Scheme linking alimony to credit score spurs collection of late payments

DP SME Commercial Credit Bureau on Wednesday said that an ongoing scheme that puts incidences of overdue alimony on a person's credit record has helped in collecting more than S$2 million in outstanding payments.

The scheme, administered by the bureau, has been in place since 2011. The bureau confirms that the court-ordered support has not been paid, and gives the debtor the option of making payment arrangements.

"When given the option of paying or having their delinquent behaviour placed against their credit standing, eight in 10 people choose to start paying," said DP SME Commercial Credit Bureau in a press statement.

"Neglecting matrimonial maintenance to an ex-spouse reflects negatively on one's behaviour. The appraisal of character is often crucial in money lending or consumer credit, determining one's credit worthiness."

To date, 155 families have received payments as a result of the bureau's intervention, it said. Among existing cases, the highest monthly maintenance involving child support accorded by the Court is S$3,600, with the lowest being S$100.