WHAT IS A GOOD CAUSE EXEMPTION?
Good Cause provides an exemption from cooperating with the child support and medical support requirements. If cooperating with the Child Support Division could pose potential safety risk for you or your child(ren), you may request good cause through Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
To receive TANF or adult Medicaid, you must provide information about the “absent parent” (known as the other parent of your child) to your Texas Health and Human Services Commission eligibility worker. You will be required to cooperate with the Child Support Division in obtaining child, medical and dental support from the other parent.
Violence or fear may be good cause to allow you to receive public benefits without going through the child support process. Ask your Texas Health and Human Services Commission eligibility worker about the Good Cause Waiver.
The Good Cause Waiver releases your requirement to cooperate with/or establish a child support order. If Texas Health and Human Services Commission grants you a Good Cause Waiver, you do not have to continue cooperating with child support services, and the Child Support Division will close your child support case.
Who qualifies for Good Cause Exemption?
- A parent currently receiving TANF and adult Medicaid.
- A parent with personal safety concerns about participating in the child support process.
- A parent who has safety concerns for their child(ren).
What is the Good Cause process?
Inform child support staff about your safety concerns and learn about possible family violence protections.
Request Good Cause exemption from the child support requirement from your Texas Health and Human Services Commission eligibility worker or by calling 2-1-1.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission eligibility worker will provide you with the Good Cause Recommendation and Family Violence Exemption Form (H1706).
Ask the local family violence program staff to complete the form.
Connect with a local family violence program.
Your Texas Health and Human Services Commission eligibility worker or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800)799-SAFE(7233) can provide you with contact information for the nearest program in your area.
Submit the Good Cause Recommendation and Family Violence Exemption Form (H1706) to your Texas Health and Human Services Commission eligibility worker through YourTexasBenefits.com or via fax (877)447-2839.
Confirm/Verify the Good Cause Waiver process was successful by talking to your Texas Health and Human Services Commission eligibility worker and the Child Support Division.
If you are granted Good Cause Exemption through Texas Health and Human Services Commission, what does it mean for my child support case?
- If you already have a final child support order, the Child Support Division will no longer actively enforce your existing child support case (child support and medical support). The order remains in existence but the Child Support Division closes the case.
- If you do not have a final child support order, the Child Support Division will close your child support case.