The Pennsylvania State Collection and Disbursement Unit (PA SCDU) is a critical component of the state's child support enforcement system. Established to streamline the collection and distribution of child support payments, the PA SCDU plays a vital role in ensuring that children receive the financial support they need from non-custodial parents. With its central location in Harrisburg, the unit is responsible for processing and disbursing millions of dollars in child support payments each year.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the PA SCDU collected over $1.4 billion in child support payments in 2020 alone. This impressive figure highlights the unit's effectiveness in facilitating the exchange of financial support between non-custodial parents and custodial parents or guardians. By leveraging advanced technology and a robust infrastructure, the PA SCDU is able to efficiently process payments, reducing the administrative burden on local courts and social services agencies.
Key Points
- The PA SCDU is responsible for collecting and disbursing child support payments on behalf of the state of Pennsylvania.
- In 2020, the unit collected over $1.4 billion in child support payments, with an average monthly collection of $117 million.
- The PA SCDU utilizes advanced technology, including automated payment processing and online payment portals, to facilitate efficient payment collection and disbursement.
- The unit works closely with local courts, social services agencies, and employers to ensure compliance with child support orders and to facilitate the exchange of financial support.
- Parents can access their child support account information and make payments online through the PA SCDU's website, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
History and Evolution of the PA SCDU
The PA SCDU was established in 1990, as part of a broader effort to reform the state’s child support enforcement system. At the time, the system was criticized for being fragmented and inefficient, with multiple agencies and courts involved in the collection and disbursement of child support payments. The creation of the PA SCDU aimed to address these issues by centralizing the collection and disbursement of child support payments, and by leveraging advanced technology to streamline the process.
Over the years, the PA SCDU has undergone significant transformations, driven by advances in technology and changes in state and federal laws. In 2005, the unit implemented an automated payment processing system, which enabled the efficient processing of large volumes of payments. More recently, the PA SCDU has introduced online payment portals, allowing parents to make payments and access their account information online.
Collection and Disbursement Process
The PA SCDU’s collection and disbursement process involves several key steps. First, the unit receives child support payments from non-custodial parents, either through income withholding, online payments, or mail. The payments are then processed and recorded in the unit’s database, and the corresponding child support obligation is updated. Next, the unit disburses the payments to the custodial parent or guardian, either through direct deposit, check, or electronic funds transfer.
According to the PA SCDU's annual report, the unit processed over 2.5 million payments in 2020, with an average payment amount of $543. The report also notes that the unit achieved a collection rate of 74.2%, exceeding the national average of 63.9%. These statistics demonstrate the PA SCDU's effectiveness in collecting and disbursing child support payments, and highlight the importance of the unit's work in supporting the well-being of children and families across Pennsylvania.
| Fiscal Year | Collection Amount | Disbursement Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | $1.23 billion | $1.21 billion |
| 2019 | $1.31 billion | $1.29 billion |
| 2020 | $1.42 billion | $1.40 billion |
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its successes, the PA SCDU faces several challenges, including the need to adapt to changing state and federal laws, and to address the ongoing issue of child support debt. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the state’s child support debt totals over $1.3 billion, with many non-custodial parents struggling to make payments due to unemployment, underemployment, or other financial difficulties.
To address these challenges, the PA SCDU is exploring new strategies, including the use of data analytics to identify trends and patterns in child support payments, and the development of targeted outreach programs to support non-custodial parents in meeting their child support obligations. By leveraging these strategies, the unit aims to improve the overall effectiveness of the child support enforcement system, and to ensure that children and families across Pennsylvania receive the financial support they need to thrive.
How do I make a child support payment to the PA SCDU?
+You can make a child support payment to the PA SCDU online, by phone, or by mail. To make an online payment, visit the PA SCDU’s website and follow the prompts to create an account and make a payment. To make a payment by phone, call the PA SCDU’s customer service number at 1-800-932-0211. To make a payment by mail, send a check or money order to the PA SCDU at P.O. Box 69110, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9110.
How do I access my child support account information?
+You can access your child support account information online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by visiting the PA SCDU’s website and logging into your account. You can also contact the PA SCDU’s customer service number at 1-800-932-0211 to request account information.
What if I am having trouble making my child support payments?
+If you are having trouble making your child support payments, you should contact the PA SCDU’s customer service number at 1-800-932-0211 to discuss your options. You may be eligible for a payment plan or other forms of assistance. Additionally, you can contact a local social services agency or non-profit organization for support and guidance.
