ALBANIA – Court-ordered child alimony payments were not processed for three days this week due to a system glitch, and there is no time to correct the interruption, according to the government agency that processes the payments.

“Payment and withdrawal transactions for March 29-31, 2021 could not be processed,” says the child benefit department of the state’s temporary disability agency. “No payments or withdrawals will be issued for this information. We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible and apologize for any inconvenience.”

The State Bureau did not immediately respond to requests for comment on what caused the problem, how many children are affected, and how long payments can be delayed. The system was created to ensure that child support payments are made.

Child child support for divorce or other court orders, including those related to domestic violence, may be paid through government agencies. Payments can be made to parents with custody of children via debit cards and direct deposit into bank accounts.

The state system of providing child benefit is based on income and the number of children. The system serves children in low and middle income families. More than 70% of child support paid in the state is deducted directly by the state from the paycheck of the parent paying child support. Payments can also be made by check or money order to the government agency. Self-employed or unemployed parents can send their payments to the government agency by mail or online.

The state child benefit enforcement agency takes action when parents fail to make payments.

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Michael Gormley has been with Newsday since 2013, dealing with state government, politics and issues. He has covered Albany since 2001.