National Council of Child Support Directors (NCCSD)
Position Paper Regarding the Garnishment of Veteran's Benefits
February 26, 2004

Issue:

Under current law, a veteran, who is also a parent, can choose to avoid paying child support by electing to receive service-connected, nontaxable disability benefits, instead of drawing taxable retirement pay.

Background:

The payment of child support is not an issue about veterans. It is an issue about children. Every parent, whether a veteran or not, who owes child support, should not be able to avoid meeting that responsibility by special exceptions in the law.

A proposal eliminates this issue and makes all veteran income subject to garnishment for child support obligations.

NCCSD Statement in Support:

This amendment to current law is consistent with public policy that all parents should support their children, and closes a loophole that allows some parents to avoid their responsibility.