FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1 – Q . How is Amerikids different from the State?
State Child Support offices all work with a limited budget, limited man power and very large case loads. Amerikids monitors employee to case ratio to ensure that each case gets the attention it deserves. Since Amerikids does not get paid until you do, we are motivated to get the job done.
Also, if the non-custodial is in a different state and there is no knowledge of where he/she is working, your state agency will give your case to that already overloaded state agency to collect. Amerikids will work across state lines in order to collect the money.
2 - Q. How long does it take to receive child support?
Every case in unique. The more information you are able to supply about the non-custodial parent the faster we will be able to collect your payments.
3 - Q. I have no idea where the non-custodial lives or works. Can you still help me?
Yes! This type of situation is very common. Don’t let this be the reason you are not receiving your child support.
4- Q. Do I need to have court orders establishing child support before you take my case?
Yes. To obtain the orders, call your office of child support enforcement.
5 - Q. What if my children are over 18?
The statute of limitations is different in every state, but in most cases we are able to collect far beyond a child’s 18th birthday.
6 - Q. Do you add interest on to the past due child support?
Yes! Most state mandated interest rates range between 8% - 12%. This interest will in most cases, significantly increase the amount owed to you.
7 - Q. If my case requires legal action, do I have to pay for an attorney?
We recover any attorney fees by increasing our fee on future collected child Support from 30% to 35%.
8 - Q. What if the non-custodial’s only income is from cash or ‘under the table’?
It is extremely rare for anyone to truly get paid under the table simply because it is too risky for any employer to give an employee a full time salary under the table.
9 - Q. Can I sign up with you if I receive State Aid?
If you currently receive funds in the form of AFDC, FIPS or TANF we cannot help you at this time. However, if you are receiving housing assistance, daycare assistance, medical assistance and/or food stamps than we may be able to collect your child support for you. Keep in mind even if you did receive AFDC, FIPS or TANF in the past but are no longer signed up for these assistance programs you still may be eligible for our help.
10 - Q. How much is this going to cost me?
Initially there is a $50 registration fee. This fee covers you case setup, obtaining payment records from the state and any location work that may need to be done on the non-custodial parent. After the registration fee, we do not get paid until you do. We charge a 30% recovery fee on money collected. If your case would require any legal representation, then your fee would be increased to 35%. However, the interest we add to your arrears usually covers our recovery fee. In fact, the majority of our clients receive all the support owed to them PLUS a part of the interest AFTER we’re paid! Remember, after our initial application fee, we don’t get paid until you do!
