Child Support Pass-Through Calculator
What Is a Child Support Pass-Through?
A child support pass-through is the portion of child support that a state allows a TANF recipient to keep.
When you receive TANF, the state often collects child support payments from the noncustodial parent. Depending on state rules, the state may:
- Let you keep the full amount
- Let you keep a fixed portion
- Keep all of it
This policy varies by state. That is why selecting the correct state in the calculator is important.
Why a Child Support Pass-Through Calculator Matters
Money is tight for most families receiving TANF. Even a small change in income can affect rent, groceries, or utilities.
A pass-through calculator helps you:
- Estimate your monthly income
- Understand how your state handles child support
- Plan ahead before reporting income
- Prepare questions for your TANF caseworker
It gives you clarity before you speak with your local agency.
How the Child Support Pass-Through Calculator Works
The calculator uses five key inputs:
- State
- Household size
- Monthly TANF benefit
- Monthly child support received
- Pass-through type (Full, Partial, or None)
Based on those entries, it calculates:
- Monthly pass-through amount
- Total monthly income (TANF + pass-through)
- A plain-language explanation of the result
The tool does not change your benefits. It simply estimates what may happen under current state rules.
Understanding the Three Pass-Through Types
1. Full Pass-Through
With a full pass-through, you keep all of your child support in addition to your TANF benefit.
Example:
- TANF benefit: $500
- Child support received: $400
- Pass-through: $400
- Total monthly income: $900
This means your child support does not reduce your TANF in this simplified estimate.
2. Partial Pass-Through
With a partial pass-through, the state allows you to keep a fixed amount of child support each month.
Some states allow $50. Others allow $100.
Example:
- TANF benefit: $500
- Child support received: $400
- State partial pass-through limit: $100
- You keep: $100
- Total monthly income: $600
Even if you receive $400 in child support, you only keep the state’s allowed amount.
3. No Pass-Through
With no pass-through, the state keeps the child support collected while you receive TANF.
Example:
- TANF benefit: $500
- Child support received: $400
- Pass-through: $0
- Total monthly income: $500
In this case, your total monthly income remains your TANF amount only.
Step-by-Step: How to Use the Calculator
Using the calculator is simple.
Step 1: Select Your State
Pass-through policies are set at the state level. Choose the state where you receive TANF.
Step 2: Enter Household Size
Include yourself and everyone living in your household who depends on the income.
Step 3: Enter Monthly TANF Benefit
Input the total amount you receive each month.
Step 4: Enter Monthly Child Support
Add the total child support received for all children.
Step 5: Select Pass-Through Type
Choose Full, Partial, or None based on your state policy.
Click Calculate, and the tool will show:
- Pass-through amount
- Total monthly income
- Explanation of the calculation
- Suggested next steps
You can also reset the form at any time.
What the Results Mean
The results section breaks everything down clearly:
- Your State
- Monthly Child Support Received
- Monthly TANF Benefit
- Monthly Pass-Through Amount
- Total Monthly Income
- Bottom Line Summary
- Critical Next Steps
This helps you see the full picture in one place.
Important Disclaimer
The calculator provides an estimate only.
Final decisions are made by your state’s TANF agency. Policies can change. Some states have more complex rules that depend on:
- Whether the support is current or past-due
- The number of children
- How long you’ve been on TANF
- Specific reporting requirements
Always confirm your situation with your local TANF caseworker.
Common Questions About Child Support and TANF
Does child support reduce TANF benefits?
It depends on your state’s pass-through policy. In some states, you keep part or all of it. In others, it does not increase your total income while receiving TANF.
Do I have to report child support income?
Yes. You must report all child support received. Not reporting income can affect your eligibility.
Can pass-through policies change?
Yes. States can update their rules. Always check with your agency for current information.
Who Should Use a Child Support Pass-Through Calculator?
This tool is helpful if you:
- Receive TANF benefits
- Expect to receive child support
- Already receive child support
- Are budgeting monthly expenses
- Want to understand how benefits interact
It is especially useful before contacting your caseworker so you can ask informed questions.