Child Support & the BadgerCare Plus

If the Badger Care Plus program refers you to the Child Support program, you need to cooperate with child support unless you have "Good Cause".

Cooperation

If needed, the child support agency will try to establish legal fatherhood (paternity). The child support agency will ask the court to order child support that includes medical support. The court may also order either parent or both parents to provide health insurance for the child.

If you are referred to child support and do not cooperate with your child support agency, BadgerCare Plus benefits will end for you when your baby is two months old. However, your children will continue to receive BadgerCare Plus benefits.

Not cooperating may also affect other aid you receive from the W-2, SSI Caretaker Supplement, and Kinship Care programs. W-2 includes child care.

I was told that I am not cooperating. I believe I am cooperating. What should I do?
You may ask for a review. The child support agency will set up a meeting with a "fact finder" to review your case. You may bring a representative with you to this meeting.

The fact finder will mail you a notice of his or her findings. If the fact finder decides you have not been cooperating, the notice will tell you how you may appeal the finding. Click here for information about appealing a decision about not cooperating.

Good Cause

If you believe you or your children would be harmed if you cooperate, you should talk with your BadgerCare Plus worker and file a “Good Cause” claim. The BadgerCare Plus agency will decide whether or not Good Cause exists. You will be asked to give written evidence to support your Good Cause claim. If you have problems getting evidence, your BadgerCare Plus worker can help you.

The BadgerCare Plus agency will consider the evidence you present, and decide whether or not you will have to cooperate with the child support agency under these circumstances.

If you do not agree with the final decision about Good Cause, you may ask the BadgerCare Plus agency for a fair hearing.

I am worried what might happen if the other parent knows my whereabouts. What can I do?
If the release of your address, phone number, employer, or other location information would put you or your children at risk of harm, ask your child support worker for privacy protection. Click here for more information and to download the privacy protection request form.

Go back to the Child Support & Aid/Benefit programs page

Child Support Home  |  Parents & Guardians Information  |  Topic List