NC Child Support Cooperation Requirement for Work First: What Kinship Caregivers Need to Know

What Happens When You Apply

Filing a Work First application in North Carolina triggers an automatic referral to Child Support Services (CSS). This isn't optional — it's a condition of receiving cash assistance. As the caretaker relative, you assign the child's child support rights to the state, and you're required to cooperate with CSS in identifying and locating the non-custodial parent, establishing paternity if it hasn't been legally established, and securing or enforcing a child support order.

This catches many grandparents off guard. You may have no contact with the child's absent parent, or the parent may be in prison, in treatment, or simply unreachable. CSS still needs you to share what you know.

What "Cooperation" Actually Means

Cooperation means answering CSS's questions honestly about the non-custodial parent's identity, last known address, employer, and Social Security number. It means appearing at hearings if CSS files a paternity or support action, and not actively obstructing the process.

It does not mean you have to know where the parent is. If you provide the information you have and CSS can't locate the parent, you've cooperated. You don't have to be a detective.

If child support is paid on the child's behalf, the amount received is counted dollar-for-dollar against the Work First grant.

The Good Cause Exception

There are situations where cooperating with child support enforcement would put the child or you in danger. North Carolina recognizes a Good Cause Exception for exactly these cases.

You can claim good cause if cooperation would result in physical or emotional harm to the child or caregiver. Valid grounds include domestic violence, child abuse, rape, incest, or pending adoption proceedings.

To claim the exception, submit Form DSS-2121 to your county DSS, along with supporting documentation. Acceptable evidence includes protective orders or restraining orders, law enforcement reports, medical records documenting injuries, affidavits from domestic violence advocates, or court records from abuse or neglect proceedings.

While DSS reviews your good cause claim, they cannot delay, withhold, or deny the child's cash assistance. If DSS approves the exception, you're excused from the child support cooperation requirement covered by the exception.

What If You Don't Cooperate Without Good Cause

Cooperation is a condition of receiving Work First cash assistance. If a request raises a safety concern, request a Good Cause Exception before declining to cooperate.

If the Parent Is Incarcerated

If the child's parent is incarcerated, give CSS the information you have, such as the parent's name and facility. If sharing information or cooperating would create a safety risk, request a Good Cause Exception.

Our North Carolina Kinship Financial Help Guide walks through the child support cooperation process step by step, including how to complete the Good Cause Exception form and what to expect at each stage.

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