Can’t find noncustodial parent, does it mean I can’t get cash assistance?

Q) If the child support office can’t find the noncustodial parent, does that mean I can’t get cash assistance?

A) In order to receive cash assistance, you generally need to cooperate with child support enforcement efforts, which may include helping to locate the noncustodial parent. If the noncustodial parent cannot be found, the child support office will still try to establish paternity and a child support order. However, if the noncustodial parent cannot be located and there is no child support order in place, you may still be able to receive some form of cash assistance, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). It’s important to check with your state’s specific guidelines and requirements for eligibility for cash assistance.