Wisconsin Works (W-2)
Collecting Child Support: An Employer's Role
Wisconsin’s Child Support Program helps children receive the financial support they need and deserve from their non-custodial parents. The program’s success depends on the cooperation of federal, state and local public agencies working in partnership with the private sector. Wisconsin’s employers are important partners in the Wisconsin Child Support Program and play an essential role in the continuing efforts to improve conditions for Wisconsin’s children.
Kids Information Data System (KIDS) is the federally-mandated, statewide computer system program for child support administration. The KIDS automated system forwards an Employer List to employers each month, listing employees whose wages are subject to income withholding. It is designed to help with accurate processing of withholding payments and will come with instructions on its use. Employers may also create their own Employer List, and the state will provide the guidelines.
New Hire Reporting
The purpose of this federally-mandated requirement is to quickly locate non-custodial parents and begin wage withholding for child support as soon as possible after the date of hire. The information will also be used to locate persons wanted for other child support enforcement actions, such as paternity establishment.
In addition to being used for child support purposes, New Hire data will be used to identify individuals who are receiving Unemployment Insurance, Worker’s Compensation, or food stamps and have not reported new income.
New Hire Reporting began January 1, 1999. Information is available from the Division of Unemployment Insurance at 1-888-300-HIRE (4473) or on the Internet at http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uinh/default.htm
Providing Employee Information to State or County Child Support Agencies
When trying to locate child support payers, child support agencies may contact employers and request information about their employees. Information typically requested includes employment dates, wages, home and work addresses and health insurance coverage. Employers are required to provide all information requested by child support staff within seven (7) days of the request. Employers may ask that informational requests be made by letter. Any concerns about the information being requested should be directed to:
Wisconsin Bureau of Child Support
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7935
Madison, WI 53707-7935
PHONE: (608) 266-9909 FAX: (608) 267-2824 or e-mail: bcsrecp@dwd.state.wi.us
Employer Updates on Child Support Policies and Requirements
A handbook on child support policies and employer requirements is available and there is no cost for this publication. It can be obtained by contacting the Department’s Bureau of Child Support.
It is also available via the Internet: http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/bcs/
DES-10989-P (R. 05/99)