Why are child support payments from the 2020 Economic Impact Payments delayed?

Economic Impact Payments made to noncustodial parents who owe past-due child support are subject to offset just like an income tax refund under the Federal Income Tax Refund Offset Program.

Typically, states may hold tax refund offsets from a joint tax filer for up to six months before disbursing. However, most child support agencies received permission to hold offsets from Economic Impact Payments to joint tax filers until March 31, 2021, since the IRS announced it will automatically issue the spouse’s Economic Impact Payment even if they didn’t file an injured spouse claim.