Many families rely on public benefits alongside child support. The interaction is complex: benefits can require cooperation with child support enforcement, and collected support may be kept by the state to reimburse assistance. Understanding the basics prevents surprises and helps you budget.

TANF and assignment of rights. If you receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you usually assign your right to collect support to the state while on assistance. The state may keep support it collects to reimburse benefits paid, though some states provide a “pass‑through” allowing you to receive a portion. Ask your caseworker what your state’s current pass‑through amount is and how it affects your monthly benefits.

SNAP and Medicaid/CHIP. SNAP eligibility considers household income, but child support received may be treated differently than earned income. Medicaid/CHIP coverage for the child is often unaffected by receiving court‑ordered support, but always report changes in income as required. Keep notices and report promptly to avoid overpayments that could become debts.

Cooperation requirements and good cause. Some benefit programs require you to cooperate with child support—providing information, attending appointments, and appearing for paternity testing. If cooperating would endanger you or the child (domestic violence, stalking), ask about “good cause” exemptions or deferrals. Provide documentation from a counselor, advocate, or law enforcement where possible.

Budgeting with variable support. If support is irregular, don’t count on it to cover fixed expenses like rent. Use benefits for essentials and apply support to variable costs or to build a small emergency fund. Keep a ledger so you can answer benefit‑review questions about support received by month.

Transitions off benefits. When your income rises or support becomes reliable, benefits may decrease. Plan for the cliff by updating your budget and confirming the timing of any benefit changes. Ask whether transitional supports are available (childcare subsidies, premium assistance) as you exit the program.

Agency coordination. Child support and human services agencies share data, but mistakes happen. If your SDU shows support paid but your benefits case hasn’t credited it correctly, bring both statements to your caseworker. If the state kept support during TANF months, confirm how much, whether any pass‑through was issued, and what you will receive after TANF ends.

Immigration considerations. Public benefits rules differ for non‑citizens. Receiving child support doesn’t count against public‑charge determinations, but some benefits have eligibility limits. Seek advice from an immigration‑savvy legal aid office if this applies to your family.

Bottom line. Benefits and support can coexist when you understand cooperation rules, pass‑throughs, and budgeting. Stay in touch with both agencies and document everything to avoid overpayments and gaps.

Pass‑through realities. If you are on TANF and the state keeps support, ask whether you can still receive a small monthly pass‑through and whether it affects SNAP. If the other parent pays directly to you during TANF months, report it—unreported support can cause overpayments you’ll have to repay. After TANF ends, confirm with the SDU when support will flow to you again and whether any arrears to the state remain.