Child Support Annual Data Report (OCSS Form - 157)

As provided in title IV-D of the Social Security Act (the Act), agencies administering Child Support (CS) programs are required to maintain comprehensive child support collection and expenditure records and to have an adequate reporting system to provide the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) with information upon request. To help CS agencies (CSAs) fulfill this requirement, OCSS developed the standardized Child Support Annual Data Report (OCSS Form – 157). The collection activities are authorized by 42 U.S.C. § 652(a)(4), (5) & (10), which requires OCSS to review data and calculations from State agencies regarding program accomplishments; review annual reports and recommend corrective actions and technical assistance; conduct audits every 3 years; assist States to have adequate reporting procedures, records of program operations, and procedures for collecting and reporting information; establish uniform definitions, and submit a report to Congress on child support program activities. The collection activities are further authorized by 42 U.S.C.669, which requires the Secretary to collect and maintain up-to-date statistics, by State, on a fiscal year basis, including (1) number of cases in the State agency caseload with an approved child support services plan; (2) the number of cases with provided services; types of services provided separately stated for paternity establishment and child support obligation establishment; types of service recipients separately stated for recipients of assistance or foster care maintenance, and individuals who are not such recipients. A definition that a service has been provided when the task has been accomplished.

The latest form for Child Support Annual Data Report (OCSS Form - 157) expires 2028-03-31 and can be found here.