DOL Opinion on Consumer Credit Protection Act and Lump Sum Payments
IM-18-06
INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
IM-18-06
DATE: May 2, 2018
TO: State and Tribal IV-D Agencies
SUBJECT: DOL Opinion Letter on Consumer Credit Protection Act and Lump Sum Payments
On April 12, 2018, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued Opinion Letter CCPA2018-1NA (PDF) to clarify whether employer-issued lump sum payments are subject to withholding limits for child support under Title III of the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA).
The Opinion Letter addresses 18 specific types of lump sum payments and identifies which ones qualify as earnings subject to the 50 percent to 65 percent withholding limits under the CCPA. Of the 18 types of payments, only three do not qualify as earnings:
- Buybacks of company shares
- Workers’ compensation for medical reimbursement
- Wrongful termination insurance settlements for compensatory or punitive damages
The remaining 15 types of lump sum payments are subject to the CCPA limitations on child support withholdings. Please review the Opinion Letter to ensure that your agency follows the guidance provided by DOL.
INQUIRIES: ACF/OCSE Regional Program Managers
Scott M. Lekan
Commissioner
Office of Child Support Enforcement