Family Reunification and Compromise of Arrears

Family Reunification has been in place through existing regulations AB 1449, Chapter 463, Statutes of 2001. This bill established a program by which non-custodial parents may compromise assigned arrearages and interest owed for reimbursement of certain public assistance payments paid for a child placed in foster care, or with a relative caretaker or guardian. Cases may qualify when separation or desertion of a parent results in aid being granted to the child and subsequently, the child is returned to the parent. The child must currently be living with the obligor parent whose net income is less than 250% of the federal poverty level. The compromised amount is determined by the LCSA based on the facts of the case and can be up to 100% of the past due support debt. The regulations have been in effect since November 26, 2002.

You are the parent of a child and you owe a public assistance debt because your child received aid from one of the following, while your child was not living with either parent:

  • Aid to families with Dependent Children-Foster Care (AFDC-FC)
  • California Work Opportunity and Responsibility of Kids (CalWORKS)
  • Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program (KinGAP)
  • Your child is not an emancipated minor.
  • Your child is living with you now at least 50% of the time.
  • Your net income is less than 250% of the federal poverty level.

Download a Compromise of Arrears Application Packet

You may also obtain a Compromise of Arrears Application Packet from our office or by calling 916-875-7400 or 1-866-901-3212.

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