not modify or impact other income withholding(s) that may be in place for the same employee.

Continue to submit IWO payments in the same manner in which they are currently submitted.

The changes outlined here affect only the notices generated from DCSS after 10/01/13.

We recognize that the number of notices may increase, and we apologize for this, but our goal is to meet all federal requirements while incorporating an automated system that will allow us to most efficiently process child support cases and most effectively enforce child support orders to ensure that children receive the support to which they are entitled.

We are making great strides in the development of an employer website that will allow interested employers to work with and communicate with DCSS electronically, and we are hopeful that this will help to streamline some of the cumbersome processes that a paper system requires. We are looking forward to providing more information regarding this endeavor in the near future.

DCSS thanks you for your cooperation and your continued assistance in meeting the financial and medical needs of children. Should you have questions or require additional information, please contact Customer Service at (302) 577-7171 in New Castle County.

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When an employer is ordered to collect child support through an income withholding order, a document entitled 'Order/Notice to Withhold Income for Child Support' will be sent to the employer. The reverse side of that notice provides valuable information for the employer such as, the Consumer Credit Protection Limit, what to do when duplicate wage attachments are issued, and what to do when an employee does not earn enough to meet the child support obligation.

Employers must withhold child support payments from the non-custodial parent's pay in the amount specified in the notice and transmit these payments on or before the date the non-custodial parent is paid.

The payment address is: Division of Child Support Services, PO Box 12287, Wilmington, DE 19850

If you receive multiple income withholding orders with different case numbers for the same non-custodial parent, you must honor each of them. If you receive a duplicate income withholding order with the same case number, honor the one with the most recent date.

Employers must enroll identified children in a health insurance plan available to the non-custodial parent and must complete and return the Employers Answer to Order for Enforcement of Medical and/or Dental Support within 20 days of receipt of the income withholding order.