The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) performs many services that usually pertain to social safety net programs in the state. While the department’s interaction with employers is generally limited in scope, the primary point of intersection is with new hire reporting and income withholding. Both pertain to the enforcement of child support laws.
State and federal laws require employers to report all newly hired and rehired employees to the state government within 20 days of hire or rehire. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Division of Child Support collects this information, and this registry can then be used by state officials to locate workers who owe child support.
DSHS has developed step-by-step materials for employers on both of these topics.