Overview
Many of our international partners now send and receive child support payments electronically instead of by check. We are committed to helping states overcome the challenges of electronic international payments to eliminate paper checks.
What is CAP?
CAP is an alternative to sending child support payments by wire transfer or international ACH. It helps state child support agencies send payments electronically to other countries. States use the current ACH process to send payments to CAP, which then forwards them to foreign child support authorities.
How does CAP support state child support programs?
CAP makes it easier for states to send international payments electronically. Child support agencies do not have to develop international ACH processes. Using existing federal processes to centralize payments lowers transmission costs, ensuring families receive more money.
How does CAP send payments to foreign countries?
CAP uses established federal international electronic payment channels. After consolidating payments from states, CAP sends a single weekly payment to each foreign authority through the federal government’s International Treasury Services (ITS). This service converts the payment to the local currency and sends it to the foreign authority. CAP securely provides case and payment details to the foreign authority so they can send the funds to the custodial parents.
How does a state enroll in CAP?
The CAP State Enrollment Guide provides detailed instructions. A state must first reconcile its caseload with the foreign authority. States complete a State Contact form (PDF) , prepare a test ACH file (based on technical specifications in the State Enrollment Guide), and send the test file to CAP. After successful testing, CAP provides the bank account information for the state to send payments to CAP.
How does a foreign authority enroll in CAP?
The Foreign Authority Enrollment Guide provides detailed instructions. Foreign authorities complete Foreign Authority Contact Form (PDF) and either implement a server-to-server connection to receive the weekly case and payment data files or arrange to download the files from the CAP secure email server. Foreign Authorities provide their banking details to CAP, and CAP works with ITS to set up payments to the foreign authority. Once the foreign authority has reconciled its cases with states, the foreign authority is ready to receive payments through CAP.
Which foreign countries receive payments through CAP?
This is a list of countries accepting payments through CAP, including Canadian provinces. As new countries enroll, states reconcile their caseloads with them. CAP informs states when a country is ready to accept payment and updates the list with the FIPS code and foreign authority name. Find payment information for countries not receiving payments through CAP on the OCSS International webpage.
Can foreign authorities send payments to US states through CAP?
Not yet. CAP is working to set-up a process to receive payments from foreign authorities for CAP-enrolled states. CAP will let states and foreign authorities know when this is in place.
How can I get more information about CAP?
Contact us at CAP_Program@acf.hhs.gov.