- Report: #383074
Complaint Review: Support Kids Inc - Austin Texas
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Support Kids Inc
PO Box 49459 Or Po Box 18988 Austin, 78760 Texas, U.S.A.
Phone:
512-437-6001
Web:
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SupportKids, Inc. DO NOT LET SUPPORT KIDS REPRESENT YOU FOR ANY REASON, NO MATTER HOW DESPERATE YOU ARE!!! Austin Travis County Texas
On June 16, 2008 I decided to contact the Support Kids website to collect the arrears that were owed to me by my children's, sperm donor aka NCP after he had racked up over $4500 in arrears. He lives in Montana, & I was not aware that my case with the NCCSE was moved over to an interstate case, which means that both CSE offices in both states work together to locate my ex. I think he kept on moving from town to town to keep from paying child support.
So after seeing a t.v. advertisement, which turns out that they use false advertising to snag unsuspecting mothers, such as myself, to use their services.
I decided on the date above to go ahead & fill out an application & have them try to collect on the arrears. I understood the Agreement for Services form they sent me & I signed it, & waited to see if this would help him pay.
In August I decided I was not satisfied with any results that I was getting from Support Kids. They made it sound like they were working very hard on my case & this is what kind of result I was getting from them, that my case is in LOCATE, & they have exhausted ALL efforts in locating the NCP, which means they can't find him, unless I have a phone # or address where they could contact him.
So on August 29, 2008, I decided I wanted to terminate my case with them. So I wrote them a letter, sent it by snail mail & sent an e-mail to the clientline to let them know of the termination request. On August 17th, 2008 I did not know I had a letter in my mail from NCCSE that MT had issued an income withholding order, which means MTCSE found him, plus ordered him to pay extra per month to go to arrears balance. I received a notice on the Support Kids website that my case would go under review in 30 days to determine if they could terminate my case on September 3, 2008.
During this time I started to research for anything negative about Support Kids. I can't believe what I found out about all the other mothers, they have done this to.
I decided to call the company a couple of days later, which took me 20-30 minutes before anyone answered the phone, it's a long distance number, mind you. I can't afford to be on the phone for this long & run up my mothers phone bill, seeing it was her phone I have to use. Why can't this company, that is bringing in $475.00 plus 34% of child support per person, afford to have a toll free number?? And why is there NEVER any supervisors there for frustrated people to talk to??
Well, the lady I talked to & I am sorry I can't remember what her name was, told me that I had to send a written request to them requesting termination. Plus, I had not given them a chance to do anything on my case, & why couldn't I supply them with a # or address to where they could contact the NCP. They have laws they have to go by, they just couldn't go bang on his door & demand payment, is what I was told. So I requested a copy of my agreement & then she told me that, it was not her responsibility if I did not read my contract. Are they not supposed to make sure you understand what you are about to sign, if they are working so hard no your behalf??
On October 2, 2008 I got this e-mail from Support Kids:
Hello,
Thank you for writing.
I'm sorry you feel the way you do. However, you signed a legal and binding contract for us to collect your child support payments. The fees are clearly outlined in the contract. Supportkids is not responsible or accountable for clients not reading the contract they signed. Fax: (866) 337-3387
(Attn: Terminations)
Mail: Supportkids, Inc.
Attn: Heather
PO Box 18988
Austin, TX 78760
A case with Supportkids, Inc. can be terminated in three ways.
(1) Supportkids collects the Specified Amount.
(2) I notify Supportkids in writing within seven (7) days of my signing this agreement that I wish to end this agreement.
(3) Or, if 12 consecutive months pass during which no payments have been collected or received directly from the NCP and I notify Supportkids in writing that I wish to end this agreement. I understand that I cannot end this agreement if Supportkids has had a lien placed against NCP's property or has hired an attorney for me.
Please note, once your request is received it will go through a review process. You will be notified of the decision made by Supportkids about closure of your case in a few weeks.
On October 2nd , 2008 this is the message I got via Support Kids website:
10/02/2008 Locate work on your case is complete. Depending on the information that we have, your case will either move to Enforcement or remain in Locate, where we will continue to try and find helpful information.
Hello, they still can't locate him!!
October 6th, 2008 again I checked the SupportKids website again & this is the following message:
10/06/2008 After careful review of your case, the terms of the contract for services you have signed and your request to terminate service, we have concluded there is not sufficient cause to cancel your contract. You will receive a notice of this decision in the mail.
So on October 8th, 2008 I went to Swain County CSE to talk to my case worker, & she told me the state was about to close my case, because I was using SupportKids, & I could not have them both working for me. I made them aware that no matter what DO NOT CLOSE MY CASE, because I just came from the clerk of courts office where I had a Power of Attorney Revocation notice notarized & just mailed (certified mail) a copy to SupportKids & to put one in my file, that SupportKids will no longer be working on my behalf. I do have the right to revoke the POA privileges at anytime for any reason.
The same day Support Kids mailed a letter stating, While they regret my dissatisfaction, after careful review of your letter & the specifics of your case, we have concluded that for the following reasons we will not close your case: Supportkids has begun collecting the specified amount, & SupportKids has time remaining, per the contract, to begin/resume/continue collecting. Since the time you enlisted our services, we have put our resources to work in good faith to collect your unpaid child support. Highly trained specialists & investigators have worked-& continue to work- on your behalf. When you chose Support Kids to work for you, you agreed to a legally binding contract. Unfortunately, you do not meet the terms to cancel your case as outlined in your contract.
We are devoted our full efforts to collecting all the money due you as quickly as possible. It is important to us that we have your full cooperation & confidence as we move forward.
Yeah, right. They lost my confidence about 2 months ago! I have yet to hear they're response on the POA revocation. On the Supportkids website on October 14th, 2008 they have left a message on my answering machine (voicemail). Hello, my phone is off due to no money to pay it!
I thought this company would do me some good for my kids, all they have caused is frustration, grief, & headache. How could they advertise that they get the money that you deserve. I do deserve my child support, my kids need clothes pluse there are fees they have at school as well. This company does not support any kids, in opinon they are only in it to support them selves. Whatever you do if you read this report, & are thinking about using this Austin based company, don't! They are not worth it. Please don't loose faith in the state, they may be overloaded in work, but at least you get the money, eventually, hopefully.
Mrshallum0907
Cherokee, North Carolina
U.S.A.
So after seeing a t.v. advertisement, which turns out that they use false advertising to snag unsuspecting mothers, such as myself, to use their services.
I decided on the date above to go ahead & fill out an application & have them try to collect on the arrears. I understood the Agreement for Services form they sent me & I signed it, & waited to see if this would help him pay.
In August I decided I was not satisfied with any results that I was getting from Support Kids. They made it sound like they were working very hard on my case & this is what kind of result I was getting from them, that my case is in LOCATE, & they have exhausted ALL efforts in locating the NCP, which means they can't find him, unless I have a phone # or address where they could contact him.
So on August 29, 2008, I decided I wanted to terminate my case with them. So I wrote them a letter, sent it by snail mail & sent an e-mail to the clientline to let them know of the termination request. On August 17th, 2008 I did not know I had a letter in my mail from NCCSE that MT had issued an income withholding order, which means MTCSE found him, plus ordered him to pay extra per month to go to arrears balance. I received a notice on the Support Kids website that my case would go under review in 30 days to determine if they could terminate my case on September 3, 2008.
During this time I started to research for anything negative about Support Kids. I can't believe what I found out about all the other mothers, they have done this to.
I decided to call the company a couple of days later, which took me 20-30 minutes before anyone answered the phone, it's a long distance number, mind you. I can't afford to be on the phone for this long & run up my mothers phone bill, seeing it was her phone I have to use. Why can't this company, that is bringing in $475.00 plus 34% of child support per person, afford to have a toll free number?? And why is there NEVER any supervisors there for frustrated people to talk to??
Well, the lady I talked to & I am sorry I can't remember what her name was, told me that I had to send a written request to them requesting termination. Plus, I had not given them a chance to do anything on my case, & why couldn't I supply them with a # or address to where they could contact the NCP. They have laws they have to go by, they just couldn't go bang on his door & demand payment, is what I was told. So I requested a copy of my agreement & then she told me that, it was not her responsibility if I did not read my contract. Are they not supposed to make sure you understand what you are about to sign, if they are working so hard no your behalf??
On October 2, 2008 I got this e-mail from Support Kids:
Hello,
Thank you for writing.
I'm sorry you feel the way you do. However, you signed a legal and binding contract for us to collect your child support payments. The fees are clearly outlined in the contract. Supportkids is not responsible or accountable for clients not reading the contract they signed. Fax: (866) 337-3387
(Attn: Terminations)
Mail: Supportkids, Inc.
Attn: Heather
PO Box 18988
Austin, TX 78760
A case with Supportkids, Inc. can be terminated in three ways.
(1) Supportkids collects the Specified Amount.
(2) I notify Supportkids in writing within seven (7) days of my signing this agreement that I wish to end this agreement.
(3) Or, if 12 consecutive months pass during which no payments have been collected or received directly from the NCP and I notify Supportkids in writing that I wish to end this agreement. I understand that I cannot end this agreement if Supportkids has had a lien placed against NCP's property or has hired an attorney for me.
Please note, once your request is received it will go through a review process. You will be notified of the decision made by Supportkids about closure of your case in a few weeks.
On October 2nd , 2008 this is the message I got via Support Kids website:
10/02/2008 Locate work on your case is complete. Depending on the information that we have, your case will either move to Enforcement or remain in Locate, where we will continue to try and find helpful information.
Hello, they still can't locate him!!
October 6th, 2008 again I checked the SupportKids website again & this is the following message:
10/06/2008 After careful review of your case, the terms of the contract for services you have signed and your request to terminate service, we have concluded there is not sufficient cause to cancel your contract. You will receive a notice of this decision in the mail.
So on October 8th, 2008 I went to Swain County CSE to talk to my case worker, & she told me the state was about to close my case, because I was using SupportKids, & I could not have them both working for me. I made them aware that no matter what DO NOT CLOSE MY CASE, because I just came from the clerk of courts office where I had a Power of Attorney Revocation notice notarized & just mailed (certified mail) a copy to SupportKids & to put one in my file, that SupportKids will no longer be working on my behalf. I do have the right to revoke the POA privileges at anytime for any reason.
The same day Support Kids mailed a letter stating, While they regret my dissatisfaction, after careful review of your letter & the specifics of your case, we have concluded that for the following reasons we will not close your case: Supportkids has begun collecting the specified amount, & SupportKids has time remaining, per the contract, to begin/resume/continue collecting. Since the time you enlisted our services, we have put our resources to work in good faith to collect your unpaid child support. Highly trained specialists & investigators have worked-& continue to work- on your behalf. When you chose Support Kids to work for you, you agreed to a legally binding contract. Unfortunately, you do not meet the terms to cancel your case as outlined in your contract.
We are devoted our full efforts to collecting all the money due you as quickly as possible. It is important to us that we have your full cooperation & confidence as we move forward.
Yeah, right. They lost my confidence about 2 months ago! I have yet to hear they're response on the POA revocation. On the Supportkids website on October 14th, 2008 they have left a message on my answering machine (voicemail). Hello, my phone is off due to no money to pay it!
I thought this company would do me some good for my kids, all they have caused is frustration, grief, & headache. How could they advertise that they get the money that you deserve. I do deserve my child support, my kids need clothes pluse there are fees they have at school as well. This company does not support any kids, in opinon they are only in it to support them selves. Whatever you do if you read this report, & are thinking about using this Austin based company, don't! They are not worth it. Please don't loose faith in the state, they may be overloaded in work, but at least you get the money, eventually, hopefully.
Mrshallum0907
Cherokee, North Carolina
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Kathy P
Lemon Grove,California,
USA
Support Kids Service, Inc
#2General Comment
Mon, August 22, 2016
I have been working with Support Kids since 2009, and it was a suggestion from a trusted friend, she insisted I contact them regarding back child support that my Son's father owed over $30,000.00 in back support, I assumed let it go because I wasn't the one who requested, or went to court to get the order, it was the State of California, back in late 1990s I was out of work for about 1 year, and didn't have medical so I put my Son on Healthy Families, and when I went back to work maybe a few years later the State of California Child Support Division notified me that they placed an order of support for my child, when the support came it was not that much, but it was something to put away for my Son. The support stopped after about a year and a half, the Courts say it was because they couldn't notify the Non Custodial Parent, so I gave them the last know address, I hadn't heard anything from the courts, so my trusted friend told me to contact Support Kids, and I did, not only did I give Support Kids the last know address for the NCP, but I remembered his social security number, and Support Kids was able to locate after about one month, they kept me in contact of what they were doing, and if I had any information I would also notify them. The back support has stopped and started over the years but they always keep me informed, an example, I hadn't received support for about 2 years recently, and never really though about it thinking that the back support was paid out (my Son is now 24 years old), so out of the blue I contacted them, and immediately found out from them the reason for the 2 year delay, and there was still a tremendous amount of back support remaining. Today 8/22/16 I received an email that support has started back and $150.00 check was processed on 8/18/16 and settlement date 8/24/16. HATS OFF TO SUPPORT KIDS.COM they are helping Custodial Parents get the support they need for their children, even back support!!!! I would recommend them to any parent that is having trouble with getting their support that has been ordered by the courts of your State, because the courts don't always have the resources, or man power to locate the NCP, remember this is the courts we are talking about and they are concentrating their efforts on serious criminals, so Mom's do your due diligence, like I did remember those social security numbers, keep in contact if you can, reach out to their family members if you were close to them, remember it is about the KIDS!
P.s. Support Kids fee is $450.00 and this is not an up front fee, they take it once the case is accepted and it is paid out of the first check charged to the NCP.
Laura
Davenport,Florida,
U.S.A.
Funny
#3Consumer Suggestion
Wed, October 29, 2008
The Support Kids in FL was also run by Child Support Enforcement of Florida! Can you say CONFLICT OF INTEREST?!?! I'm on the other side of the child support issue - they're trying to tell our employer that no matter what, my hus. has to pay $205 per week even if he makes $206! EVER HEARD OF THE FEDERAL CCPA LIMITS? They will lie, cheat, and STEAL to do what they want. In Florida, CSE is absolutely ABOVE the law!
