REGISTRATION BY THE CREDITOR
The debtor is notified by mail once a creditor completes registration with the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP). The debtor should immediately cease making any maintenance payments directly to the creditor and begin making ALL payments through MEP. If the debtor does not contact MEP to arrange for payment of ongoing support and arrears, efforts are made to reach the debtor. If the debtor cannot be reached and no payment arrangements have been made, collection action begins.
REGISTRATION BY THE DEBTOR
It is the responsibility of the debtor to complete registration if the debtor wishes to make payments through MEP. Registration allows MEP to act as a financial intermediary between the creditor and debtor for maintenance payments and ensures that all payments made are properly credited to the debtor.
For more information about registration, see MEP's website or call the MEP Info Line and request through the fax-on-demand option: How to Register with the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP Info Sheet catalogue series #99022), Debtor Registration Package (MEP Catalogue #99018).
To reach the MEP Info Line, call 780-422-5555 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access anywhere in Alberta).
MAKING PAYMENTS
Payments to MEP by debtors living in Canada or the United States are made through their employer or by pre-authorized withdrawal from their Canadian bank account. The debtor must keep MEP informed of any changes to employment circumstances or to the bank account used to make payments.
Payments may also be made by Internet or telephone banking. Debtors will need to contact their bank to set up these payment options. Debtors should be aware that it can take several days for Internet or telephone banking payments to be received by MEP. Payments made close to a statutory holiday will require additional time for MEP to receive. Please ensure payments are initiated early enough to allow for processing by financial institutions.
LATE PAYMENTS
The debtor is expected to make all payments on or before the due date stated in the court order or agreement. Failure to do so may result in penalties and interest being charged to the account, as well as collection action being taken. Late-paying debtors are encouraged to contact MEP to make the necessary arrangements to avoid interest and late payment charges.
PAYMENTS MADE DIRECTLY TO THE CREDITOR
Once a file is registered with MEP, the debtor should not make any payments directly to the creditor. All payments should instead be made through MEP.
If the debtor has made payments directly to the creditor after registration, the debtor should advise MEP immediately and present proof (e.g. canceled cheque or receipt.) MEP will then ask the creditor to verify that the payment was received and paid as maintenance. Paying the creditor directly could result in the debtor paying twice for the same time period.
INCOME SUPPORT (SOCIAL ASSISTANCE)
When a creditor receives income support, the Alberta government has the right to the maintenance owing under the creditor's court order or enforceable agreement. The debtor is still required to make payments to MEP, and the program then forwards the payments to the government. The creditor and debtor do not have any authority to make an agreement to reduce any money owing to the government. Please see Info Sheet - Income Support and the Government's Right to Receive Maintenance Payments.
UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
It is the debtor's responsibility to provide MEP with any changes to the debtor's own situation, such as change of address, new employment, etc., so MEP can maintain accurate and up-to-date information on the account. This can be done simply through MEP Accounts Online or by phoning the 24-hour MEP Info Line and leaving a message. The debtor should also advise MEP in writing of any changes with respect to the child's status that could affect court-ordered payments (e.g. child no longer residing with the creditor, child is age 18 or no longer in school, etc.). Staff will investigate and advise the debtor whether MEP will still collect for that child.
VARIATION TO THE COURT ORDER
It is the debtor’s responsibility to make payments according to the terms of the court order or enforceable maintenance agreement. If this is not possible (e.g. due to loss of job, illness, new family responsibilities, etc.), the debtor must inform MEP and may wish to obtain a variation of the order or agreement. MEP does not have the authority to vary an order or agreement.