
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - An online portal developed to help streamline child support payments in Virginia continues to grow
Usage of the $4KIDS program and other electronic methods through the state Department of Social Services increased by more than 30,000 transactions and $6.5 million in 2012.
The website and phone service allows non-custodial parents and employers to make payments free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The redesigned version of the site was launched in December 2009. Since then, more than 545,000 payments totaling more than $100 million have been processed.
Officials have said the site helps to get child support to parents and children faster and easier, and cuts down on the department's administrative costs.
About 330,000 Virginia children were child support recipients in the 2012 fiscal year.
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