Collection and Distribution of Child Support Payments

Processing child support payments is another service provided by the state. All IV-D payments are processed on the Alabama Location Enforcement Collection System (ALECS) . When the state receives payments from non-custodial parents if is called collection. When the state pays out money to custodial parents or the state it is called distribution. Allocation is the method of distributing payments when a noncustodial parent has more than one child support case.

• Collection

The Alabama Child Support Payment Center receives all child support payments and enters them into the computer system. Monthly statements are mailed to parents required to pay child support. These statements may not be mailed to parents whose employers deduct payments from their checks.

Distribution

The distribution of child support payments is governed by Federal Laws and Regulations. Whether you have ever received or are currently receiving TANF benefits impacts the distribution of child support.

Allocation

Alabama law requires that if the non-custodial parent has more than one case, any child support payments received will be distributed on a pro rata basis among each family due support.

Alabama law established that interest be charged on past due child support balances at the rate of 12% per year.

A voice response system has been established in order for you to obtain information on child support payments. See Payment Information for instructions on using this service.