- Identifying Non-custodial Parents: The applicant or participant is responsible for providing all information available concerning identification of the non-custodial parent of the child for whom benefits have been requested. If the non-custodial parent’s identity is unknown, the applicant or participant is responsible for providing all possible sources of information to be used in identifying the parent.
If the applicant or participant states that the non-custodial parent is unknown, explore the circumstances surrounding the claim thoroughly, and record a comment in FAMIS about the applicant or TA participant’s explanation. Ask him/her to submit all information available to verify the claim. Acceptable methods of verification include:
- If rape is claimed, request a police report of the incident.
- If the applicant or participant claims to not know the identity of the non-custodial parent because they met the non-custodial parent only one time, ask him/her to provide names of other individuals who may know the non-custodial parent.
If more than one alleged father exists for a child, or if responsibility for medical support is unclear, refer each alleged parent of that child to the Family Support Division – Child Support (FSD-CS). Complete CS-201 for each alleged parent. In cases where someone other than the legal father is alleged to be the biological father, complete a CS-201 for the legal father and one for the alleged biological father.
When children have been adopted eligibility is determined based on the adoptive parent. Complete a CS-201 when there is a non-custodial adoptive parent.
In all cases explain to the applicant or participant the importance of cooperating with the identification of the non-custodial parent. A refusal to do this may result in a determination of failure to cooperate and the application of a sanction if the participant fails to claim good cause.
The earlier paternity and/or support are established the sooner the child may:
- have access to the non-custodial parent’s medical benefits
- obtain information on the non-custodial parent’s medical history
- receive other benefits resulting from paternity establishment
- Locating Non-custodial Parents: The applicant or participant is responsible for furnishing information to help locate the non-custodial parent. If the location is unknown, the applicant or participant will be asked to provide information that may lead to possible sources for obtaining this information. Assist the applicant or participant to complete the necessary information on the CS-201. The applicant or participant’s failure to participate in locating the non-custodial parent without good cause may result in a determination of refusal to cooperate and the application of a sanction.
- Other Areas of Cooperation: The applicant or participant may be asked to take a more active role in identifying and locating the non-custodial parent. This may include:
- establishing the paternity of a child born out of wedlock
- helping to obtain medical support, or any other payments or property due the applicant or participant on behalf of the child
- going to the FSD-CS office to provide verbal or written information about the non-custodial parent
- appearing as a witness at court or other hearings or proceedings
DSS Manuals Website