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Paying back TANF

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Roseofnuevo

Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Indiana
This is the easiest way to state my query. Let's say a mother starts to receive TANF. Paternity on her child has not been established. After she is off TANF, paternity has been established. Does the state have the power to make the father pay back the money she did receive while on TANF, even though he did not know the child was his? The mom has never wanted child support nor wants the father in the child's life and has stated that to the child support division (prosecutors office). Can they take him to court and send him to jail if he refuses to pay back this TANF?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
 


CJane

Senior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Indiana
This is the easiest way to state my query. Let's say a mother starts to receive TANF. Paternity on her child has not been established. After she is off TANF, paternity has been established. Does the state have the power to make the father pay back the money she did receive while on TANF, even though he did not know the child was his?
Yes.

The mom has never wanted child support nor wants the father in the child's life and has stated that to the child support division (prosecutors office).
Child support stops being a 'want' when one CHOOSES to receive assistance from the government. And if Mom stated she didn't know who the father was when filing for TANF, she may have committed welfare fraud.

Can they take him to court and send him to jail if he refuses to pay back this TANF?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
Yes.
 

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