Social security and child support payments are controlled by regional and state social security offices operating under the guidance of regional commissioners. They expect business owners to comply with state employment laws mandating that employers hire individuals authorized to work in that state and that employers pay their employee's social security taxes.

The Child Support Commission, a separate arm of Social Security, has created an organized system for establishing paternity, locating parents, security child support from parents and disbursing those funds to approved recipients. Begin the process of complying with social security laws by following these tips:

1. Find out how social security and child support commissioners oversee disbursements of child support payments.

2. Take the quickest route when you contact a regional social security commissioner directly.

3. Request assistance in complying with state laws for operating businesses and maintaining employees.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Help an employee contact a child support enforcement commissioner

The federal and state governments take direction from a social security commissioner and work together to make sure individuals comply with court mandated child support payments.

I recommend: The Administration for Children and Families, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, assists in implementing federal programs designed to give aid to economically dependent families, including social security payments and child support. The Office of Child Support Enforcement is headed by a child support commissioner who oversees the Office's work of locating parents ordered to pay child support and securing those child support payments.

Turn to your social security regional commissioner for speedy solutions to issues

Though a federal agency, Social Security maintains local offices in every state that are supervised by the Commissioner of Social Security.

I recommend: The Social Security Administration and the Social Security Office Locator allow you to search for the office nearest you by simply typing in your residence zip code. The website will give you directions and a map to the office in addition to explaining which services you'll have access to online, by phone or when you visit the office in person.

Find social security and child support commissioners' information to educate business owners

Social Security and Child Support Commissioners create and supply brochures and other free reading material that can educate business owners about specific social security administration services available to them.

I recommend: The Information Quality Act data available on the Social Security Administration's website explains what business owners must do in order to correct what they believe is erroneous information contained on employment records, statements of earnings and benefits. Social Security Online serves employers by providing information they need to complete required forms for their employees.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The commissioner for Social Security Admin. will allow organizations to conduct their business online by registering with the Business Services Online 'BSO' office. Once you establish your user name and password, you have access to a comprehensive electronic filings page.