The New Mexico Health Care Authority’s Child Support Services Division is asking for public assistance to distribute about $1.2 million in child support payments that have not reached their intended recipients.
According to Betina GonzalesMcCracken, director of the Child Support program, several factors contribute to these undelivered funds. “It could be that we have an outdated address and the payment is undeliverable, an uncashed check that has passed its expiration date, or payments made through a money order or check with no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,” GonzalesMcCracken said. “There is nothing that would make us happier than finding the rightful owners of these funds and getting the money into the households to which it is owed.”
Staff members review undistributed collections monthly and are able to return much of the money to families. Since 2023, there has been a 4.4% decrease in total undistributed collections. However, approximately $1.2 million remains on hold due to incomplete or outdated information.
The agency encourages current or former child support parents who think they may be owed a payment—or believe a payment was made but not credited—to contact them with as much detail as possible. Information such as updated contact details, payment specifics (including source and amount), dates, and direct deposit information may help staff locate and distribute the funds appropriately.
Those who suspect they are connected to any of these payments are asked to reach out to the Health Care Authority’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-283-4465 with relevant details.
The New Mexico Health Care Authority manages various programs across the state, including Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, cash assistance, child support services, behavioral health care, state employee health benefits, and more. The agency also licenses health care facilities and supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through home and community-based programs.
