Who pays child support if the father is incarcerated?
I just gave birth to a child who's father is about to go to jail. He wouldnt sign the AOP, but I know he's the father. I would go through with prosecuting for child support, but find it pointless if I wont be receiving anything, and it will just be backing up for him to pay when he gets out. Someone told me that the government will pay me, and he is supposed to pay them back when he gets out...is this true? I live in Texas, by the way.
Answers:
If you go on welfare, then they will collect it when he gets out IF he gets a job.
I think you can get welfare. The father will be a slave of the jail, and you can be a slave of the social system. If he is going some time, he will find it difficult to get a job to support you.
No, they won't.
He'll just build arrears until he gets out.
There are groups that can advise you on what to do in Texas
Dr. Laura has a book you need to borrow, or visit a book store and read. How about getting a job and supporting him yourself. Instead of expecting a handout. Perhaps keeping your legs crossed until a responsible, mature, honorable Man comes along would be a nice idea.
I believe so. I work in Child Support in another state, and if you go on public assistance, the state would go after the father and make him pay.
Child Support WILL go after his money even in jail through Commissary. If money is put on the books, they could go after the money on the books. They will try to get money from him no matter where he is...
If a court has orderd the father to pay child support, he still is obligated to pay it, even though he is in prison. That will not change unless the court changes it's order.
whats wrong with getting a job and supporting your child yourself
The welfare department will help you.
Yes, unfortunately he will have to pay them back.
I am sorry that your child's father is in jail. It isn't a pleasant place for him to be, and it must be difficult for you and your baby too.
It doesn't matter to me what he did or you did. It doesn't matter to me what got you into this.
I am unable to help you financially, but I will pray that someone who can afford to will come forward. You are a single mother, alone with her baby. You deserve help.
The father got the screwin', the taxpayers get screwed!
The government doesn't necessarily pay you...since its not a job. But you can apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families...TX may call it something else, but in general its cash assistance. To be eligible for TANF you cannot have any income of your own or if you do it needs to be pretty low. When you apply for the benefits they will ask you questions regarding the father...where he lives, b-day, when/where he's going to jail, etc... Then if you are approved the Division of Child Support will get involved. In general DCSE is collecting the money back that the state is giving you until you get a job or receive support from the father. So, he will have a debt to you and to the state if you receive TANF. Usually, depending on the state, the support amount for an incarcerated individual is around $65/month. But, once he gets out and becomes employed his wages will be garnished.
FYI on TANF---if you have other children and you receive support for them and if it exceeds the TANF grant amount that TX allots, you probably won't be eligible. Check with TX on their policies.
Give a call to your local area social worker, not sure what it is called in Texas. There has to be a department set up to help you with child support, collection of child support, and guidance on how to get help in court! I live in California and I work with the child support department here they force him to pay what is court ordered as they should. he was man enough to make the child then he should be man enough to help raise the child even if it takes the court system to make him do so. They also will give you an attorney set up through the child support agency to help you in court here!
I know that several answers on here were rude and uncalled for and until these people are in this position then they need to grow up and realise support is not all about going to work yourself and raising your child! Wether a man acts as a man or not he is reasponsible for the creation of that child and should as well help with support and medical and any other needs! I would suggest ignoring the dimwitted answers and do whats right for you an your child and seek help and answers from programs within your county to get the help and answers you need!
I'm really SORRY that some of these people are SO ignorant. I do believe it took two people to make this baby, therefore the absent father MUST do his part. no matter where he is. Go get AFDC, they will file for support for you. Sure you won't get anything now, but you will have a court order when he gets out. Please for your child DON'T GIVE UP!!!! Good Luck
well if he,s smart enough(which I doubt cause he,s in jail) he can get payments put on hold,while in jail, with a bit of paper work,on your end however this is a can of worms you can never close,once you get the system working (welfare, court order,district attorney, bla bla bla) games on!! till the kid turns 18, remember he get,s out someday, how bad do you want to ruin this guy,your holding all the cards,and his baby,but you made it with him,. think carefully!!
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