KTRV Fox 12 Child Support Fee to Reduce Federal Deficit
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Boise, Idaho -- A new federal law is going into effect this fall that will take money away from kids to pay off the nation's debt.
Some Treasure Valley parents, who rely on that child support, are outraged that they'll be receiving $25 less a year to "support" the federal deficit instead of their children.
As 8-year-old Jasmyn and 6-year-old Haven play with their friends, their mom worries about how she's going to take care of them. Danielle Kline is waiting to receive child support from their dad who lives in New Jersey.
Even though she isn't getting any money yet, she received this letter in the mail, notifying her that when she does, she'll be charged a $25 fee -- a fee that will help reduce the federal deficit.
"I think it's unfair. I don't think it's right to take from children to pay off their debt, cause they're not paying any of our debt," said Kline.
Idaho Child Support Services will collect the fee once every year. But it only applies to parents who receive payments of $500 or more, then $25 will automatically be deducted.
"Just charge the other parent an extra $25 to go towards that," said Kline.
But according a federal rule in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, the money is taken from parents who receive the child support payment.
The new law applies to every state, leaving single parents like Kline questioning how they're going to make ends meet when they're already strapped for cash.
"I mean children are expensive. Taking any little bit of money from them is taking a doctor's appointment or dentist appointment or, if they're good, taking a bicycle from them for their birthday. You just don't touch that. It's like one of those unwritten rules. Not the state, not us, it's all about the children," she said.
Idaho Child Support Services will begin collecting the new fee beginning Oct. 1. If parents have any questions, they can call 1-800-356-9868.
