WSR 97-13-092

PERMANENT RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

(Public Assistance)

[Filed June 18, 1997, 10:55 a.m.]

Date of Adoption: June 17, 1997.

Purpose: Amendments and new sections in chapter 388-14 WAC to provide clarity, to conform with amendments to RCW 26.19.080(3), to clarify procedures under UIFSA (chapter 26.21 RCW), and to provide for oral requests for hearing.

Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 388-14-400, 388-14-405, 388-14-425 and 388-14-430; and amending WAC 388-14-020, 388-14-260, 388-14-270, 388-14-300, 388-14-385, 388-14-390, 388-14-415, 388-14-420, 388-14-435, 388-14-440, 388-14-445, 388-14-450, and 388-14-460.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.310, 26.23.035.

Adopted under notice filed as WSR 97-09-020 on April 8, 1997.

Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: (1) Withdrew changes to WAC 388-14-030 and (2) added to new section WAC 388-14-495 a provision that, if the responsible parent requests a hearing on the issue of registration of a foreign support order, the physical custodian shall be a party to the hearing.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 8, amended 13, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 8, amended 13, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

June 17, 1997

Merry A. Kogut, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 3403, filed 6/9/92, effective 7/10/92)

WAC 388-14-020 Definitions. The definitions contained in WAC 388-11-011 are incorporated into and made a part of this chapter.

(((1))) Unless context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

"Absent parent" means ((that person who:

(a) Is not the physical custodian of the child; and

(b) Is a natural parent, an adoptive parent, or a stepparent owing a legal duty to support said child or children on whose behalf an application has been made for payment of public assistance, or for whom the office is providing nonassistance support enforcement services)) "responsible parent" as defined in this section.

(((2))) "Aid" or "public assistance" means aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) or AFDC foster care, temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), federally-funded or state-funded foster care, and includes ((family independence program services,)) day care benefits, and medical benefits to families as an alternative or supplement to AFDC or TANF.

(((3))) "Applicant/custodian" means the person who is the physical custodian of any dependent child or children on whose behalf nonassistance support enforcement services are being provided by the ((office of support enforcement)) IV-D agency under RCW 74.20.040, chapter 26.23 RCW, and 42 USC Sec. 654(6) or 657(C).

(((4))) "Applicant/recipient," "applicant," and "recipient" include the caretaker relative, the children, and any other person whose needs are considered in determining the amount of public assistance. See also WAC 388-22-030.

(((5))) "Disposable earnings" means that part of earnings of a person remaining after the deduction of amounts required by law to be withheld.

(((6))) "Earnings" means compensation paid or payable for personal services.

(((a))) (1) Earnings include:

(((i))) (a) Wages or salary;

(((ii))) (b) Commissions and bonuses;

(((iii))) (c) Periodic payments under pension plans, retirement programs, and insurance policies of any type;

(((iv))) (d) Disability payments under Title 51 RCW;

(((v))) (e) Unemployment compensation as provided for under RCW 50.40.020 and 50.40.050, and Title 74 RCW;

(((vi))) (f) Gains from capital, labor, or from both combined; and

(((vii))) (g) The fair value of nonmonetary compensation received in exchange for personal services.

(((b))) (2) Earnings do not include profit gained through the sale or conversion of capital assets.

(((7))) "Employee" means a person in employment to whom an employer is paying, owes, or anticipates paying earnings as the result of services performed.

(((8))) "Employer" means any person or organization having any person in employment. It includes:

(((a))) (1) Partnerships and associations;

(((b))) (2) Trusts and estates;

(((c))) (3) Joint stock companies and insurance companies;

(((d))) (4) Domestic and foreign corporations;

(((e))) (5) The receiver or trustee in bankruptcy;

(((f))) (6) The trustee or the legal representative of a deceased person.

(((9))) "Employment" means personal services of whatever nature, including service in interstate commerce, performed for earnings or under any contract for personal services. The contract may be written or oral, express or implied.

(((10))) "Family" means the person or persons on behalf of whom support is sought, which unit may include a custodial parent or other person and one or more children or a child or children in foster care placement.

(((11))) "Foster care case" means a case referred to the IV-D agency by the Title IV-E agency or the state division of child and family services.

"Head of household" means the responsible parent or parents with whom the dependent child or children were residing at the time of placement in foster care.

(((12))) "Income" includes:

(((a))) (1) All appreciable gains in real or personal property;

(((b))) (2) Net proceeds from the sale or exchange of real and personal property; ((and))

(((c))) (3) Earnings;

(4) Interest and dividends;

(5) Proceeds of insurance policies;

(6) Other periodic entitlements to money from any source; and

(7) Any other property subject to withholding for support under the law of this state.

(((13))) "Income withholding action" includes all withholding action the ((office)) IV-D agency is authorized to take. The term includes, but is not limited to actions to:

(((a))) (1) Assert liens under RCW 74.20A.060;

(((b))) (2) Serve and enforce liens under chapter 74.20A RCW;

(3) Issue orders to withhold and deliver under chapter 74.20A RCW ((74.20A.080)), and notices of payroll deduction under chapter 26.23 RCW;

(((c))) (4) Obtain wage assignment orders under RCW 26.18.080.

(((14) "Office" means the office of support enforcement.

(15))) "Payment services only" or "PSO" means a case on which the IV-D agency's activities are limited to recording and distributing child support payments, and maintaining case records. A PSO case is not a IV-D case.

"Physical custodian" means the natural or adoptive parent, or other person, with whom a dependent child resides a majority of the time. The physical custodian may be either an applicant/recipient or applicant/custodian.

(((16) "Payment services only" or "PSO" means a case on which the department's activities are limited to recording and distributing child support payments, and maintaining case records. A PSO case is not an IV-D case.

(17))) "Putative father" includes all men who may possibly be the father of the child or children on whose behalf the application for assistance or support enforcement services may be made. ((See also WAC 388-14-200 (2)(c).))

(((18))) The "required support obligation for the current month" means the amount of a superior court order, tribal court order, or administrative order for support or the periodic future support amount that is or will be owing for the current month ((determined under chapter 388-11 WAC)).

(((19))) "Resident" means a person physically present in the state of Washington who intends to make their home in this state. Temporary absence from the state does not destroy residency once established.

(((20))) "Residential care" means foster care as defined under WAC 388-70-012.

(((21))) "Responsible parent" means the natural parent, adoptive parent, responsible stepparent, or a person having signed an affidavit acknowledging paternity which has been filed with the state center for health statistics, from whom the IV-D agency seeks support for a dependent child.

"Responsible stepparent" means a stepparent having established an in loco parentis relationship with the child or children.

(1) The status shall continue until the relationship is terminated by death, dissolution of marriage, or by superior court order as provided under RCW 26.16.205.

(2) A rebuttable presumption of an in loco parentis relationship is created when the stepparent:

(a) Lives with the child and the parent; or

(b) Provides care, support or guidance for the child.

"Secretary" means the secretary of the department of social and health services, the secretary's designee, or authorized representative. For all purposes in chapter 74.20A RCW, secretary shall mean the designee of the secretary, the director of the IV-D agency, or the director's designee, except as is provided for under the definition of "secretary" in WAC 388-11-011 or where for the purposes of RCW 74.20A.055 "secretary" has another meaning.

"Support enforcement services" for the purposes of chapters 388-11 and 388-14 WAC, means all action the ((office)) IV-D agency is required to perform under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act and state law. This includes, but is not limited to, action to establish, enforce, and collect child((, spousal,)) and medical support obligations, action to enforce and collect spousal support obligations, action to establish paternity, action to modify support order, and distribution of support moneys.

(((22) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of social and health services, the secretary's designee, or authorized representative. For all purposes in chapter 74.20A RCW, secretary shall mean the designee of the secretary, the director of the revenue division, or the director's designee, except as is provided for under WAC 388-11-011(22) or where for the purposes of RCW 74.20A.055 "secretary" has another meaning.

(23))) "Title IV-D" means Title IV-D of the Social Security Act established under Title XX of the Social Security amendments and as incorporated in Title 42 USC ((Sec. 602)).

(((24))) "Title IV-D agency" or "IV-D agency" means the agency currently known as the division of child support or the Washington state support registry, formerly known as the support enforcement division or the office of support enforcement, which is the agency responsible for carrying out the Title IV-D plan in the state of Washington.

"Title IV-D plan" means the plan established under the conditions of Title IV-D and approved by the secretary, Department of Health and Human Services.

"Title IV-E" means Title IV-E of the Social Security Act established under Title XX of the Social Security amendments and as incorporated in Title 42 USC.

"Title IV-E case" means a "foster care case" as defined in this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 26.23.035. 92-13-026 (Order 3403), 388-14-020, filed 6/9/92, effective 7/10/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 88-07-012 (Order 2606), 388-14-020, filed 3/4/88; 86-05-009 (Order 2340), 388-14-020, filed 2/12/86; 83-21-014 (Order 2036), 388-14-020, filed 10/6/83; 80-01-026 (Order 1465), 388-14-020, filed 12/14/79; Order 1054, 388-14-020, filed 9/25/75.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 3005, filed 2/5/90, effective 3/1/90)

WAC 388-14-260 ((Distribution--Referrals from other states)) Interstate cases. (1) When a child support enforcement agency in another state, operating a child support program under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, submits a request for support enforcement services under RCW 74.20.040(3) or chapter 26.21 RCW, the ((office of support enforcement)) IV-D agency shall initiate appropriate action to establish, enforce, and collect the support obligation, including any medical support obligation. The request shall be signed by an authorized official of the state agency and shall contain appropriate information and be accompanied by appropriate documentation to support the action to establish, enforce, and/or collect the support obligation. In addition, the request may be forwarded by use of electronic referral systems such as the child support enforcement network (CSENET). The following is a list of some of the information/documentation that may be submitted with the request for support enforcement services:

(a) The responsible parent's name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, present or last known employer, earnings or ability to earn, employment history, property and resources, and physical description;

(b) The custodian's name, address, and Social Security number;

(c) The names, address, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth of the dependent children;

(d) A certification that the request is being submitted under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act and identification of the case as a public assistance or nonassistance case;

(e) A copy of any superior court order or administrative order establishing the support obligation and any order, tribal court order modifying the court or administrative order;

(f) A copy of any official record of support payments made by the responsible parent or, if no such record exists, an affidavit setting forth the amount of support due under the superior court order, tribal court order or administrative order, the period during which support was due and payable, and the amounts and dates of support payments;

(g) If there is no superior court order, tribal court order or administrative order for support, an affidavit setting forth the following:

(i) A statement of facts establishing or tending to establish the existence of a legally enforceable support obligation;

(ii) A statement of the dates and amounts of any public assistance payments or a statement reflecting the needs of the children for food, clothing, shelter, medical support, or other necessities if no such assistance has been provided.

(2) If a superior court order or tribal court order has been entered establishing the responsible parent's support obligation, the ((office of support enforcement)) IV-D agency may proceed under chapters 26.18, 26.21, 26.23, 74.20, and 74.20A RCW ((74.20A.040)) to enforce the support obligation and initiate further enforcement and collection action as authorized by law.

(3) If an administrative order has been entered by an agency in another state establishing the responsible parent's support obligation, the ((office of support enforcement)) IV-D agency may issue a notice of support debt ((accrued and/or accruing created by the administrative order. Said notice shall be served upon the debtor in the manner prescribed for service of a summons in a civil action or be served on the debtor by certified mail, return receipt requested, demanding payment within twenty days of the date of receipt. The notice of debt shall include a statement of the support debt accrued, computable on the amount required to be paid under the administrative order; a statement that the property is subject to lien and foreclosure, distraint, seizure and sale, or order to withhold and deliver; and a statement that the net proceeds will be applied to the satisfaction of the support debt. The notice shall also include a statement of the amount of the monthly payment for future/current support the responsible parent is required to make under the administrative order.

(a) Any debtor objecting to all or any part of the notice of debt shall have a right to an adjudicative proceeding. The application for a proceeding shall be in writing and shall include a statement of the grounds and defenses upon which relief from the administrative order is sought and/or the basis for modification of the amount for future/current support.

The application shall be filed at the office of support enforcement by registered or certified mail or personally. If an application is filed within twenty days of the date of service of the notice, collection action shall be stayed pending the final adjudicative order. If no application is filed within this twenty-day period, the support debt and/or the amount of the future/current support payments shall become final subject to the provisions of WAC 388-14-260 (3)(e) and shall be subject to collection action.

(b) The scope of the hearing shall be limited to the grounds and defenses enumerated in superior court Civil Rule 60 which may entitle the debtor to relief from the administrative order and/or a determination whether or not the amount of the monthly payment for future/current support should be modified in accordance with the provisions of WAC 388-11-140. The burden of proof to establish such grounds and defenses and/or a material change in circumstances shall be on the debtor.

(c) If the debtor presents evidence which would constitute a full or partial defense and/or grounds for modification, upon request, the administrative law judge may continue the hearing to permit the parties to submit further evidence. Pending further hearing and the entry of an initial decision, the debtor may be ordered to pay or make reasonable payments on any undisputed portion of the support debt and to pay current support if owed.

(d)(i) The provisions of the following sections of chapter 388-11 WAC are incorporated by reference and made applicable to the hearing process provided for in this section to the extent they are consistent and relevant: WAC 388-11-015, 388-11-065, 388-11-070, 388-11-100, 388-11-115, 388-11-120, 388-11-130, 388-11-135, 388-11-140, 388-11-145, 388-11-150, 388-11-155, 388-11-170, and 388-11-190.

(ii) Hearings held under chapter 388-14 WAC shall be governed by the Administrative Procedure Act (chapter 34.05 RCW), the provisions in this chapter, and chapter 388-08 WAC. If any provision in this chapter or in a rule incorporated by subsection (3)(d)(i) of this section conflicts with a provision in chapter 388-08 WAC, the provision in this chapter or in a rule incorporated by subsection (3)(d)(i) of this section shall govern.

(e) If a written application for an adjudicative proceeding is filed at the office of support enforcement after the twenty-day period, the debtor's right to relief from the administrative order shall be determined pursuant to the provisions of Civil Rule 60. The filing of the application after the twenty-day period shall not affect any collection action previously taken under chapter 74.20A RCW. The granting of a late application shall operate as a stay on any future collection action, pending the final adjudicative order. Moneys withheld as a result of collection action in effect at the time of the granting of the late application shall be delivered to the department and shall be held in trust by the department pending the final adjudicative order or during the pendency of any appeal to the courts made under chapter 34.05 RCW. The department may petition the administrative law judge to require the responsible parent to pay future/current support. If an order for future/current support is entered and the responsible parent fails to comply with the order, the office of support enforcement may take appropriate collection action)) under RCW 26.21.460.

(4) If there is no superior court order, tribal court order or administrative order, the ((office of support enforcement)) IV-D agency may issue a support establishment notice ((and finding of financial responsibility and proceed in accordance with the provisions of RCW 74.20A.055 which are incorporated by reference herein, to establish the support obligation, and initiate further enforcement and collection action as authorized by law)).

(5) If the ((office of support enforcement)) IV-D agency is unable to establish, enforce, and/or collect the support obligation in response to the request or otherwise deems it appropriate under the circumstances, the case may be referred to the county prosecuting attorney ((or)), attorney general's office, or Indian tribe for collection action.

(6) ((A petition that has been or may be transmitted from another state for enforcement under the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act, chapter 26.21 RCW, may be deemed to be a request for support enforcement services sufficient to authorize the office of support enforcement to initiate action to establish, enforce, and collect the support obligation in accordance with this section.

(7))) If the ((office of support enforcement)) IV-D agency is unable to locate the responsible parent after reasonable and diligent efforts, the requesting agency fails to provide sufficient information to locate the responsible parent and/or establish and enforce the support obligation, or the case does not appear to have collection potential for the foreseeable future, the ((office of support enforcement)) agency may discontinue support enforcement services and return the request and accompanying documentation to the requesting agency.

(((8))) (7) If the ((office of support enforcement)) IV-D agency is notified by the requesting agency that the custodian of the dependent child or children is moving to another state, support enforcement services on behalf of the custodian may be continued for a period not to exceed five months.

(((9))) (8) When the responsible parent is residing and/or employed in another state and support enforcement services are being provided under RCW 74.20.040 (1) or (2), the ((office of support enforcement)) IV-D agency may execute and submit a request or an electronic referral for support enforcement services similar to the request described in this section to the IV-D agency of that state, or may refer the case to the county prosecuting attorney or the attorney general's office for appropriate action.

(((10))) (9) Upon request from another state, the ((office of support enforcement)) IV-D agency shall provide available information/documentation from case files, including but not limited to copies of superior court orders, administrative orders, pay records, and statements/affidavits of support debts, employment, and public assistance records.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220 (1)(a) and 74.08.090. 90-04-077 (Order 3005), 388-14-260, filed 2/5/90, effective 3/1/90. Statutory Authority: 74.08.090. 85-23-019 (Order 2304), 388-14-260, filed 11/13/85; Order 1054, 388-14-260, filed 9/25/75.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 3403, filed 6/9/92, effective 7/10/92)

WAC 388-14-270 Distribution of support payments. (1) The ((office of support enforcement (OSE))) IV-D agency shall distribute support money ((OSE)) it collects or ((OSE)) receives, in accordance with state and federal law and the provisions of this section, to the:

(a) Department when the department provides or has provided public assistance payments((, or cash benefits under the family independence program)) for the support of the family unit, household, or a member of the family unit or household;

(b) Payee under the order, or to the physical custodian of the child according to WAC 388-14-271;

(c) Child support enforcement agency in another state or foreign country which submitted a request for support enforcement services; ((and/or))

(d) Indian tribe which has a TANF program and/or a cooperative agreement regarding the delivery of child support services; or

(e) Person or entity making the payment when ((OSE)) the IV-D agency is unable to identify the person to whom the support money is payable after making reasonable efforts to obtain identification information.

(2) ((OSE may distribute support money to a person, other than the payee under a support order, when that person has physical custody of and provides care for the child.

(3) Before OSE begins distributing support money to a physical custodian who is not the payee under the support order, OSE shall:

(a) Obtain a sworn statement from the physical custodian attesting to the fact the physical custodian:

(i) Has physical custody of and is caring for the child; and

(ii) Is not wrongfully depriving the payee of physical custody.

(b) Mail a notice to the last known address of the payee and the responsible parent of OSE's intent to distribute support money to the physical custodian.

(i) The notice of intent to distribute a support payment shall contain the following information:

(A) A statement that OSE will distribute support money collected under the support order to the physical custodian;

(B) The name of the physical custodian;

(C) A statement that the payee has twenty days from the date of the notice to contest distribution of money to the physical custodian by filing an application for an adjudicative proceeding as specified under subsection (12) of this section, or serving notice on OSE of the filing of an appropriate motion with a court; and

(D) A statement that the payee must give OSE and the physical custodian notice of any judicial proceeding contesting the notice of distribution.

(ii) A copy of the sworn statement of the physical custodian shall be attached to the notice.

(c) File a copy of the notice or the final administrative order entered as a result of the notice with the clerk of the court where the support order was entered.

(4) The payee may request an adjudicative proceeding as specified under subsection (12) of this section or file a court action beyond the twenty-day period provided for under subsection (3) of this section. When the department or the court determines the payee is entitled to receive the support money, OSE shall send support money OSE receives in the future to the payee, but shall not reimburse the payee for amounts OSE sent to the physical custodian as provided under subsections (2) and (3) of this section.

(5) When OSE)) If the IV-D agency is unable to distribute support money because the location of the family or person is unknown, ((OSE)) it shall exercise reasonable efforts to locate the family or person. When ((OSE)) the IV-D agency does not locate the family or person, ((OSE)) it shall handle the money in accordance with ((an agreement with the department of revenue and as required by state law.

(6) OSE)) chapter 458-65 WAC, the uniform unclaimed property act rules.

(3) The IV-D agency shall apply the following rules when distributing support money:

(a) Record payments in exact amounts without rounding;

(b) Distribute support money within eight days of the date ((OSE)) the IV-D agency receives the money, unless ((OSE)) it is unable to distribute the payment for one or more of the following reasons:

(i) The location of the payee is unknown;

(ii) ((OSE)) The IV-D agency does not have sufficient information to identify the accounts against which or to which ((OSE)) it should apply the money;

(iii) An action is pending before a court or agency which has jurisdiction over the issue to determine((:

(A))) whether ((or not)) support money is owed((;)) or

(((B))) how ((OSE)) the IV-D agency should distribute the money.

(iv) ((OSE)) The IV-D agency receives prepaid support money which ((OSE)) it is holding for distribution in future months under subsection (((7))) (4) of this section;

(v) ((OSE)) The IV-D agency mails a notice of intent to distribute ((the)) support money to the physical custodian under ((subsection (3) of this section)) WAC 388-14-271; or

(vi) Other circumstances exist which make a proper and timely distribution of the money impossible through no fault or lack of diligence of ((OSE)) the IV-D agency.

(c) Distribute support money based on the date of collection, except as provided under subsection (((6)(j))) (3)(f) of this section and WAC 388-14-275. The date of collection is the earliest of the following dates:

(i) The date ((OSE)) the IV-D agency or a political subdivision actually making the collection receives the money;

(ii) The date the support enforcement agency or other legal entity of another state or political subdivision, actually making the collection, receives the money; or

(iii) The date income, earnings, wages, labor and industries benefits, or employment security benefits were withheld.

(d) Except as provided in subsection (3)(f) of this section, when the responsible parent has more than one case under Title IV-D or Title IV-E, the IV-D agency shall distribute support money:

(i) First, to the current support obligation on each Title IV-D or foster care case, in proportion to the amount of the current support order on each case; and

(ii) Second, to the total of the support debts whether owed to the family or to the department for the reimbursement of public assistance on each Title IV-D or foster care case, in proportion to the amount of support debt owed by the responsible parent on each case; and

(iii) Third, after distribution under subsection (3)(d)(ii) of this section, within each Title IV-D or foster care case according to subsection (3)(e) of this section.

(e) Apply support money within each Title IV-D case:

(i) First, to satisfy the current support obligation for the month ((OSE)) the IV-D agency, or the support enforcement agency or other legal entity of another state or political subdivision, collected the money;

(ii) Second, to the responsible parent's support debts owed to the family; ((and))

(iii) Third, to the responsible parent's support debts assigned to the department to reimburse public assistance payments;

(iv) Fourth, to prepaid support as provided for under subsection (((7))) (4) of this section.

(((e) Distribute current support based on the proportionate share of the obligation owed to each family unit or household when the responsible parent owes a current support obligation to two or more families or households;

(f) Distribute amounts collected during a month to the responsible parent's support debts owed for each family unit or household based on the proportionate size of the debts, except as provided under subsection (6)(g) and (h) of this section, when:

(i) OSE, or the support enforcement agency or legal entity of a state or political subdivision, collects support in excess of the amount required to satisfy the responsible parent's current support obligations for that month; and

(ii) The responsible parent owes a support debt for two or more families or households.

(g))) (f) Apply intercepted federal income tax refunds in accordance with 45 CFR 303.72(h), as follows:

(i) First, under federal law to the responsible parent's support debts assigned to the department to reimburse public assistance payments; and

(ii) Second, to support debts that are not assigned to the department; and

(iii) To support debts only, not to current and future support obligations. The IV-D agency shall refund any excess to the responsible parent.

(g) Apply amounts to a support debt owed for one family or household and distribute the amounts accordingly, rather than make a proportionate distribution between support debts owed to different families, when:

(i) Proportionate distribution is administratively inefficient; or

(ii) The collection resulted from the sale or disposition of a specific piece of property against which a court awarded the ((applicant/recipient or applicant/custodian)) physical custodian a judgment lien for child support; or

(iii) The collection resulted from a contempt order in a particular case.

(h) ((When a portion of the responsible parent's support debt for a family unit is owed to both the family and the department, distribute amounts applied to the support debt for the family unit:

(i) First, to the family to satisfy the portion of the debt owed to the family; and

(ii) Second, to the department to satisfy the portion of the debt assigned to the department to reimburse public assistance payments.

(i))) Report amounts distributed to a family, receiving public assistance, to the community services office. This requirement shall not relieve the recipient of the duty to report receipt of support money; and

(((j))) (i) Pay a family, receiving cash assistance under the aid to families with dependent children program ((or the family independence program)), up to the first fifty dollars of each child support payment as provided under WAC 388-14-275.

(((7) When OSE)) (4) If the IV-D agency receives or collects support money representing payment on the required support obligation for future months, ((OSE)) it shall:

(a) Apply the support money to future months when the support debt is paid in full;

(b) Distribute the support money on a monthly basis when payments become due in the future; and

(c) Mail a notice to the last known address of the person entitled to receive support money. The notice shall inform the person that:

(i) ((OSE)) The IV-D agency received prepaid support money;

(ii) ((OSE)) The IV-D agency will distribute the prepaid money as support payments become due in the future; and

(iii) If the support order is a court order, the person may petition the court that entered the support order for an order requiring the immediate distribution of the prepaid support money((.

(8) OSE may recover support money distributed to a person or to the family when OSE:

(a) Distributed the money in error;

(b) Distributed the money based on a check which is later dishonored; or

(c) Is required to refund or return the money to the person or entity making the payment.

(9) OSE may retain amounts collected on a support debt and ten percent of amounts collected as current support to recover support money as provided under subsection (8) of this section in nonassistance cases.

(a) OSE shall send a notice to the last known address of the person or family before taking action to recover the support money. The notice shall:

(i) Explain the reason why OSE is authorized to recover the support money;

(ii) Identify the money OSE will recover;

(iii) Inform the person or family of amounts OSE will deduct from future collections;

(iv) Inform the person or family that if they receive support enforcement services, they have twenty days from the date of the notice to file an application for an adjudicative proceeding as specified under subsection (12) of this section to object to the notice; and

(v) Inform the person or family that when a debt established under this section remains unpaid after the person or family stops receiving support enforcement services, the department may take collection action under chapter 74.20A RCW without further notice.

(b) At the hearing, the person may contest OSE's findings regarding the existence and amount of the debt OSE is seeking to recover as provided under subsection (8) of this section.

(c) When the person or family is no longer receiving support enforcement services, OSE may take action to recover the support money due under subsection (8) of this section, under chapter 74.20A RCW.

(10) When the family is receiving public assistance and the applicant/recipient fails to remit support money to OSE as required, OSE shall recover the support payments using the process set forth in WAC 388-14-200.

(11) OSE shall mail a notice, once each quarter or more often, to the last known address of the person for whom OSE received support during the quarter, except as provided under subsection (11)(d) of this section.

(a) The person for whom OSE receives support has ninety days from the date of the notice to file an application for an adjudicative proceeding as specified under subsection (12) of this section to object to the notice.

(b) The person may only contest how OSE distributed the support money including the amounts stated in the notice.

(c) The notice shall contain the following information:

(i) The current support amount and the amount of the support debt owed under the order;

(ii) The amount of support money OSE received and the date of collection;

(iii) A description of how OSE allocated the support money between current support and the support debt;

(iv) The amount the department claims as reimbursement for public assistance paid, if applicable; and

(v) A statement of the right to request an adjudicative proceeding.

(d) OSE is not required to send a notice under this subsection when OSE mails another notice to the family or person to whom support is owed as provided under WAC 388-14-275 or this section.

(12) A person shall file an application for an adjudicative proceeding with OSE, within the time period specified in the notice, by a method showing proof of receipt.

(a) The person shall include in or with the application for an adjudicative proceeding:

(i) A specific statement of the objections to the notice; and

(ii) A copy of the notice the person is contesting.

(b) The proceeding shall be governed by the Administrative Procedure Act (chapter 34.05 RCW) and chapter 388-08 WAC. Untimely requests for adjudicative proceedings are governed by WAC 388-11-055. If any provision in this section conflicts with chapter 388-08 WAC, the provision in this section shall govern)); or

(iv) If the support order is an administrative order, the person may request a conference board under WAC 388-14-385 to determine if the prepaid support money should be immediately distributed.

(d) The IV-D agency shall not mail the notice referred to in (4)(c) of this section if the prepaid support is equal to or less than one month's support obligation.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 26.23.035. 92-13-026 (Order 3403), 388-14-270, filed 6/9/92, effective 7/10/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 90-17-001 (Order 2979), 388-14-270, filed 8/2/90, effective 9/2/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.057. 89-10-070 (Order 2794), 388-14-270, filed 5/3/89. Statutory Authority: 1988 c 275. 89-01-049 (Order 2738), 388-14-270, filed 12/14/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 88-07-012 (Order 2606), 388-14-270, filed 3/4/88; 86-05-009 (Order 2340), 388-14-270, filed 2/12/86; 85-01-004 (Order 2174), 388-14-270, filed 12/6/84; 80-01-026 (Order 1465), 388-14-270, filed 12/14/79; Order 1054, 388-14-270, filed 9/25/75.]

NEW SECTION

WAC 388-14-271 Notice of intent to distribute support money. (1) The IV-D agency may distribute support money to a physical custodian other than the payee under the support order if the physical custodian signs a sworn statement that:

(a) The physical custodian has physical custody of and is caring for the child; and

(b) Is not wrongfully depriving the payee of physical custody.

(2) Before the IV-D agency begins distributing support money to a physical custodian who is not the payee under the support order, it shall send the payee under the support order and the responsible parent a notice of intent to distribute support money and a copy of the sworn statement of the physical custodian to their last known addresses by first class mail. The notice shall state:

(a) The IV-D agency will distribute support money collected under the support order to the physical custodian; and

(b) The name of the physical custodian.

(3) The IV-D agency shall distribute support money to the physical custodian when the notice of intent to distribute support money becomes final.

(a) A notice served in the state of Washington becomes final unless the payee under the support order, within twenty days of the date of mailing of the notice of intent to distribute support money, files a request with the IV-D agency for a hearing under subsection (4) of this section. The effective date of a hearing request is the date the IV-D agency receives the request.

(b) A notice of intent to distribute support money served in another state becomes final according to WAC 388-14-496.

(4) A hearing on a notice of intent to distribute support money is for the limited purpose of resolving who is entitled to receive the support money.

(5) A copy of the notice of any hearing scheduled under this section shall be mailed to the alleged physical custodian at the physical custodian's last known address. The notice shall advise the physical custodian of the right to participate in the proceeding as a witness or observer.

(6) The payee under the support order may file a late hearing request on a notice of intent to distribute support money.

(a) The payee under the support order does not need to show good cause for filing a late hearing request under WAC 388-11-310.

(b) The IV-D agency may not reimburse the payee under the support order for amounts the IV-D agency sent to the physical custodian before the administrative order on a late hearing request becomes final.

(7) The payee under the support order must give the IV-D agency and the physical custodian notice of any judicial proceeding to contest a notice of intent to distribute support money.

(8) If the support order is a court order, the IV-D agency shall file a copy of the notice of intent to distribute support money or the final administrative order entered on a notice of intent to distribute support money with the clerk of the court where the support order was entered.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 388-14-272 Notice to recover a support payment. (1) The IV-D agency may serve a notice to recover a support payment on the person who received the payment when the IV-D agency:

(a) Distributed the money in error;

(b) Distributed the money based on a check that is later dishonored;

(c) Is required to refund or return the money to the person or entity that made the payment; or

(d) Distributed money under a support order that was later modified so as to create an overpayment.

(2) The IV-D agency shall serve a notice to recover a support payment like a summons in a civil action or by certified mail, return receipt requested.

(3) In the notice, the IV-D agency shall identify the support payment the IV-D agency seeks to recover.

(4) The IV-D agency may take action to enforce the notice to recover a support payment without further notice once the notice becomes final.

(a) A notice to recover a support payment becomes final unless the person who received the payment requests a hearing under subsection (5) of this section within twenty days of service of the notice to recover a support payment in Washington. The effective date of a hearing request is the date the IV-D agency receives the request.

(b) A notice to recover a support payment may be served in another state to recover a payment disbursed by the IV-D agency under RCW 26.21.385. A notice to recover a support payment served in another state becomes final according to WAC 388-14-305.

(5) A hearing on the merits of a notice to recover a support payment is for the limited purpose of resolving the existence and amount of the debt the IV-D agency is entitled to recover.

(6) A person who files a late request for a hearing on a notice to recover a support payment must show good cause under WAC 388-11-310.

(7) In nonassistance cases and payment services only cases, the IV-D agency may recover a support payment under a final administrative order on a notice to recover a support payment by retaining ten percent of current support and one hundred percent of amounts collected on arrears in addition to any other remedy authorized by law.

(8) If a public assistance recipient receives a support payment directly from a responsible parent and fails to remit it to the IV-D agency as required, the IV-D agency shall recover the money as retained support under WAC 388-14-200.

(9) The IV-D agency may enforce the notice to recover a support payment as provided in subsection (7), or may act according to RCW 74.20A.270 as deemed appropriate.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 388-14-274 Distribution notice. (1) The IV-D agency shall mail a distribution notice once each month, or more often, to the last known address of a person for whom it received support during the month, except as provided under subsection (6) of this section.

(2) The IV-D agency shall include the following information in the notice:

(a) The current support and support debt owed under the order;

(b) The amount of support money the IV-D agency received and the date of collection;

(c) A description of how the IV-D agency allocated the support money between current support and the support debt; and

(d) The amount the IV-D agency claims as reimbursement for public assistance paid, if applicable.

(3) The person to whom a distribution notice is sent may file a request for a hearing under subsection (4) of this section within ninety days of the date of the notice to contest how the IV-D agency distributed the support money. A requestor shall state specific objections to the distribution notice. The effective date of a hearing request is the date the IV-D agency receives the request.

(4) A hearing under this section is for the limited purpose of determining if the IV-D agency correctly distributed the support moneys in the contested notice.

(5) A person who requests a late hearing under WAC 388-11-310 must show good cause.

(6) This section does not require the IV-D agency to send a notice to a recipient of payment services only under WAC 388-14-300(1) and 388-14-310 (2)(a).

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NEW SECTION

WAC 388-14-276 Total versus total notice. (1) The IV-D agency shall identify cases needing a "total versus total" calculation, which will compare amounts of public assistance paid to the assistance unit with amounts of support collected and uncollected support debt. The IV-D agency shall perform a total versus total calculation upon the request of the physical custodian or a IV-D agency field office.

(a) The total versus total calculation will allocate the uncollected support debt between the state and the physical custodian, based on the amounts of public assistance paid to the family.

(b) The total versus total calculation will indicate the amounts of support paid by each responsible parent and how the support was distributed.

(c) The IV-D agency may at any time review a case to determine if a total versus total calculation is appropriate.

(2) When a total versus total calculation is completed at the request of the physical custodian, the IV-D agency shall mail a total versus total notice to the last known address of the former assistance recipient.

(3) The person to whom a total versus total notice is sent may within ninety days of the date of the notice file a request for a conference board under WAC 388-14-385 to contest the distribution of support money and the allocation of uncollected support debt. The requestor shall state specific objections to the total versus total notice. The effective date of a hearing request is the date the IV-D agency receives the request.

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AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 3754, filed 7/15/94, effective 8/15/94 WAC 388-14-300 Nonassistance support enforcement services--Persons eligible for services. (1) As authorized by RCW 26.23.045 and 74.20.040, the ((office)) IV-D agency shall provide payment processing and records maintenance services under RCW 26.23.050(8) to parties to a court order who are not receiving a public assistance grant when:

(a) A Washington superior court order, tribal court order administrative order, or wage assignment order under chapter 26.18 RCW directs payments through the ((office)) IV-D agency or the Washington state support registry (WSSR);

(b) The physical custodian of a dependent child or a responsible parent requests payment services only, provided that:

(i) A responsible parent's request for payment services only shall not cause a reduction of service from the level of service provided under subsection (2) of this section, or WAC 388-14-200, 388-14-203, or 388-14-205; and

(ii) The support obligation is set by a Washington superior court, tribal court, administrative, or wage assignment order, directing payment to the ((office)) IV-D agency or WSSR.

(2) The ((office)) IV-D agency shall provide full IV-D support enforcement services to physical custodians or responsible parents who are not receiving a public assistance grant when:

(a) The physical custodian or former physical custodian of a child requests support enforcement services;

(b) A responsible parent submits a support order for inclusion in or support payment to the Washington state support registry, together with an application for support enforcement services;

(c) A public assistance recipient stops receiving a cash grant under the aid to families with dependent children or under temporary assistance to needy families;

(d) The department provides Medicaid-only benefits to the physical custodian on behalf of a dependent child, unless the recipient of Medicaid-only benefits declines support enforcement services not related to paternity establishment, medical support establishment or medical support enforcement; or

(e) A man requests paternity establishment services alleging he is the dependent child's father.

(3) The ((office)) IV-D agency shall provide payment processing, records maintenance, paternity establishment, medical support establishment, and medical support enforcement services when a recipient of Medicaid-only benefits declines support enforcement services.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 45 CFR 303.106. 94-15-046 (Order 3754), 388-14-300, filed 7/15/94, effective 8/15/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 92-13-026 (Order 3403), 388-14-300, filed 6/9/92, effective 7/10/92; 90-16-041 (Order 3043), 388-14-300, filed 7/24/90, effective 8/24/90; Order 1054, 388-14-300, filed 9/25/75.]

NEW SECTION

WAC 388-14-376 Recovery of excess daycare and special child rearing expense payments. (1) A responsible parent who has paid child support under a court or administrative order and believes that daycare or special child rearing expenses were not actually incurred in the amount of the order may file an application for an administrative hearing to determine if an overpayment of at least twenty per cent has occurred and how the overpayment should be reimbursed.

(a) A petition for reimbursement shall cover a twelve-month period; and

(b) The twelve-month period may be:

(i) A calendar year; or

(ii) The twelve-month period following the anniversary date of the support order; or

(iii) The twelve-month period following an adjudication under this section.

(c) Twelve-month periods under this section may not overlap.

(2) The application shall be in writing and shall at a minimum state:

(a) The twelve-month time period to be considered;

(b) The date of the order requiring the payment of daycare or special child rearing expenses;

(c) The amounts required by the court or administrative order for day care or special child rearing expenses for that time period;

(d) The amounts actually paid by the responsible parent for that time period;

(e) The total amount of day care or special child rearing expenses which the responsible parent claims the physical custodian actually incurred for that time period;

(f) The responsible parent's proportionate share of the expenses actually incurred; and

(g) The amount of reimbursement for overpayment to which the responsible parent claims to be entitled for that time period.

(3) An application for hearing under this section shall be considered an application for full support enforcement services if there is not already an open enforcement case.

(4) The effective date of a hearing request is the date the IV-D agency receives the written request.

(5) The IV-D agency shall send notice of a hearing under this subsection to the responsible parent and the physical custodian. The responsible parent and the physical custodian shall participate in the hearing as independent parties with the same procedural rights.

(6) The responsible parent has the burden of proving the amounts actually paid by the responsible parent under the order.

(7) The physical custodian has the burden of proving the amounts actually incurred for day care and special child rearing expenses.

(8) The physical custodian is not required to provide the address of the day care provider unless the presiding officer finds that such information may be disclosed under the standards set forth in WAC 388-14-030(6) for the disclosure of the address of the physical custodian.

(9) If the responsible parent fails to appear for the hearing, upon proof of service of the notice of hearing the presiding officer shall issue an order of default against the responsible parent and dismiss the petition for reimbursement.

(10) If the physical custodian fails to appear for the hearing, upon proof of service of the notice of hearing the presiding officer shall issue an order of default against the physical custodian and hold a hearing on the merits of the petition for reimbursement.

(11) A hearing under this subsection is for the limited purpose of determining whether the amount paid by the responsible parent exceeds the responsible parent's proportionate share of the amount actually incurred for day care and special child rearing expenses.

(a) If the presiding officer determines that the overpayment amounts to twenty percent or more of the responsible parent's share of annual day care and special child rearing expenses, the presiding officer shall enter an order stating:

(i) The twelve-month time period in question;

(ii) The amount of the overpayment; and

(iii) The method by which the overpayment shall be reimbursed by the obligated party.

(b) If the presiding officer determines that the overpayment amounts to less than twenty percent of the responsible parent's share of annual day care and child rearing expenses, the presiding officer shall enter an order stating:

(i) Whether the responsible parent has overpaid or underpaid the day care and special child rearing expenses;

(ii) If an overpayment has occurred, by what percentage of the annual proportionate share; and

(iii) That reimbursement under this section is denied for that twelve-month period.

(12) Any ordered overpayment reimbursement shall be applied an as offset to any nonassistance child support arrearages owed by the responsible parent on that case only. If there are no nonassistance arrearages owed on that case, the reimbursement shall be:

(a) In the form of a credit against the responsible parent's future child support obligation:

(i) Spread equally over a twelve-month period commencing the month after the administrative order becomes final; or

(ii) When the future support obligation will terminate under the terms of the order in less than twelve months, spread equally over the life of the order; or

(b) With the consent of the obligated party, in the form of a direct reimbursement by the obligated party to the responsible parent.

(13) The responsible parent may not pay more than his or her proportionate share of day care or other special child rearing expenses in advance and then deduct the overpayment from future support transfer payments unless:

(a) Specifically agreed to by the physical custodian; and

(b) Specifically agreed to in writing by the IV-D agency for periods when the physical custodian or the dependent child receives public assistance.

(14) This section applies only to amounts paid during the twelve-month period ending May 31, 1996 or later.

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AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 3753, filed 7/15/94, effective 8/15/94 WAC 388-14-385 Conference board. (1) A conference board may inquire into, determine facts of, and attempt to resolve matters in which a responsible parent, ((residential parent)) physical custodian, payee under a court order, or other person feels aggrieved by an action taken by the office under:

(a) Chapters 26.23, 74.20, 74.20A RCW; or

(b) Title IV-D of the Social Security Act (Title 42 U.S.C.).

(2) The intent and purpose of the conference board is to facilitate the informal speedy resolution of grievances.

(3)(((a))) The director, or director's designee may assemble a conference board on application of an aggrieved person or on the director's own motion. The conference board shall dissolve upon issuance of a decision on the matter for which it was appointed.

(((b))) (4) An applicant for a conference board shall have made a reasonable attempt and have failed to resolve the grievance before a conference board may act to attempt to resolve the issue.

(((4))) (5) The conference board's jurisdiction shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following areas:

(a) A complaint as to the conduct of an individual staff member while acting within the scope of the staff member's duties. The board shall send a copy of the decision to the staff member's first line supervisor for action as appropriate;

(b) Review of a denial of an application for or termination of nonassistance support enforcement services;

(c) Review of an allegation of error as to the distribution of support moneys;

(d) Review of a denial to collect support arrears in nonassistance cases under RCW 74.20.040;

(e) Resolution of the amount of arrears claimed due and rate of repayment;

(f) A request to release or refund money taken under RCW 26.23.060 or 74.20A.080 to provide for the reasonable necessities of a responsible parent and minor children in the responsible parent's home;

(g) A request for deferral of support enforcement action;

(h) A request for partial or total charge-off of support arrears under RCW 74.20A.220;

(i) A request to waive interest;

(j) A request to waive or defer the nonassistance support enforcement fee under RCW 74.20.040;

(k) Review of a determination that a support obligation has been satisfied or is no longer legally enforceable;

(l) A specific request for administrative review of cases submitted to the IRS for offset of a tax refund in accordance with federal statutes and regulations;

(m) Any other matter requiring explanation of or application of policy or law to an issue in a specific case or clarification of facts in said case; ((and))

(n) The ((office's)) IV-D agency's action in reporting a support debt to a consumer reporting agency;

(o) Review of a total versus total calculation under WAC 388-14-276; and

(p) A request to release a payroll deduction notice on a claim that:

(i) The support obligation was not due at the time the payroll deduction notice was issued and the support order did not authorize immediate wage withholding; or

(ii) The payroll deduction causes extreme hardship or substantial injustice.

(((5))) (6) When a person states a grievance or requests a conference board, ((office staff)) the IV-D agency shall provide a copy of the conference board information form.

(((6))) (7) The effective date of a conference board request is the date the IV-D agency receives the request.

(8) When a person requests a conference board, the director or the director's designee may take such action, as deemed appropriate, and may exercise any of the authority provided for in this regulation, when the:

(i) Grievance does not involve a factual dispute; or

(ii) Disputed fact or facts even if resolved in favor of the person would not provide a basis upon which relief could be granted to the person by a conference board.

(((7))) (9) When a person requests a conference board and the grievance involves an apparent factual dispute:

(a) The director or director's designee shall assemble a conference board composed of the director or director's designee, who shall serve as chair and two staff members, if deemed necessary;

(b) The chair shall mail a notice of conference board to the applicant, the applicant's representative, and any other person or agency who is a party in interest to the proceeding. The notice of conference board shall state that a conference board has been scheduled and inform the parties of the time and place of the conference board;

(c) Where the department is not providing public assistance to the payee under a court order, and the responsible parent timely requests a conference board to contest the debt stated in a notice of support debt, the conference board shall be scheduled for a date at least thirty days after the notice of conference board is issued, and the notice shall include statements that:

(i) The payee has twenty days (or sixty days under the circumstances described in WAC 388-14-440(4)) from the date the notice of conference board was given to request that the grievance be addressed in ((an adjudicative proceeding)) a hearing under WAC 388-14-435;

(ii) If the payee does not timely request ((an adjudicative proceeding)) a hearing, the department will deem that the payee has elected to have the grievance heard in a conference board and the:

(A) Conference board decision will become the final agency position on the debt claimed under the notice of support debt; and

(B) A payee's late application for ((an adjudicative proceeding)) a hearing shall be denied unless the payee shows good cause for the late application;

(iii) If the payee does not appear at either a conference board or ((an adjudicative proceeding)) a hearing, the presiding officer's or the board's decision may be adverse to the payee's interest including, but not limited to, a reduction in the support debt stated in the notice of support debt.

(d) If the payee requests ((an adjudicative proceeding)) a hearing under WAC 388-14-435, the office shall inform the:

(i) Responsible parent that the parent's request for conference board is declined, and the responsible parent must appear at the ((adjudicative proceeding)) hearing requested by the payee to raise objections to the notice of support debt; and

(ii) Payee that the conference board previously scheduled has been declined due to the payee's application for ((an adjudicative proceeding)) a hearing.

(((8))) (10) The conference board chair may issue subpoenas under RCW 74.04.290 and administer oaths, take testimony, and compel the production of such papers, books, records, and documents deemed relevant to the resolution of the grievance under consideration. The conference board chair may take additional evidence by affidavit or other written submission when necessary or practicable together with written or oral argument. The chair may designate persons having specific familiarity with the matter at issue or technical expertise with the subject to advise the board.

(((9))) (11) The conference board chair shall make a written decision stating the facts found, policies applied, and the board's decision.

(a) The board's decision, including a decision to deny a request for a conference board, shall be in accordance with applicable statutes, case law, department rules and regulations, published office manuals, support enforcement policy bulletins, and the exercise of reasonable administrative discretion.

(b) The board shall base a decision under RCW 74.20A.220 to grant partial or total charge-off of arrears owed to the department under RCW 74.20A.030, 74.20A.250, 74.20.320, 74.20.330, or 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(26)(A) on the following considerations:

(i) Error in law or bona fide legal defects that materially diminish chances of collection; or

(ii) Substantial hardship to minor children in the household of the responsible parent or other minor children for whom the responsible parent actually provides support; or

(iii) Costs of collection action in the future that are greater than the amount to be charged off; ((or))

(iv) Settlement from lump-sum cash payment that is beneficial to the state considering future costs of collection and likelihood of collection; or

(v) Excessive debt arising from a default administrative order to the extent that an assignment of child support rights covers the arrears period, upon a finding of substantial hardship under subsection (12) or (13) of this section.

(c) If the decision is the result of a conference board, that decision shall represent the decision of a majority of the board. The director shall vacate decisions inconsistent with the standards in this section and remand the application for issuance of a new decision in compliance with the standards.

(((10))) (12) In making a determination of substantial hardship under subsection (((9))) (11) of this section, the board shall measure the net income and all available assets and resources of the responsible parent against the need((s)) standard for public assistance for the appropriate family size, as stated in WAC 388-250-1250. The board shall consider the necessity to apportion the responsible parent's income and resources on an equitable basis with the child for whom the arrears accrued. When reviewing a claim of substantial hardship, the board may consider the following information including, but not limited to:

(a) The child on whose behalf support is owed is reunited with the responsible parent because the:

(i) Formerly separated parents have reconciled; or

(ii) Child has returned to the responsible parent from foster care, the care of a relative, or the care of a nonrelative custodian.

(b) The responsible parent is aged, blind, or disabled and receiving Supplemental Security Income, Social Security, or other similar benefits;

(c) The mother of the child is seeking charge off of debt accrued on behalf of a child who was conceived as a result of incest or rape, and presents evidence of rape or incest, acceptable under 45 CFR 232.43(c);

(d) Payment on the arrears obligation interferes with the responsible parent's payment of current support to a child living outside the home;

(e) The responsible parent has limited earning potential due to:

(i) Dependence on seasonal employment that is not considered in the child support order;

(ii) Illiteracy;

(iii) Limited English proficiency; or

(iv) Other similar factors limiting employability or earning capacity((.));

(f) The responsible parent's past efforts to pay support and the extent of the parent's participation in the child's parenting; ((and))

(g) The size of the responsible parent's debt and the prospects for increased income and resources; and

(h) The debt arises from a default administrative order and an assignment of child support rights covers the arrears period.

(((11))) (13) The board may find that substantial hardship exists for a responsible parent, without finding hardship to a dependent child.

(a) In making a determination of substantial hardship to an individual without a dependent child, the board shall measure the applicant's income, assets, and resources against the need((s)) standard. In combination with the income test, the board may consider the following factors when reviewing a claim of substantial hardship:

(i) The responsible parent is aged, blind, or disabled and receiving Supplemental Security Income, Social Security, or other similar benefits;

(ii) The mother of a child is seeking relief from debt accrued on behalf of a child who was conceived as a result of incest or rape, and presents evidence of rape or incest, acceptable under 45 CFR 232.43(c); ((or))

(iii) The responsible parent has limited earning potential due to:

(A) Dependence on seasonal employment that is not considered in the child support order;

(B) Illiteracy;

(C) Limited English proficiency; or

(D) Other similar factors limiting employability or earning capacity.

(iv) The debt arises from a default administrative order and an assignment of child support rights covers the arrears period.

(b) The board may agree to a reduced payment on the support debt, or a conditional reduced payment on the support debt, when there is substantial hardship to the responsible parent but not a hardship to a dependent child. The other remedies for substantial hardship under this section are not available when there is no showing of hardship to a dependent child.

(((12))) (14) The board may:

(a) Reduce collection on the responsible parent's support debt to an amount that alleviates the hardship without altering the amount of the support to address situations in which substantial hardship exists, but the circumstances creating the hardship are temporary. Temporary hardship situations may include the factors listed under subsection (((10))) (12) or (13) of this section and the applicant's receipt of public assistance on:

(i) Applicant's behalf; or

(ii) Behalf of a child in the applicant's home.

(b) Create incentives to promote payment or family unity by agreeing to a conditional:

(i) Total or partial charge off, if charge off is available under subsection (((9))) (11) of this section; or

(ii) Reduced payment on the support debt.

(c) Condition reduced payment, or total or partial charge off on:

(i) Continued payment according to a payment schedule imposed by the board; or

(ii) Continued reconciliation; or

(iii) A family remaining off of ((AFDC)) cash assistance.

(((13))) (15) When creating incentives or providing conditional relief under subsection (((12))) (14) of this section, the board shall:

(a) Not create a conditional charge off without specifying a period of performance after which the charge off is irrevocable;

(b) Not create a charge off conditioned on the parties remaining reconciled unless the parties have been reconciled for at least six months at the time of the conference board;

(c) Consider whether the conditions would create:

(i) Incentives for abuse or intimidation of the other party to the order;

(ii) Incentives for fraud; or

(iii) Unreasonable reluctance to obtain financial or medical assistance necessary for the health and best interests of the children.

(((14))) (16) When the responsible parent violates the terms of the conditional charge off or reduced repayment rate imposed by a conference board decision under subsection (((12))) (14) of this section:

(a) Any amount charged off by the board under the decision prior to the violation shall remain uncollectible;

(b) The ((office)) IV-D agency may collect any further amount that would have been charged off under the decision after the date of violation with no further notice to the responsible parent; and

(c) The responsible parent may not reinstate terms of the decision by renewed compliance with the terms of the decision, unless the ((department)) IV-D agency agrees in writing to reinstate the conditional charge off or repayment rate.

(((15))) (17) The board shall distribute a copy of the decision to the applicant, the applicant's representative, other parties in interest, the appropriate field office for action consistent with the decision of the board, and the director.

(((16))) (18) A conference board is not an adjudicative proceeding subject to review by the superior court and is not a substitute for any constitutionally or statutorily required hearing. An aggrieved party may be represented before the board by a person of the party's choice. The department shall not pay any costs incurred by the aggrieved person in connection with the conference board.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 94-15-045 (Order 3753), 388-14-385, filed 7/15/94, effective 8/15/94; 93-05-020 (Order 3512), 388-14-385, filed 2/10/93, effective 3/13/93; 91-09-018 (Order 3133), 388-14-385, filed 4/9/91, effective 5/10/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220 (1)(a) and 74.08.090. 90-04-077 (Order 3005), 388-14-385, filed 2/5/90, effective 3/1/90. Statutory Authority: 1988 c 275. 89-01-049 (Order 2738), 388-14-385, filed 12/14/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 88-07-012 (Order 2606), 388-14-385, filed 3/4/88; 86-05-009 (Order 2340), 388-14-385, filed 2/12/86; 81-05-021 (Order 1605), 388-14-385, filed 2/11/81; 80-01-026 (Order 1465), 388-14-385, filed 12/14/79; 78-07-015 (Order 1305), 388-14-385, filed 6/15/78.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 3754, filed 7/15/94, effective 8/15/94 WAC 388-14-390 ((Adjudicative proceeding)) Hearing when collection action is initiated against a bank account--Exemptions--Burden of proof. (1) If the ((department)) IV-D agency initiates collection action against a bank account, safe((ty)) deposit box, or other property held by a bank, credit union or savings and loan, the responsible parent or the joint owner of record of the bank account, safe((ty)) deposit box or other property may contest the action in ((an adjudicative proceeding)) a hearing. The effective date of a hearing request is the date the IV-D agency receives the request.

(2) The responsible parent or the joint owner shall file the ((application at the office by registered or certified mail or personally)) hearing request within twenty days of the date the ((office)) IV-D agency mailed a copy of the order to withhold and deliver to the:

(a) Responsible parent; or

(b) Last known address of the joint owner of record of the account, by certified mail.

(3) The responsible parent or joint owner of record shall state in the application the facts supporting the allegation by the responsible parent or the joint owner that the funds or property, or a portion of the funds or property, are exempt from satisfaction of the child support obligation of the responsible parent.

(4) On the application of the responsible parent, the joint owner of record, or the ((office)) IV-D agency, the ((department)) IV-D agency shall schedule ((an adjudicative proceeding)) a hearing solely for the purpose of determining whether or not one of the following exemptions applies to the funds in the bank account, or to the other property attached by the order to withhold and deliver:

(a) Pursuant to RCW 26.16.200 and 74.20A.120, the property or funds in the community bank account, joint bank account, or safe((ty)) deposit box, or a portion of the property or funds which can be identified as the earnings of the spouse not owing a support obligation to the child or children of the responsible parent, are exempt from satisfaction of the child support obligation of the responsible parent.

(b) The funds in a bank account, or a portion of those funds which can be identified as AFDC funds, TANF funds, SSI monies, or other kinds of funds having been legally exempted from collection action, are exempt from satisfaction of the child support obligation of the responsible parent; or

(c) The funds or property attached by the order to withhold and deliver which can be identified as being solely owned by the joint owner of record of the bank account or safe((ty)) deposit box not owing a child support obligation to the child or children of the responsible parent, are exempt from satisfaction of the child support obligation of the responsible parent.

(5) The responsible parent or joint owner of record shall have the burden of tracing the funds and proving the property or funds in the bank account, or property in a safe deposit box, are exempt from satisfaction of the child support obligation of the responsible parent.

(6) The ((office)) IV-D agency shall hold moneys or property withheld as a result of collection action initiated against a bank account or safety deposit box and delivered to the ((office)) IV-D agency at the time of the granting of an application pending the final ((adjudicative)) administrative order or during the pendency of any appeal to the courts.

(7) If the final decision of the department or courts on appeal is that the ((department)) IV-D agency has caused money or property that is exempt from satisfaction of the child support obligation of the responsible parent to be withheld by the bank or delivered to the department, the ((office)) IV-D agency shall:

(a) Promptly release the order to withhold and deliver; or

(b) Refund the proportionate share of the funds having been identified as being so exempt. The department shall not be liable for any interest accrued on any moneys withheld pursuant to RCW 74.20A.080.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 45 CFR 303.106. 94-15-046 (Order 3754), 388-14-390, filed 7/15/94, effective 8/15/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220 (1)(a) and 74.08.090. 90-04-077 (Order 3005), 388-14-390, filed 2/5/90, effective 3/1/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 83-21-014 (Order 2036), 388-14-390, filed 10/6/83.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 3403, filed 6/9/92, effective 7/10/92)

WAC 388-14-415 Notice of support owed. (1) The IV-D agency may serve a notice of support owed ((issued)) on a responsible parent under RCW 26.23.110 ((shall state that:

(a) The office of support enforcement (OSE) is providing support enforcement services on behalf of the responsible parent's dependent children;

(b) Twenty-one days after service of the notice on the responsible parent, OSE may take action to collect the responsible parent's support obligation without further notice when the support obligation becomes due under the terms of the court order, unless the responsible parent or the payee under the order has filed a timely request to contest the notice as provided under this section. Collection action includes issuing orders to withhold and deliver and notices of payroll deduction, or taking other income withholding action;

(c) After service of the notice the responsible parent shall make all support payments through the Washington state support registry;

(d) The responsible parent shall not receive credit for payments made to a person or agency other than the support registry under RCW 26.23.050(9) and 74.20.101;

(e) The current monthly amount for support including medical and day care costs, due under a court or administrative order and an initial finding of the current support amount due if there is no fixed dollar amount in the order, and the basis, rationale, or formula used to make the initial finding;

(f) The amount of any support debt, including medical support and day care costs, owed by the responsible parent;

(g) The responsible parent shall have twenty days after service of the notice to contest the current support or support debt claimed by filing:

(i) A written application for an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW; or

(ii) An action in superior court.

(h) The payee under the order shall have twenty days from the date notice was given to contest:

(i) The support debt or current support amount stated in the notice of support owed; or

(ii) A proposed agreement between OSE and the responsible parent regarding the amount of the support debt or current support.

(i) The payee may contest the support debt, current support, or proposed agreement by filing:

(i) A written application for an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW; or

(ii) A [an] action in superior court.

(j) If either party files an application for an adjudicative proceeding both parties shall be notified and allowed to participate in the proceeding as independent parties.

(2) The notice of support owed shall be served on the responsible parent like a summons in a civil action or by any form of mail requiring a return receipt.

(3) Following service upon the responsible parent, the office shall mail a copy of the notice of support owed to the payee under the order by regular mail at the payee's last known address. The office shall also mail a notice to the payee regarding the payee's rights to contest the notice of support owed as provided under WAC 388-14-440.

(4) OSE may make the initial finding based upon:

(a) The factors stated in the order; and

(b) Any other information not contained in the order that is needed to determine the amount of the accrued debt or the current support obligation.

(5) When either the responsible parent or the payee under the order files an application for an adjudicative proceeding under this section, the department shall issue a notice of hearing.

The notice shall direct both parties to appear and show why the current support amount and the support debt amount is incorrect.

(6) When the responsible parent requests the hearing, the parent shall:

(a) List defenses to liability and/or state the reasons why support should not be set as stated in the notice of support owed in the request for a hearing; and

(b) Attach an office-approved financial affidavit;

(7) A payee's application for an adjudicative proceeding shall be governed by WAC 388-14-440.

(8)(a) If any party appears for the adjudicative proceeding and elects to proceed, absent the granting of a continuance the presiding officer shall hear the matter and enter an initial decision and order based upon the evidence presented. The presiding officer shall include a party's failure to appear in the initial decision and order. The appeal rights of the party who failed to appear shall be limited to an appeal on the record made at the adjudicative proceeding.

(b) If neither party appears or elects to proceed, the presiding officer shall enter a decision and order declaring the amounts stated in the notice of support owed subject to collection action.

(c) When a party has advised the presiding officer that they will participate in an adjudicative proceeding by telephone, the presiding officer shall attempt to contact that party, on the record, [to] before beginning the proceeding or ruling on a motion.

(d) This rule does not authorize or require the presiding officer to disclose either party's telephone number.

(9) If either parent files a timely application for an adjudicative proceeding, OSE shall stay collection action pending the final adjudicative order, except as provided under subsection (10) of this section.

(10) OSE may take action to collect:

(a) Any part of the support debt that neither party alleges is incorrect;

(b) A fixed or minimum dollar amount for current support stated in the court order; and

(c) Any part of a support debt that has been reduced to a sum certain judgment by a proper court or agency.

(11) OSE shall collect the amounts stated in the notice without further notice to either party if neither the responsible parent nor the payee under the order:

(a) Files an application for an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW; or

(b) Starts an action in superior court.

(12)(a) The following sections are incorporated by reference and made applicable to a proceeding provided for in this section: WAC 388-11-011, 388-11-015, 388-11-055, 388-11-060, 388-11-065, 388-11-100, 388-11-115, 388-11-135, 388-11-145, and 388-11-180.

(b) Hearings held under this section shall be governed by the Administrative Procedure Act (chapter 34.05 RCW), and chapters 10-08, 388-08, and 388-14 WAC. If any provision in this chapter or in a rule incorporated by reference by (12)(a) of this section conflicts with or is inconsistent with chapters 10-08 or 388-08 WAC, the provision in this chapter or a rule incorporated by reference shall govern.

(c) For the purposes of this section, when a rule incorporated by this section grants a procedural right to a responsible parent, that rule shall be interpreted to confer the same right to the payee under the court order.

(13) After the parties have presented evidence at a hearing, the presiding officer shall within twenty days:

(a) Find the amount of current support payable under the order;

(b) Find the amount of the support debt, including medical support and day care costs, accrued before to the date of service of the notice; and

(c) Issue findings of fact, conclusions of law, and an initial decision and order.

(14) The party contesting the amounts stated in the notice shall prove that the amounts stated in the notice of support owed are incorrect.

(15) The presiding officer in the initial decision, and the secretary or designee in review of the proposed decision, shall be limited to:

(a) Interpretation of the court order for support only. The presiding officer shall not have the authority to change or defer the support amount owed except to find:

(i) The amount of monthly support as a fixed dollar amount; and

(ii) Any arrears accrued before to service of the notice of support owed.

(b) Correct the mathematical computation of the stated debt;

(c) Review and consider superior court orders which have modified the superior court order in issue. Contempt orders and orders entered under chapter 26.18 or 26.23 RCW shall not be construed as modifications.

(16) In adjudicative orders entered under this section the presiding officer shall inform the parties of the right to request a yearly review of the order.

(17) The presiding officer shall file the original initial decision and order with the secretary or the secretary's designee.

(18) The presiding officer shall mail copies of the decision and order to:

(a) The office of support enforcement;

(b) The last known address of the responsible parent by certified mail; and

(c) The last known address of the person to whom support is payable under the support order.

(19) Any party may appeal the initial decision or review decision as provided under WAC 388-08-440 or 388-08-464.

(20) Informal disposition of any hearing is favored where possible and not precluded by law. OSE may dispose of cases by an agreed settlement or a consent order. The presiding officer shall approve any consent order unless:

(a) It is contrary to law; or

(b) The payee under the order filed a timely objection to the:

(i) Notice of support owed; or

(ii) Notice of proposed settlement.

(21) A support order issued under this section shall contain the notice and information listed under RCW 26.23.050(5).

(22) The provisions of this section regarding the payee's right to an adjudicative proceeding shall not apply if the department is providing public assistance to the payee or the child for whom support is being sought.)) to establish a fixed dollar amount of monthly support and accrued support debt if a support obligation under a court order is not a fixed dollar amount, or to implement an adjustment or escalation provision of the court order.

(a) The notice of support owed shall include day care costs and medical support if the court order provides for such costs.

(b) The IV-D agency shall serve a notice of support owed on a responsible parent like a summons in a civil action or by certified mail, return receipt requested.

(c) Following service on the responsible parent, the IV-D agency shall mail a notice to payee under WAC 388-14-440.

(2) In a notice of support owed, the IV-D agency shall include the information required by WAC 388-11-210 and RCW 26.23.110 and:

(a) The factors stated in the order to calculate monthly support;

(b) Any other information not contained in the order that was used to calculate monthly support and the support debt; and

(c) Notice of the right to request a review of the order once yearly or on the date, if any, given in the order for an annual review.

(3) The responsible parent must make all support payments after service of a notice of support owed to the Washington state support registry. The IV-D agency shall not credit payments made to any other party after service of a notice of support owed except as provided in WAC 388-11-015 and 388-11-280.

(4) A notice of support owed becomes final as defined in this subsection.

(a) A notice of support owed becomes final and subject to immediate wage withholding and enforcement without further notice under chapters 26.18, 26.23, and 74.20A RCW unless the responsible parent, within twenty days of service of the notice in Washington:

(i) Contacts the IV-D agency, and signs an agreed settlement;

(ii) Files a request with the IV-D agency for a hearing under subsection (5) of this section. The effective date of a hearing request is the date the IV-D agency receives the request; or

(iii) Obtains a stay from the superior court.

(b) A notice of support owed served in another state becomes final according to WAC 388-14-496.

(5) The IV-D agency may enforce at any time:

(a) A fixed or minimum dollar amount for monthly support stated in the court order or by prior administrative order entered under this section;

(b) Any part of a support debt that has been reduced to a fixed dollar amount by a court or administrative order; and

(c) Any part of a support debt that neither party alleges is incorrect.

(6) A hearing on the merits of a notice of support owed is for the limited purpose of interpreting the court order for support and any modifying orders and not to change or defer the support provisions of the order. The hearing is only to determine:

(a) The amount of monthly support as a fixed dollar amount;

(b) Any accrued arrears through the date of hearing; and

(c) If a condition precedent in the court order to begin or modify the support obligation was met.

(7) If the responsible parent requested the hearing, he or she has the burden of proving any applicable defenses to liability under WAC 388-11-065 or that the amounts stated in the notice of support owed are incorrect.

If the payee under the order requested the hearing, see WAC 388-14-440.

(8) The IV-D agency shall send notice of a hearing under this subsection to the responsible parent and payee. The payee may participate in the hearing as an independent party with the same procedural rights as the responsible parent.

(9) If only one party appears and wishes to proceed with the hearing, the presiding officer shall either continue the hearing or hold a hearing and issue an initial decision based on the evidence presented.

(a) The presiding officer shall include an order of default against the nonappearing party in the initial decision, and the appeal rights of the nonappearing party are limited to the record made at the hearing.

(b) If neither party appears or wishes to proceed with the hearing, the presiding officer shall issue an order of default against both parties.

(10) A notice of support owed or an initial or review decision issued under subsection (6) of this section shall inform the parties of the right to request a review of the order once yearly or on the date, if any, given in the order for an annual review.

(11) If a responsible parent requests a late hearing under WAC 388-11-310, the responsible parent must show good cause for filing the late hearing request if it is filed more than one year after service of the notice of support owed.

(12) A notice of support owed shall fully and fairly apprise the responsible parent of the rights and responsibilities in this section.

(13) For the purposes of this section, "payee" shall include "physical custodian."

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 92-13-026 (Order 3403), 388-14-415, filed 6/9/92, effective 7/10/92; 91-09-018 (Order 3133), 388-14-415, filed 4/9/91, effective 5/10/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220 (1)(a) and 74.08.090. 90-04-077 (Order 3005), 388-14-415, filed 2/5/90, effective 3/1/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 88-07-012 (Order 2606), 388-14-415, filed 3/4/88; 86-05-009 (Order 2340), 388-14-415, filed 2/12/86.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 3512, filed 2/10/93, effective 3/13/93 WAC 388-14-420 Termination of support enforcement services. (1) After the ((office of support enforcement (OSE))) IV-D agency begins providing services under chapter 74.20 RCW and RCW 26.23.045 (1)(a), (b), (c), (e), or (f), ((OSE)) the IV-D agency may terminate services when:

(a) There is no current support order and the support debt is less than five hundred dollars or cannot be enforced under the laws of the state of Washington;

(b) ((OSE)) The IV-D agency determines that the responsible parent or putative father is dead and has no available assets, income, or estate subject to collection action;

(c) ((OSE)) The IV-D agency determines that the responsible parent does not have any available assets, income, or estate subject to collection action, and is and will be unable to pay support because the parent is:

(i) Institutionalized in a psychiatric facility;

(ii) Incarcerated without possibility of parole; or

(iii) Medically verified as totally and permanently disabled with no evidence of support potential.

(d) The applicant, agency, or person receiving nonassistance services submits a written request to terminate services, and no((:

(i))) current assignment to the state of medical support rights exists((; and

(ii) Debt accrued under a support order that is assigned to the state exists)). If there is accrued debt under a support order that is assigned to the state:

(i) That portion of the case shall remain open; and

(ii) The IV-D agency may close the nonassistance portion of the case.

(e) ((OSE)) The IV-D agency makes reasonable efforts to identify or locate the responsible parent, using local, state, and federal locate sources over a three-year period and does not find new locate information;

(f) ((OSE)) The IV-D agency is unable to contact a nonassistance physical custodian within a thirty-day period using both a telephone call and one or more registered letters;

(g) ((OSE)) The IV-D agency documents:

(i) Instances of the physical custodian's failure or refusal to cooperate with ((OSE)) the IV-D agency; and

(ii) That the physical custodian's cooperation is essential for the next step in providing support enforcement services;

(h) ((OSE)) The IV-D agency cannot obtain a paternity order because:

(i) The putative father is dead;

(ii) A genetic test has excluded all known putative fathers and no other putative father can be identified;

(iii) The child is eighteen years of age or older; or

(iv) The department, a court of competent jurisdiction, or an adjudicative proceeding determines that paternity establishment would not be in the best interest of the child in a case involving:

(A) Incest;

(B) Rape; or

(C) Pending adoption.

(i) The department or a court of competent jurisdiction finds the person receiving services has wrongfully deprived the responsible parent of physical custody of a dependent child under WAC 388-11-065(((10))) (3);

(j) The department or a court of competent jurisdiction finds that action establishing or enforcing a support obligation cannot proceed without risk of harm to the child or the child's custodian;

(k) ((OSE)) The IV-D agency has provided locate-only services in response to a request for state parent locator services; ((or))

(l) The responsible parent is a citizen of, and lives in, a foreign country and:

(i) Does not have any assets which can be reached by ((OSE)) the IV-D agency; and

(ii) Washington state has been unable to establish reciprocity in child support matters with that country; or

(m) The dependent child is confined to a juvenile rehabilitation facility for a period of ninety day or more; or

(n) Any other circumstances exist which would allow closure under 45 CFR 303.11 or any other federal statute or regulation.

(2) After ((OSE)) the IV-D agency provides services under RCW 26.23.045 (1)(d), ((OSE)) the IV-D agency shall:

(a) Terminate support enforcement services;

(i) If a court of competent jurisdiction orders ((OSE)) the IV-D agency to terminate services based on:

(A) An approved alternate payment plan under RCW 26.23.050; or

(B) A finding that it is not in the child's best interest for ((OSE)) the IV-D agency to continue providing services.

(ii) After filing a satisfaction of judgment with the court as provided under WAC 388-14-205; or

(iii) If the responsible parent is dead and ((OSE)) the IV-D agency receives proof there is no available estate.

(b) Terminate services, except records maintenance and payment processing:

(i) For the reasons stated under subsections (1)(c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (j), (k), ((or)) (l), or (m) of this section; or

(ii) If the payee under the order fails to submit an application for support enforcement services.

(3) Sixty days before terminating services, ((OSE)) the IV-D agency shall mail a notice to the physical custodian. ((OSE)) The IV-D agency shall:

(a) Send the notice by regular mail to the last known address of the physical custodian;

(b) Include in the notice the reasons for terminating services; and

(c) State in the notice that the physical custodian may ask for ((an adjudicative proceeding)) a hearing to contest the decision terminating services.

(4) After terminating support enforcement services, ((OSE)) the IV-D agency shall return support money ((OSE)) the IV-D agency receives to the payor except as provided under subsection (2)(b) of this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 45 CFR 303.11 and 45 CFR 303.100. 93-05-020 (Order 3512), 388-14-420, filed 2/10/93, effective 3/13/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 90-16-041 (Order 3043), 388-14-420, filed 7/24/90, effective 8/24/90; 88-07-012 (Order 2606), 388-14-420, filed 3/4/88.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 3512, filed 2/10/93, effective 3/13/93 WAC 388-14-435 Notice of support debt. (1) The IV-D agency may serve a notice of support debt ((issued)) on a responsible parent under RCW 74.20A.040 ((shall state:

(a) The office of support enforcement (OSE) provides support enforcement services on behalf of the responsible parent's dependent children.

(b) The amount of any support debt, including medical support and day care costs, owed by the responsible parent.

(c) The current monthly amount for support under a court or administrative order.

(d) Twenty-one days after service of the notice of support debt OSE may take action to collect the responsible parent's support obligation without further notice, when the support obligation becomes due under the terms of the court order, unless the responsible parent or the payee under the order has filed a timely request to contest the notice of support debt as provided under this section. Collection action includes issuing orders to withhold and deliver, notices of payroll deduction, and/or taking other income withholding action.

(e) After service of the notice of support debt the responsible parent shall make all support payments through the Washington state support registry.

(f) The responsible parent shall not receive credit for payments made to a person or agency other than the support registry under RCW 26.23.050(9) and 74.20.101.

(g) The responsible parent has twenty days after service of the notice to contest the support debt amount by either:

(i) Making a written request for a conference board to be held under WAC 388-14-385; or

(ii) Filing an action in superior court.

(h) If the payee under the order objects to the support debt stated in the notice of support debt, or to a proposed settlement agreement between OSE and the responsible parent resulting in a reduction of the support debt, the payee may contest the action by filing:

(i) A written application for an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW; or

(ii) An action in superior court.

(i) Both parties shall be notified of any adjudicative proceeding requested by the payee, or conference board requested by the responsible parent, and both parties shall be allowed to participate as independent parties.

(2) The department shall serve the notice of support debt on the responsible parent:

(a) Like a summons in a civil action; or

(b) By any form of mail requiring a return receipt.

(3) Following service upon the responsible parent, the office shall mail a copy of the notice of support debt to the payee under the order, by regular mail at the payee's last known address. The office shall also mail a notice to the payee regarding the payee's rights to contest the notice of support debt as provided under WAC 388-14-440.

(4) OSE shall collect the amounts stated in the notice of support debt without notice to either party if the:

(a) Responsible parent does not request a conference board or start an action in superior court; and

(b) Payee under the order does not file a timely application for an adjudicative proceeding or start an action in superior court.

(5)(a) If the responsible parent requests a conference board the department shall issue a notice of conference board. The notice shall direct the responsible parent to appear and show why the support debt is incorrect. If the conference board request was timely, action to collect the support debt stated in the notice of support debt shall be stayed, except as provided under subsection (5)(c) of this section, pending the outcome of the conference board.

(b) A copy of the notice of conference board shall be mailed to the payee under the court order informing the payee of the payee's right to participate in the conference board.

(i) The payee shall have twenty days from the date the notice of conference board is given to request that the issues be addressed in an adjudicative proceeding under subsection (1)(h) of this section.

(A) If the payee does not file an application for an adjudicative proceeding within twenty days, the payee will be deemed to have made an election of remedies and the:

(I) Conference board decision shall become the final agency position; and

(II) Payee's late application for an adjudicative proceeding shall be denied unless the payee shows good cause for the late application.

(B) If the payee files an application for an adjudicative proceeding within twenty days the department shall stay any action to collect the support debt stated in the notice of support debt, except as provided under subsection (5)(c) of this section, pending the outcome of the adjudicative proceeding.

(ii) OSE shall notify the responsible parent of the payee's application for an adjudicative proceeding as required under subsection (1)(i) of this section.

(c) OSE may take action to collect:

(i) The current monthly amount of support stated in the court order;

(ii) Any portion of the support debt that both parties fail to allege is not owed; or

(iii) Any portion of the support debt that has been reduced to a sum certain judgment by a proper court or agency.

(6)(a) This section incorporates the following sections by reference, into any adjudicative proceeding scheduled to contest a notice issued under this section:

(i) WAC 388-11-011;

(ii) 388-11-015;

(iii) 388-11-060;

(iv) 388-11-065;

(v) 388-11-100;

(vi) 388-11-115;

(vii) 388-11-135;

(viii) 388-11-145;

(ix) 388-11-180; and

(x) Chapters 10-08 and 388-08 WAC.

(b) If any provision in this rule or in a rule incorporated by reference in this section conflicts with, or is inconsistent with a provision in chapters 10-08 or 388-08 WAC, the provision in this section or a rule incorporated by reference in this section shall govern.

(c) For the purposes of this section, if a rule incorporated by this section grants a procedural right to a responsible parent, that rule shall be interpreted to confer the same right to the payee under the court order.

(7) After evidence has been presented at a hearing, the presiding officer shall, within twenty days:

(a) Find the amount of the support debt, including medical support and day care costs, accrued before the date of service of the notice;

(b) Correct the mathematical computation of the stated debt;

(c) Review and consider superior court orders which have modified the superior court order in issue. Contempt orders and orders entered under chapters 26.21 or 26.20 RCW shall not be construed as modifications; and

(d) Issue findings of fact, conclusions of law, and an initial decision and order.

(8)(a) If any party appears for the adjudicative proceeding, absent the granting of a continuance, the presiding officer shall hear the matter and enter an initial decision and order based on the evidence presented.

(b) If neither party appears or elects to proceed, the presiding officer shall enter a decision and order declaring the amounts stated in the notice of support debt subject to collection.

(c) When a party has advised the presiding officer that the party will participate in an adjudicative proceeding by telephone, the presiding officer shall attempt to contact that party, on the record, prior to beginning the proceeding or ruling on a motion.

This rule does not authorize or require the presiding officer to disclose either party's telephone number.

(9) Informal disposition of any hearing is favored where possible and not precluded by law. OSE may dispose of cases by an agreed settlement, or consent order. The presiding officer shall approve any consent order unless the:

(a) Order is contrary to law; or

(b) Payee under the order files a timely objection to the notice of:

(i) Support debt; or

(ii) Proposed settlement.

(10) The presiding officer, review judge, and OSE shall include the notice and information listed under RCW 26.23.050(5) in support orders issued under this section.

(11) This section does not require OSE to serve a notice of support debt on the responsible parent before taking collection action if the order contains the requirements under RCW 74.20A.040(5).

(12) The provisions of this section regarding the payee's right to an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW shall not apply if the department is providing public assistance to the payee or the child for whom support is being enforced)) to provide notice that the IV-D agency is enforcing a court order or foreign administrative order for support.

(2) The IV-D agency shall serve a notice of support debt like a summons in a civil action or by certified mail, return receipt requested.

(3) In a notice of support debt, the IV-D agency shall include the information required by WAC 388-11-210, the amount of current and future support, accrued support debt, any health insurance coverage obligation, and any day care costs under the court or administrative order.

(4) The responsible parent must make all support payments after service of a notice of support debt to the Washington state support registry. The IV-D agency shall not credit payments made to any other party after service of a notice of support debt except as provided in WAC 388-11-015 or 388-11-280.

(5) A notice of support debt becomes final and subject to immediate wage withholding and enforcement without further notice under chapters 26.18, 26.23, and 74.20A RCW, subject to the terms of the order, unless, within twenty days of service of the notice in Washington, the responsible parent:

(a) Files a request with the IV-D agency for a conference board under WAC 388-14-285. The effective date of a conference board request is the date the IV-D agency receives the request;

(b) Obtains a stay from the superior court; or

(c) A notice of support debt served in another state becomes final according to WAC 388-14-496.

(6) Enforcement of the following are not stayed by a request for a conference board or hearing under this section or WAC 388-14-440:

(a) Current and future support stated in the order; and

(b) Any portion of the support debt that the responsible parent or payee under the order fail to allege is not owed.

(7) Following service of the notice of support debt on the responsible parent, the IV-D agency shall mail to the last known address of the payee under the order:

(a) A copy of the notice of support debt; and

(b) A notice to payee under WAC 388-14-440 regarding the payee's rights to contest the notice of support debt.

(8) If the responsible parent requests a conference board under subsection (5)(a) of this section, the IV-D agency shall mail a copy of the notice of conference board to the payee under the order informing the payee of the payee's right to:

(a) Participate in the conference board; or

(b) Request a hearing under WAC 388-14-440(3) within twenty days of the date of a notice of conference board that was mailed to a Washington address. If the notice of conference board was mailed to an out-of-state address, the payee may request a hearing within sixty days of the date of the notice of conference board. The effective date of a hearing request is the date the IV-D agency receives the request.

(9) If the payee requests a hearing under subsection (8) of this section, the IV-D agency shall:

(a) Stay enforcement of the notice of support debt except as required under subsection (6) of this section; and

(b) Notify the responsible parent of the hearing.

(10) If a payee requests a late hearing under subsection (8) of this section, the payee must show good cause for filing the late request.

(11) A notice of support debt shall fully and fairly apprise the responsible parent of the rights and responsibilities in this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 93-05-020 (Order 3512), 388-14-435, filed 2/10/93, effective 3/13/93; 91-09-018 (Order 3133), 388-14-435, filed 4/9/91, effective 5/10/91.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 3133, filed 4/9/91, effective 5/10/91)

WAC 388-14-440 Notice to payee. (1) The ((office of support enforcement (OSE))) IV-D agency shall ((mail)) send a notice to ((the)) a payee under a court order or foreign administrative order for ((child)) support ((by first class mail to the payee's last known address)) when the ((department serves a)) IV-D agency receives proof of service on the responsible parent of:

(a) A notice of support ((debt on the responsible parent)) owed under ((RCW 74.20A.040)) WAC 388-14-415; or

(b) A notice of support ((owed on the responsible parent)) debt under ((RCW 26.23.110)) WAC 388-14-435.

(2) The IV-D agency shall send the notice to ((the)) payee ((shall state:

(a) OSE has served a notice of support debt or notice of support owed on the responsible parent;

(b) The amount of support OSE calculated is due at the time the notice is issued and the time period during which the support debt accrued; and

(c) In cases where the department is not providing public assistance to the payee or the child for whom support is being enforced, the notice to the payee shall also state:

(i) The payee under the court order has the right to contest the claimed support debt and/or current support by filing a written application for an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW within twenty days of the date the notice to the payee was given;

(ii) The payee under the court order may upon request review the information used to calculate the support debt and/or current support claimed in the notice of support debt or the notice of support owed;

(iii) The responsible parent has the right to attend and participate as an independent party in any adjudicative proceeding requested by the payee;

(iv) If the responsible parent files a timely request for a conference board to contest a notice of support debt, the payee will be required to elect between resolving the amount of the debt in the conference board or in an adjudicative proceeding; and

(v) If the payee does not appear for either a conference board or an adjudicative proceeding, the resulting decision may be adverse to the payee's interest, including but not limited to a reduction:

(A) In the amount of the support debt below the amount stated in a notice of support debt; or

(B) Of the support debt and/or the current support below the amount stated in the notice of support owed.

(3) If the payee under the court order does not timely file an application for an adjudicative proceeding, OSE shall collect the amounts stated in the notice of support debt or notice of support owed without further notice to either party unless the responsible parent timely:

(a) Requests a conference board to contest the notice of support debt; or

(b) Files an application for an adjudicative proceeding to contest the notice of support owed)) by first class mail to the last known address of the payee and enclose a copy of the notice served on the responsible parent.

(3) In a notice to payee, the IV-D agency shall inform the payee of the right to file a request with the IV-D agency for a hearing on a notice of support owed under WAC 388-14-415 or a notice of support debt under WAC 388-14-435 within twenty days of the date of a notice to payee that was mailed to a Washington address.

(4) If the notice to payee was mailed to an out-of-state address, the payee may request a hearing within sixty days of the date of the notice to payee.

(5) The effective date of a hearing request is the date the IV-D agency receives the request.

(6) A hearing on a notice of support debt is for the limited purpose of determining the amount of accrued support debt through the date of the hearing under the order.

(7) The IV-D agency shall send a notice of hearing on a notice of support debt to the responsible parent and payee. The responsible parent may participate in the hearing as an independent party.

(8) If only one party appears and wishes to proceed with the hearing, the presiding officer shall hold a hearing and issue an initial decision based on the evidence presented or continue the hearing.

(a) An initial decision issued under this subsection shall include an order of default against the nonappearing party and limit the appeal rights of the nonappearing party to the record made at the hearing.

(b) If neither the responsible parent nor the payee appears or wishes to proceed with the hearing, the presiding officer shall issue an order of default against both parties.

(9) If the payee requests a late hearing under WAC 388-11-310 on a notice of support owed or a notice of support debt, the payee must show good cause for filing the late hearing request.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 91-09-018 (Order 3133), 388-14-440, filed 4/9/91, effective 5/10/91.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 3133, filed 4/9/91, effective 5/10/91)

WAC 388-14-445 Notice of proposed settlement. (1) The IV-D agency shall send a notice of proposed settlement to a payee when the IV-D agency and the responsible parent sign an agreed settlement((s and)) or consent order((s entered between the department and the responsible parent to adjust amounts claimed under a notice of support debt or a notice of support owed shall not be final unless:

(a) Approved by the payee under the order; or

(b) The payee is given notice of and does not make a timely written objection to the proposed settlement.

(2) Agreed settlements and consent orders shall contain a statement informing the responsible parent of the conditional nature of the agreement.

(3) When the department and the responsible parent sign an agreed settlement or consent order under this section, the department shall mail a copy of the proposed agreement to the payee and inform the payee of the payee's right to object to the proposed agreement. The department shall inform the payee that:

(a) The payee may object to the agreement by filing a written application for an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW with the department within twenty days of the date notice of the proposed agreement was given; and

(b) If the payee does not timely file an application for an adjudicative proceeding, the proposed agreement will become effective and shall not be subject to further administrative appeal and if the responsible parent has previously filed a timely request for a conference board or an adjudicative proceeding, the:

(i) Proposed agreement will become final; and

(ii) Scheduled hearing or conference board will be dismissed.

(c) The payee may, at any time, approve a proposed settlement by written notice to the department.

(4) The department or the office of administrative hearings shall give notice to the responsible parent of any adjudicative proceeding requested by the payee to contest a proposed agreement. The responsible parent shall be allowed to appear and participate as an independent party in the proceeding.

(5) The provisions of this section shall not apply if the department is providing public assistance to the children for whom the department enforces support)) in cases where the support obligation is being set under a court order which does not specify a fixed dollar amount.

The IV-D agency shall send the notice of proposed settlement by first class mail to the last known address of the payee and enclose a copy of the agreed settlement or consent order.

(2) A proposed settlement becomes final according to this subsection.

(a) A proposed settlement under this section becomes final and subject to enforcement unless the payee, within twenty days of the date of a notice of proposed settlement that was mailed to a Washington address:

(i) Approves the proposed settlement; or

(ii) Files a request with the agency IV-D for a hearing on a notice of support owed under WAC 388-14-415 or a notice of support debt under WAC 388-14-435. The effective date of a hearing request is the date the IV-D agency receives the request.

(b) If the notice of proposed settlement was mailed to an out-of-state address, the payee may request a hearing within sixty days of the date of the notice of proposed settlement.

(3) The payee may not request a late hearing under WAC 388-11-310 on a notice of proposed settlement.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 91-09-018 (Order 3133), 388-14-445, filed 4/9/91, effective 5/10/91.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 3133, filed 4/9/91, effective 5/10/91)

WAC 388-14-450 Debt adjustment notice. (1) The ((office of support enforcement (OSE))) IV-D agency shall mail a debt adjustment notice to ((a)) the payee under a court order within thirty days of the date ((OSE)) the IV-D agency reduces the amount of the court-ordered support debt ((the department)) it intends to collect if that reduction was due to:

(a) A mathematical error in the debt calculation;

(b) A clerical error in the stated debt;

(c) Proof the support obligation should have been suspended for all or part of the time period involved in the calculation; or

(d) Proof the responsible parent made payments that had not previously been credited against the support debt.

(2) The debt adjustment notice shall state:

(a) The amount of the reduction;

(b) The reason ((OSE)) the IV-D agency reduced the support debt, as provided under subsection (1) of this section;

(c) ((The payee has the right to contest the proposed adjustment by filing a written application for an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW within twenty days of the date notice to the payee was given;

(d))) The name of the responsible parent and a statement that the responsible parent may attend and participate as an independent party in ((an adjudicative proceeding)) any hearing requested by the payee under this section; and

(((e) OSE)) (d) The IV-D agency will continue to provide support enforcement services whether or not the payee objects to the debt adjustment notice.

(3)(((a) The payee has the right to contest a reduction under subsection (1) of this section by filing a request for an adjudicative proceeding within twenty days of the date the notice to the payee was given.

(b) If the application for an adjudicative proceeding is untimely filed but is filed within one year of the date notice was given, the payee shall be entitled to an adjudicative proceeding without showing good cause for the untimely request.

(c) If the application for an adjudicative proceeding is filed beyond one year from the date notice was given, the payee must show good cause for the delay in filing the request in order to receive an adjudicative proceeding to contest the reduction.

(4) The provisions of this section shall not apply if the department is providing public assistance to the payee or the child for whom the department enforces support)) A debt adjustment notice becomes final under this subsection.

(a) A debt adjustment notice becomes final unless the payee, within twenty days of service of the notice in Washington, files a request with the IV-D agency for a hearing under subsection (4) of this section. The effective date of a hearing request is the date the IV-D agency receives the request.

(b) A debt adjustment notice served in another state becomes final according to WAC 388-14-496.

(4) A hearing under this section is for the limited purpose of determining if the IV-D agency correctly reduced the support debt as stated in the notice of debt adjustment.

(5) A payee who requests a late hearing under WAC 388-11-310 must show good cause for filing a late hearing request if it is filed more than one year after the date of the notice of debt adjustment.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 91-09-018 (Order 3133), 388-14-450, filed 4/9/91, effective 5/10/91.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 3403, filed 6/9/92, effective 7/10/92)

WAC 388-14-460 Notice of intent to enforce--Health insurance coverage. (1) The ((office of support enforcement (OSE))) IV-D agency may issue a notice of intent to enforce a responsible parent's obligation to provide health insurance coverage under a court or administrative order if the order:

(a) Requires the responsible parent to provide health insurance coverage or prove that coverage is not available; and

(b) Does not inform the parent that failure to provide coverage or prove that coverage is not available may result in direct enforcement of the order.

(2) ((OSE)) The IV-D agency shall serve the notice on the responsible parent by certified mail, return receipt requested or by personal service.

(3) The ((department)) IV-D agency shall state on the notice of intent to enforce that the responsible parent must submit proof of coverage, proof that coverage is not available, or proof that the parent has applied for coverage to ((OSE)) the IV-D agency within twenty days of the date:

(a) Of service of the notice; or

(b) Health insurance coverage becomes available through the parent's employer or union.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 26.18.170 and 26.18.180. 92-13-026 (Order 3403), 388-14-460, filed 6/9/92, effective 7/10/92.]

NEW SECTION

WAC 388-14-495 Registering an order from another state for enforcement or modification. (1) A support enforcement agency, or a party to a child support order or an income-withholding order for support issued by a tribunal of another state, may register the order in this state for enforcement pursuant to chapter 26.21 RCW.

(a) The order may be registered with the superior court pursuant to RCW 26.21.490 or it may be registered with the administrative tribunal according to subsection (2) of this section, at the option of the IV-D agency. Either method of registration shall be considered valid registration.

(b) A support order or income-withholding order issued in another state is registered when the order is filed with the registering tribunal of this state.

(c) A registered order issued in another state is enforceable in the same manner and is subject to the same procedures as an order issued by a tribunal of this state.

(2) The IV-D agency shall give notice to the nonregistering party when it administratively registers a support order or income-withholding order issued in another state.

(a) The notice must inform the nonregistering party:

(i) That a registered order is enforceable as of the date of registration in the same manner as an order issued by a tribunal of this state;

(ii) That a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order must be requested within twenty days after the date of receipt by certified or registered mail or personal service of the notice given to a nonregistering party within the state and within sixty days after the date of receipt by certified or registered mail or personal service of the notice on a nonregistering party outside of the state;

(iii) That failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order in a timely manner will result in confirmation of the order and enforcement of the order and the alleged arrearages and precludes further contest of that order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted; and

(iv) Of the amount of any alleged arrearages.

(b) The notice must be:

(i) Served by certified or registered mail or by any means of personal service authorized by the laws of the state of Washington; and

(ii) Accompanied by a copy of the registered order and any documents and relevant information accompanying the order submitted by the registering party.

(c) The effective date of a request for hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order is the date the IV-D agency receives the request.

(3) A hearing under this section is for the limited purpose of determining if the nonregistering party can meet the burden of proving one or more of the defenses enumerated in RCW 26.21.540(1).

(a) If the contesting party presents evidence establishing a full or partial defense under RCW 26.21.540(1), the presiding officer may:

(i) Stay enforcement of the registered order;

(ii) Continue the proceeding to permit production of additional relevant evidence; or

(iii) Issue other appropriate orders.

(b) An uncontested portion of the registered order may be enforced by all remedies available under the law of this state.

(c) If the contesting party does not establish a defense under RCW 26.21.540(1) to the validity or enforcement of the order, the presiding officer shall issue an order confirming the registered order.

(d) The physical custodian, or payee of the order, shall be a party to any hearing under this section.

(4) Confirmation of a registered order shall preclude further contest of the order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted at the time of registration. Confirmation may occur:

(a) By operation of law upon failure to contest registration; or

(b) By order of the presiding officer.

(5) A party or support enforcement agency seeking to modify, or to modify and enforce, a child support order issued in another state may register the order in this state according to RCW 26.21.560 through 26.21.580.

(a) The order shall be registered in the same manner provided in subsection (1)(a) if the order has not yet been registered.

(b) A petition for modification may be filed at the same time as a request for registration, or later. The petition must specify the grounds for modification.

(c) The IV-D agency may enforce a child support order of another state registered for purposes of modification, in the same manner as if the order had been issued by a tribunal of this state, but the registered order may be modified only if the requirements of RCW 26.21.580 have been met.

(6) Interpretation of the registered order shall be governed by RCW 26.21.510.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 388-14-496 Uniform Interstate Family Support Act--Notices served in another state. (1) The agency may serve the following legal actions in another state by certified mail, return receipt requested, under chapter 26.21 RCW:

(a) A notice of intent to distribute support money under WAC 388-14-271;

(b) A notice to recover a support payment under WAC 388-14-272;

(c) A notice of support owed under WAC 388-14-415;

(d) A notice of support debt under WAC 388-14-435;

(e) A notice to payee under WAC 388-14-440;

(f) A notice of proposed settlement under WAC 388-14-445.

(2) The agency may serve a distribution notice under WAC 388-14-274, a debt adjustment notice under WAC 388-14-450 or a total versus total notice under WAC 388-14-276 in another state by first class mail.

(3) A notice becomes final and, if applicable, subject to immediate wage withholding and enforcement without further notice if applicable under chapters 26.18, 26.23, and 74.20A RCW unless the recipient of the notice, within sixty days of service in another state:

(a) Contacts the IV-D agency and signs an agreed settlement; or

(b) Files a request for a hearing under the applicable section in subsection (1) of this section. The effective date of a hearing request is the date the IV-D agency receives the request.

(4) Administrative hearings on notices served in another state under this section may be conducted under the special rules of evidence and procedure in chapter 26.21 RCW.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 388-14-500 Oral requests for hearing. (1) Notwithstanding the requirement for a written request for hearing found in other sections of chapters 388-11 and 388-14 WAC, the IV-D agency shall accept an oral request for hearing from a person who wishes to contest any action taken by the IV-D agency for which a hearing right exists. If a person wishes to petition for modification of an existing administrative support order, or to petition for relief under WAC 388-14-376, the request for hearing must be in writing.

(2) The effective date of an oral hearing request is the date that a complete oral hearing request is communicated to any IV-D agency representative. An oral hearing request is deemed "complete" if it advises the IV-D agency of the following:

(a) Requestor's name;

(b) Identifying information such as requestor's social security number, case number, or names of the children and of the physical custodian;

(c) Requestor's mailing address;

(d) Requestor's daytime phone number, if available;

(e) Agency action to which the requestor is objecting; or

(f) Other pertinent information that would assist the IV-D agency in identifying the specific case or cases involved in the hearing request.

(3) An oral request for hearing may be left on the hearing request voice mail box of the automated phone system of each IV-D agency field office.

(4) The IV-D agency will process incomplete requests when the appellant provides adequate information to identify the appellant's case.

(5) The IV-D agency will process an oral hearing request in the same manner as a written hearing request. If the IV-D agency determines that an oral hearing request deals with matters that are properly before the conference board under WAC 388-14-385, the agency shall process that request as a request for conference board, absent a specific request for administrative hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW.

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REPEALER

The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:

WAC 388-14-400 Order to withhold and deliver--Issuance and termination.

WAC 388-14-405 Order to withhold and deliver--Responsibilities of employer.

WAC 388-14-425 Payroll deduction--Notice and order--Issuance and termination.