Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 28-44 - Employment Security — Benefits
Section 28-44-58.1. - Child support intercept of benefits.

§ 28-44-58.1. Child support intercept of benefits.
(a) An individual filing a new claim for benefits shall, at the time of filing the claim, disclose whether or not he or she owes child support obligations as defined under subsection (g) of this section. If any individual discloses that he or she owes child support obligations, and is determined to be eligible for benefits, the director shall notify the department of human services, bureau of family support that the individual has been determined to be eligible for benefits.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this title to the contrary, the director shall deduct and withhold from any compensation payable to an individual who owes child support obligations as defined under subsection (g) of this section:
(1) The amount specified by the individual to the director to be deducted and withheld under this subsection, if neither subsection (b)(2) nor (b)(3) of this section is applicable; or
(2) The amount determined pursuant to an agreement submitted to the director under 42 U.S.C. § 654(19)(B)(i) by the department of human services, bureau of family support, unless subsection (b)(3) of this section is applicable; or
(3) Any amount otherwise required to be deducted and withheld from the benefits pursuant to legal process, as that term is defined in 42 U.S.C. § 659(i)(5), properly served upon the director.
(c) Any amount deducted and withheld under subsection (b) of this section shall be paid by the director to the department of human services, bureau of family support.
(d) Any amount deducted and withheld under subsection (b) of this section shall for all purposes be treated as if it were paid to the individual as benefits under chapters 42 — 44 of this title and paid by that individual to the department of human services, bureau of family support in satisfaction of the individual’s child support obligations.
(e) For purposes of subsections (a) through (d) of this section, “benefits” means any compensation payable under this chapter, including amounts payable by the director pursuant to an agreement under any federal law providing for compensation, assistance, or allowances with respect to unemployment.
(f) This section applies only if appropriate arrangements have been made for reimbursement by the department of human services, bureau of family support for the administrative costs incurred by the director under this section that are attributable to child support obligations being enforced by the department of human services, bureau of family support.
(g) “Child support obligations” is defined for purposes of this section as including only obligations that are being enforced pursuant to a plan described in 42 U.S.C. § 654 which has been approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under Part D of Title IV of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.
(h) Upon receipt of funds paid by the director under subsection (c) of this section, the department of human services, bureau of family support shall deposit and hold those funds in an escrow account until credit to the individual’s child support obligation is made.
History of Section.P.L. 1982, ch. 114, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 198, § 28; P.L. 2022, ch. 234, art. 1, § 22, effective December 31, 2022.

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