Support Enforcement and Recovery - Augusta, ME

Ensuring Financial Stability for Families

The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery (DSER) is a critical arm of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), dedicated to the economic well-being of children. Located at the Anthony Avenue business park complex in Augusta, this office serves as the central hub for administering the state’s child support program. Unlike Child and Family Services which handles custody and welfare checks, DSER is strictly focused on the financial and legal aspects of parental support. Their mission is to ensure that children receive the financial resources they are entitled to from both parents, reducing reliance on public assistance programs like TANF.

Core Services and Responsibilities

The division operates under federal and state mandates to provide a variety of essential services:

• Child Support Collection: The office manages the collection and distribution of child support payments. They utilize various enforcement tools when payments are not made, including payroll deductions, tax refund offsets, and license suspensions.
• Paternity Establishment: For children born out of wedlock, DSER assists in legally establishing paternity, which is a prerequisite for obtaining a child support order. This can be done through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing.
• Locating Parents: The division has access to state and federal databases to help locate non-custodial parents whose whereabouts are unknown, facilitating the service of legal documents.
• Order Establishment and Modification: DSER helps parents establish legal support orders and reviews existing orders to determine if they should be modified based on changing financial circumstances.

Visiting the Office

The Anthony Avenue location is primarily an administrative processing center.

Appointments

While staff are available to assist, it is strongly recommended to call the Customer Service Unit or use the online portal before visiting in person. Many inquiries regarding payment history, debt balances, or case status can be resolved remotely without the need for a physical trip.

Security

As a DHHS facility handling sensitive financial and personal data, security protocols are in place. Visitors may be required to present identification and undergo screening upon entry. Weapons are prohibited on the premises.

Payments

It is important to note that this office typically does not accept cash payments at the counter. Parents making support payments are encouraged to use the Maine Child Support Payment Center (mail) or the online payment portal. The Augusta office focuses on case management and enforcement actions rather than acting as a bank teller window.