The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Child Support Enforcement is asking clients to seek help through the office online and not visit the agency’s local offices in-person during the coronavirus pandemic.
DHHR is asking those in need of child support services to reach their county office via email. Most of the agency’s employees are working remotely, according to a news release.
Officials say the Bureau for Child Support Enforcement’s phone lines have been “overwhelmed,” and clients will have a shorter wait time and a quicker response by emailing their county office.
Online services through the BCSE include submitting applications for services, checking payment information and making payments.
The BCSE has an automatic match for those who pay child support and are filing for unemployment. The release said the BCSE’s system sends an automated notice to unemployment to withhold support payments from benefits.
