The AWG business process creates a variety of situations requiring interaction between
SSA and the employer. Contact occurs when:
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1.
The employer has questions about AWG or otherwise requires help from SSA, e.g., the
employer wants an explanation of AWG or wants to know how much money to withhold from
the person's pay. See GN 02201.042B for instructions on how to handle this type of employer request.
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2.
The employer reports changes or information that affects AWG, e.g., that the debtor
was laid off or fired. See GN 02201.042C for instructions on how to handle employer reports.
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3.
The employer refuses to cooperate or is non responsive, e.g., employer refuses to
honor the AWG order. See GN 02201.042D for instructions on how to handle employer noncooperation.
Contact between SSA and the employer usually occurs first as a result of the AWG Employer
Package sent by SSA to the employer. The AWG Employer Package contains the AWG order,
the employer certification and other related AWG information, plus scannable payment
coupons which the employer can use to make garnishment payments. See GN 02201.040B.4 for more detailed information about the AWG Employer Package.
In response to the AWG Employer Package, the employer is likely to have questions
about AWG. The employer is also expected to report the debtor's employment status
to SSA on the Employer Certification (SF-329D). See GN 02201.040B.4. for more detailed information about the AWG Employer Package. Also see GN 02201.042C.1. for detailed instructions on processing the SF-329D.
In addition, contact between SSA and the employer may arise from the various AWG update
actions, such as SSA's notice to stop AWG when waiver is requested. See GN 02201.040D for more detailed information about AWG update actions.
IMPORTANT: During any contact with the employer, be sure to obtain the name, telephone number,
and address. Enter the information on the AWG Employer Response (TRER) screen. (See
MS 01114.010).