State Sets Record For Child Support Collections

Tennessee set a new record for child support collections over the past year. The state collected more than 530-million-dollars in delinquent payments, surpassing the previous year's record of 508-million. Officials with the Department of Human Services say federal tax refunds, economic stimulus checks and even lottery winnings have helped to boost the total. Commissioner Gina Lodge says the department uses all federal and state enforcement tools to collect from deadbeat parents and put money in the hands of Tennessee children. A parent must be at least 500-dollars in arrears before federal income tax refunds and stimulus checks can be diverted to children who aren't receiving support.

The department also uses tools like administrative wage assignments, license revocation and liens to collect delinquent payments. DHS officials say many parents who don't pay support play the lottery and find themselves losing if they hit it big. The Child Support Program has collected and distributed half-a-million-dollars in lottery winnings since the games began in 2004.