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Albuquerque- Approximately $1.2 million in child support has not been delivered to its rightful recipients in New Mexico. The state is now seeking help from the public to get the funds delivered. Betina Gonzales-McCracken, Child Support director said, “It could be that we have an outdated address and the payment is undeliverable, an uncashed check that has passed its expiration date, or payments made through a money order or check with no identifiable information that can be tied to a child support case.” The Health Care Authority, is asking current or former child support parents who believe they may be owed a payment, or who believe a payment was made but not credited to their account to contact the agency and provide information to see if they are connected to any of the undistributed payments. Child Support staff review the list of undistributed collections each month and successfully return much of the money to families. According to the state Health Care Authority, since 2023, the program has seen a 4.4% drop in the total amount of undistributed collections. However, the portion of payments on hold due to incomplete or outdated information has remained steady at about $1.2 million.
The HCA is asking current or former child support parents who believe they may be owed a payment — or who believe a payment was made but not credited to their account — to contact the agency and provide as much information as possible. Information needed may include:
- Updated contact information (address and phone number).
- Payment details.
- Date of payment.
- Payment source (check or money order number).
- Payment amount.
- Checks from a third party with no identifiable case information.
- Direct deposit information for electronic payment.
If you believe you may be connected to any of these undistributed payments, please contact the Health Care Authority’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-283-4465 and provide detailed information so Child Support staff can research the funds and distribute them appropriately.
