WVDHHR > BCSE > FAQs - BCSE Services During Pandemic
FAQs - BCSE Services During Pandemic
Most BCSE staff are tele-working at this time with minimal staff in offices. We remain committed to helping individuals receive their support payments and obtain the child support services they require.
What is the best way to contact BCSE staff during this pandemic?
The best way to contact BCSE is through email. You can find your local office email on the home page in the Find Local Office tab.
Will BCSE provide in-person services during the COVID-19 epidemic?
Unfortunately, during the pandemic, BCSE is unable to serve walk-in visitors to protect the safety of our citizens. Face-to-face services pose undue risk to all populations and the welfare of all individuals is our number one priority.
What services are postponed during the pandemic?
- We will not have face-to-face contact.
- We will not accept payments in person. Postage paid payment envelopes are available in the lobby of our local offices along with information regarding services and other payment options.
- We have limited staff answering phones, therefore, the best avenue to obtain assistance is email. You may find email information on our home page in the Find Local Office tab.
- Court hearings have been continued/suspended until a later date.
- Enforcement actions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Enforcement actions requiring a court hearing are currently suspended. For specific information regarding your circumstances, email your local BCSE office.
Will I continue to receive my child support or spousal payments?
Any payments BCSE receives will continue to be direct deposited or placed on your debit card. If the payor in your case is still working, receiving unemployment benefits, or making direct payments, you will continue to get your support as we receive payments.
How can I make a payment on my child support or spousal case?
At this time, payments can NOT be accepted at local child support offices. Postage paid payment envelopes are available in the lobby of our local offices along with information regarding services and other payment options. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Will BCSE garnish the stimulus payments?
As directed by Congress, the IRS has protocols in place to garnish monies from
the first stimulus payments (CARES Act, 2020) for most individuals that are
behind on child support. The second stimulus payments (Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2021) does NOT have protocols in place to garnish monies
for child support. Common questions and answers regarding the second stimulus
payment can be found on the IRS Website - link.
My support payor owes unpaid child support, when will I receive monies from the Federal stimulus payment?
BCSE has not received notification of when the stimulus monies will be sent. This section will be updated once we receive specific instructions from the IRS. BCSE is working to ensure that these payments are quickly processed.
I was supposed to go to court, when will I have another court date?
The Supreme Court of Appeals issued several emergency orders due to the COVID-19 crisis. The judicial emergency orders have expired and courts are resuming operations. However, some courts are holding hearings in person, while others are holding hearings by telephone. The BCSE is mailing new hearing notices. If you have not received a new hearing notice by the end of June, please e-mail your local office to check.
Are there new procedures regarding Court hearings due to COVID-19?
How do I apply for support services?
On our home page, click on the application link to be redirected to information on applying for BCSE services, or
Go directly to https://www.wvpath.org/ to apply for BCSE services. WV has a new integrated application portal that allows WV families to apply online for a variety of DHHR programs.
How can I check on the status of my application?
You can check the status of your application by emailing your local child support office.
How do I comply with child support to obtain Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF) during the pandemic?
You will be contacted by a BCSE employee by phone or email if further information is needed to process your case.
I was laid off because of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and I cannot pay my child support, what should I do?
Losing one’s job can seem overwhelming. However, there are immediate steps you can take.
First, see if you are eligible to file for unemployment at https://workforcewv.org/covid19. The requirements have been relaxed during this pandemic.
Second, notify BCSE via email at dhhrbcsecsu@wv.gov or locate your local child support office email on the home page in the Find Local Office tab.
Will my child support payments still be due if I am unable to work due to the Coronavirus?
Yes, your child support payment continues to be due according to the terms of your Order. If you have been laid off or you are experiencing a reduction in hours, see if you qualify for unemployment, and email BCSE (see previous answer). You may also apply for other assistance programs at https://www.wvpath.org/
My child has graduated and is no longer in school, will my child support automatically stop?
Support continues until your child reaches the age of 18 but may continue until he or she graduates from high school under the terms of your support order. WV schools are closed for in-person classes at this time but students are obtaining online educational instructions and interactions. As with many other aspects of this pandemic, plans for graduation and formalizing the end of the school year have not been finalized or published. Support will continue until BCSE obtains graduation notification from your child’s Board of Education.
If you have been notified that your child has graduated, contact BCSE with the information by email. You may obtain email information for your local office on the home page in the Find Local Office tab.