For Immediate Release - June 24, 2002
CONTACT: Chad Dexter, CSED, 406-444-1846
Dawn Pizzini, ITSD, 406-444-2974
Child Support Payment Information Available Online
HELENA - Some 45,000 people involved with Montana's Child Support Enforcement Division can now access basic case information via the Internet in a move designed to increase customer access and reduce staff research time.
The new payment information service - found at www.mt.gov - provides fast, convenient access to parents and caseworkers in a secure setting.
The CSED handles more than 45,000 cases in Montana, providing collection and timely payment services, as well as establishing paternity. Each month the agency receives more than 27,000 telephone inquiries, many from parents asking for payment information about their case. Researching answers to these inquiries is vital to maintaining good contact with parents, but it also consumes time that could be used locating parents who are delinquent on their payments.
Thus, the Internet service was established as the primary information tool.
"This service is less expensive and more convenient to people than answering questions over the telephone," according to Lonnie Olson, CSED Administrator. "Of course, we'll continue to provide assistance by telephone, but we encourage people to try this electronic system. It's really quite simple and helpful."
The site provides the last five payment amounts, receipt dates and balance due. There is also a section on frequently asked questions, instructions on use, and a glossary of terms. Information is updated nightly.
Using the service is easy: After accessing the site from your web browser, log into the service by entering your Social Security number and CSED case number. Once the required identification is supplied, payment information is provided instantly. People who do not have Internet access can typically find public access machines located at libraries, some coffee shops and government offices or via other Internet-connected devices.
The online Child Support Payment Information service is the result of collaboration between two Montana state agencies and a private vendor. The CSED, part of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, developed the system - without any direct agency cost - cooperatively with the Department of Administration's Information Technology Services Division. Montana Interactive, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of eGovernment provider NIC (Nasdaq: EGOV), provided technical expertise and system development.
This development is part of the eGovernment Services contract between the State and Montana Interactive, Inc.
