I'm a single father, and I've never received child support. Those who do get a check often pay for it in blood, sweat and tears. As a matter of fact I also pay child support as well and that's a battle I have trouble managing myself.
I consider myself one of the unlucky that I have that ongoing war each day. Single moms and dads often barely make ends meet -- especially in a county where the number of working poor rises each year. Raising kids is a two-person job, and paying for the little monsters often requires aunts, uncles and grandparents to chip in.
Now, the federal government is demanding that custodial parents pay a $25 yearly fee to receive child support. And guess when those first payments are due?
2007's is due in September. 2008's is due in October. From there on out, the annual fee is paid in October.
Parents are trying to scrape money to get their kids back in school. $25 may not seem like a lot, but it's a pair of shoes, a uniform, a backpack or lunch fees for the month for a child.
That's right. One child. Imagine if you're trying to outfit two or three.
And in a slap to self-reliant working parents, those who have EVER received cash or food assistance in any form are exempt, as are those who collect less than $500 in child support. Receive $501 per year in child support and you pay the fee.
Child support should be just that, to pay support for the child! This should not be an opportunity for the government to figure out ways to get extra money by any means possible...
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