DCL-06-11, Federal Offset Program Pre-Offset Notices

DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER

DCL-06-11

DATE: February 10, 2006

TO: ALL STATE IV-D DIRECTORS

RE: Federal Offset Program Pre-Offset Notices

Dear Colleague:

Despite the increase in the postage rate for single piece First Class mail to 39 cents on January 8, 2006, we are pleased to announce that this change will NOT increase the current pre-offset notice service fee. The high volume of pre-offset notices issued by OCSE for 24 state agencies provides an economy of scale that has allowed us to keep this service fee at 50 cents for the last four years. In addition to covering the cost of postage, this service fee also includes the cost of the envelope, the printing, and stuffing the pre-offset notice into the envelope. OCSE then makes use of address verification and barcoding to ensure that your pre-offset notices are delivered with even greater reliability.

OCSE also offers the flexibility to customize the standard template for pre-offset notices (see attachment). This feature allows your agency to include specific language or contact information as you feel is appropriate. These pre-offset notice templates may also be customizable to specific counties within your state. If a pre-offset notice is modified to become longer than a single page, it may affect the pre-offset notice fee. Our office would be more than happy to assist you in developing customized pre-offset notices or in answering any questions regarding this process. To receive more information, please contact Brian Peeler at (202) 401-5568 or Andrew Spencer-Lee at (202) 401-9390.

Sincerely,

Margot Bean
Commissioner
Office of Child Support Enforcement

cc: Regional Program Managers
ACF Regional Administrators
Federal Offset Coordinators