1. What is the mission of the Central Collection Unit (CCU)?
CCU’s mission is to support the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Finance and Treasury by enhancing the financial stability of the Government of the District of Columbia through effective and efficient administration of non-tax payment compliance by enforcing the law with fairness and integrity.
2. What debts are CCU responsible for collecting?
CCU collects virtually all District-related debts with the exception of debts collected by the Office of Tax and Revenue, DC Water, and the Child and Family Services Agency. CCU is currently collecting debt for DMV, DCRA, UDC, UMC, and OFT; CCU is not collecting for all District agencies at this time but is continuing to increase agency collection efforts.
3. What type of collection tools are utilized by CCU?
CCU has the authority, through legislation, to work out installment agreements, file liens with the Recorder of Deeds, file civil suits, take enforced collection such as wage garnishment, and consider settlements of the debt. Certain collection actions are in conjunction with District's general counsel coordination and approval. These collection tools are used at the discretion of CCU, based entirely on the facts and circumstances of each case.
4. Who actually collects the debts on behalf of CCU?
CCU has awarded a contract to external collections contractor Harris & Harris to collect on CCU’s behalf. Harris & Harris sends out letters and makes telephone calls to debtors and will refer unique collection matters to CCU management for review. Additionally, Harris & Harris and the CCU staff may discuss delinquent liabilities and payment arrangements with customers as needed.
5. What is the telephone number and office location of CCU?
- CCU Main Telephone Number: (202) 727-0771
- CCU Telephone Hours
- 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Customer Service Walk-In Address:
- 1101 4th Street, SW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20024
- Walk-In Hours
- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Wednesday
6. Does CCU handle DMV tickets and insurance fines?
CCU does work with DMV-related fines and penalties that are more than 90 days old. CCU will not discuss the validity of DMV fines or penalties and will not consider payment arrangements for DMV debts that can be contested. CCU suggests researching www.dmv.dc.gov for additional information.
7. What about DPW Boot, Towing and Impound-related debt?
CCU follows the provisions of "The DMV Immobilization Act of 2013.” This means all DMV fines and penalties must be addressed prior to a vehicle being released from boot or impound.
8. Is there a minimum balance due and/or down payment when CCU considers a payment arrangement?
Yes, the minimum balance due is $350. The minimum down payment is 25 percent. Other payment options may be discussed by CCU Collection Representatives.
9. When will CCU consider payment arrangements?
CCU reviews the facts and circumstances of each case and will attempt to resolve the debt in a consistent and fair manner. Payment arrangements are not automatic and will be determined by CCU.
10. Does CCU require financial documentation before considering payment arrangements?
When CCU is considering payment options, CCU staff may require financial documentation and analysis. This may consist of bank statements, income statements, verification of necessary living expenses and secured debts.
11. What are the requirements for In-Person Visits to the CCU?
To enter the building and conduct business with CCU, the customer must have one of the following valid forms of photo identification:
- Driver’s License or Government-Issued Photo Identification
- U.S. Passport or Foreign Passport Card
- U.S. Military Identification with Photo and Date of Birth
- Immigration Identification with Photo and Date of Birth
- Valid District of Columbia Driver’s License
- Valid District Identification (ID) Card
12. What methods of payment are acceptable to CCU and where can debts be paid?
Valid CCU Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Money Order (Make Payable to DC Treasurer)
- Cashier’s Check (Make Payable to DC Treasurer)
- Valid Visa, Master Card, Discover or American Express
- Must be in name of debtor and must have a valid photo ID.
- If using another person’s valid credit card, the customer must be present and have a valid photo ID at the time of the transaction.
- Payments made on CCU Installment Agreements may be paid through the Office of Finance and Treasury (OFT) Main Cashiering Office.
- DMV payments that are not the result of a CCU generated payment agreement must be paid to the DMV.