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1. How does SETS determine the amount of my support check?

Incoming payments (collections) are applied in a predetermined order (hierarchy). "Hierarchy" means a set of rules with higher or lower priorities. The allocation of monies is based on the type of money received from the obligor, employer, lump sum, federal or state tax refunds, unemployment benefits, workers compensation, pensions, etc. How this money can be applied is determined by the source of the money and regulated by state or federally mandated rules and regulations.

For the most part, current child support and child support arrears are paid before other obligations. Spousal support and associated arrears are paid next. Medical orders usually come next. After all of the above are paid, other obligations are paid such as paternity testing fee, attorney fees, clothing and day care costs or other special payments. Finally, current and past administrative fees are paid.

2. Are there exceptions to these priorities?

Yes. Payments received from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be used to reimburse past public assistance received by the custodial parent.

OBES will only be used to pay current child support.

Court orders may affect allocations, the most common occurrence being payments received from the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (OBWC). Attorney’s representing non-custodial parents may receive a worker’s compensation settlement often to obtain a court order for payment of their fees from the settlement.

3. Why is the total amount of my weekly support payment less than the monthly amount ordered?

There are usually 4.3 weeks in each month not just four as most people assume. You will receive the difference in support during those months each where there are 5 weeks in a month. Just as you're not being "overpaid" when you receive that fifth payment during those months, you are not being "underpaid" in the remaining months.

4. How often should I receive a support payment?

Keep in mind, upon receipt of the collection of support payments from individuals or employers. Ohio Child Support Payment Central (OCSPC) has 2 business days to process the collection through SETS.

When a withholding order is first issued, the income provider or employer has 14 days from the date the CSEA issued the withholding notice to be making deductions from their payroll/income cycle. Once the cycle has been completed, the OCSPC has 7 days to receive payment.

5. Can my support payment be delayed for any other reason?

Computer networks are vulnerable to damaged telephone lines, power outages and other technical problems. SETS is no exception.

6. What if I do not receive a payment within these time frames?

The agency requests that you allow an additional ten days after the receipt of collection before contacting the agency. If you still have not received a payment that was distributed to you, or if you have a question about your payment, please contact the agency at 303-740-2073 or 800-528-9511.