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Applicants for CSE services can be the custodial parent, the noncustodial parent, or the child (in situations where the child is not emancipated and living on his/her own). This topic contains information on the following subjects:
1. When the standard application fee is charged;
2. When a reduced application fee is charged due to indigence;
Applicants for CSE program services are required to pay a non-refundable application fee before these services can be provided, unless their situation qualifies for an exception to the standard application fee. See When No Application Fee Is Charged. An application fee is charged in the following situations:
1. A Non-Public Assistance (NPA) applicant requests CSE services.
2. A former CSE client reapplies for services after a case is closed. (Regardless of the reason for the case closure, a new application fee is charged.)
3. A recipient of Health Choice insurance coverage requests CSE services.
The application fee for CSE services in NPA cases is $25.00. This fee can be reduced if the applicant is indigent. (See the next section.)
This application fee is collected after the CSE program services are explained to the applicant and the applicant has decided to apply for services. Additional annual fees for services could be charged.
The $25.00 application fee for CSE services in Non-Public Assistance (NPA) cases can be reduced to $10.00 if the applicant is considered "indigent". For this consideration, indigency is defined at GS 110-130.1 as an individual gross income that does not exceed the Federal poverty guidelines issued each year in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (See the Poverty Level Guidelines.)
To determine qualification for the lower fee, caseworkers ask the applicant for the number of individuals living in the household. All individuals who live in the home are included, whether related or not. Caseworkers can ask for the gross income of the applicant ONLY; however, verification is not required.. The applicant’s gross income includes income from ALL sources, but not the income of any other members of the household.
The "Poverty Level Guidelines" that follow are used to determine the poverty level income amount based on the size of the applicant's household. If the applicant's gross income is below the poverty level for that household size, charge a $10.00 fee, unless the applicant does not want to qualify.
EX: N.C. applicants with a household of three (3) and an annual gross income of $15,000.00 would be considered indigent, and their application fee would be $10.00.
Size of Family Unit |
48 Contiguous States & DC |
Alaska |
Hawaii |
1 |
$ 10,890 |
$ 13,600 |
$ 12,540 |
2 |
$ 14,710 |
$ 18,380 |
$ 16,930 |
3 |
$ 18,530 |
$ 23,160 |
$ 21,320 |
4 |
$ 22,350 |
$ 27,940 |
$ 25,710 |
5 |
$ 26,170 |
$ 32,720 |
$ 30,100 |
6 |
$ 29,990 |
$ 37,500 |
$ 34,490 |
7 |
$ 33,810 |
$ 42,280 |
$ 38,880 |
8 |
$ 37,630 |
$ 47,060 |
$ 43,270 |
For families with more than 8, add this amount per person: |
+$ 3,820 |
+ $ 4,780 |
+ $ 4,390 |
An application fee for CSE services is not charged when:
1. Any child in the household is receiving TANF at the time the client requests CSE services.
2. CSE services are continued after Public Assistance (PA) is terminated.
3. A child in the client's case(s) receives Medical Assistance only (MAO).
4. The family has elected to receive a Benefit Diversion payment and presents proof of the application.
5. A client with at least one (1) existing case open for CSE services requests services in a subsequent case.
6. A Non-Public Assistance (NPA) case is created by an immediate referral of a pending PA application. (If the PA application is denied or withdrawn, the client is responsible at that time for the application fee.)
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For questions or clarification on any of the policy contained in these manuals, please contact your local county office. |
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