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The Human Services Department mission is: To transform lives. Working with our partners, we design and deliver innovative, high quality health and human services that improve the security and promote independence for New Mexicans in their communities.

Fresh Start Arrears Management Program

The “Fresh Start” Arrears Management Program for child support is an opportunity to truly have a fresh start when it comes to your obligations to your children!

You may be eligible to renegotiate your past due amounts to arrive at dollar figure that is more manageable. This opportunity becomes available when a lump sum payment or more reliable payments to the custodial parent are made. CSSD will look at the specifics of your case with the goal of making it more manageable for you.

To be eligible for the “Fresh Start” Arrears Management Program, a child support case must have over $1,000.00 of arrears assigned to the State of New Mexico, and meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • All dependents are emancipated.
  • The current order is solely for collection of arrears (CSSD is not collecting ongoing child support).
  • The parties have reconciled and are cohabitating.
  • The non-custodial parent must pay at least a three month lump sum payment (ongoing child support plus payment toward arrears).*
  • The non-custodial parent must have met his/her last three months obligation.* 

*Involuntary payments, i.e. tax intercepts, FIDM, and bond payments, do not count toward the monthly obligation or lump sum requirement. 

A case is not eligible for the Arrears Management Program if the custodial parent is actively receiving TANF funds.

Call CSSD at (800) 283-4465 to find out more and discuss how we can help.

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