Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich on Tuesday announced improvements to the state's new hire reporting Web site, a site that contributed to fiscal year 2008 setting a new record for the amount of child support collected. The updates include new features to the site and enhancements in security.
"I am proud to announce that we are once again improving our methods to make sure that Illinois children receive the financial support they deserve," said Blagojevich. "By making this Web site easier for employers to use, it will continue to be an effective tool to make sure that parents are consistent in meeting their obligations to their children."
The updates to the new hire reporting Web site increase the level of security in addition to making the site easier to maneuver. Employers now have the ability to view and print information about their new hires. The new security features allow employers to change passwords and update contact information in a simpler and more efficient way. During the next year, the Department plans to add the capability for employers to download data directly to the Web site.
"The new hire reporting Web site has been very successful in helping us collect record amounts of child support for children in Illinois," said Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Barry S. Maram. "In fiscal year 2008, we were able to collect over $47 million through new hire reporting alone. For the fourth consecutive year, the Department has set a record in the amount of dollars we are collecting for families in Illinois. We are proud to partner with employers as well as other state agencies to make sure that children receive the financial support they need and deserve."
In addition to reporting new hires by mail, fax, e-mail or by submitting a magnetic file, employers can now enter new hire information directly into the new hire Web site. Information required to be reported includes the employee's name, home address, Social Security number as well as the employer's name, address and federal employer identification number.
Over 15,000 employers have registered to use the Web site, and they have reported over 295,000 new employees since the site's launch.
Governor Blagojevich recently announced a record amount of child support collected for Illinois' families. During FY08, HFS collected $1.33 billion for custodial parents in Illinois, an increase of more than 8 percent over the $1.22 billion collected during FY07. The Department has collected record amounts of child support for each of the last four years.
Child support enforcement services are available to any parent who needs assistance in establishing legal parentage, establishing child support or medical support, or enforcing support. Some enforcement tools, like interception of income tax refunds, are available only to customers of the child support enforcement program. To register for free child support enforcement services, parents must complete and sign an application.
