March 17, 2020

On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, as per instructions from the Clerk of the Executive Council, the Support Enforcement Agency has been ordered to staff for critical services only due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We know the importance of continued receipt of support payments during these challenging times.  As a result, the primary focus of the Support Enforcement Agency during the COVID-19 pandemic will be to continue to process support payments and issue cheques every day.

Communications

Due to the fact that we are operating at reduced staffing levels, the Support Enforcement Agency does not have the capacity to respond to incoming telephone inquiries at this time.

If you need to contact the Support Enforcement Agency, we ask that you:

• email us at seps@gov.nl.ca; or
• direct message us through the Secure web portal at https://sea-remote.justice.gov.nl.ca

We will respond to email messages from seps@gov.nl.ca in order of receipt.  Our support enforcement team will respond to your questions and concerns via email or telephone should further information be necessary. We ask that you leave only one detailed message with your current contact information.  We endeavor to respond to all telephone and email messages within three to five business days.

Payors

Payors who have lost their job due to COVID-19 pandemic are expected to continue paying support as it is more important than ever to ensure the well-being of the children. Support payments should be the first priority for things to pay and not the first to go. We do recognize that this unanticipated loss of earnings may cause hardship for both the payor and the creditor.  Depending on the situation, the Director of Support Enforcement will work with the parties to examine their unique circumstances, on a case by case basis, and determine the appropriateness of a temporary payment arrangement.

Given the current reduction in Canada Post mail services in the Province, the Support Enforcement Agency is asking that payors and employers remit payments electronically via the various methods available, ie. telephone and internet banking, pre- authorized debit, pre-authorized credit card, and credit card by contacting the accounting department directly at (709) 637-1018.

Recipients

If you are in receipt of a manual cheque (a paper cheque), we encourage you to contact the accounting department at (709) 637-2526 to set up electronic banking. This will ensure you receive payments directly without interruptions related to reduced mail services, building closures, etc.  As a result of the current reduction in Canada Post mail services in the province, manual cheques will be held at the Support Enforcement Agency in Corner Brook until such time as alternate banking arrangements are made.

These are unprecedented times which require extraordinary efforts to ensure the continued operation of the Support Enforcement Agency.  We appreciate your patience and support as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together. As this situation evolves, we will reassess and adjust our procedures accordingly.

Stay safe.