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. Which agency debt is CCU responsible for collecting?
CCU collects virtually all District-related debts except for debts collected by the Office of Tax and Revenue, DC Water, and the Child and Family Services Agency. CCU is not collecting for all District agencies currently 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, bank liens, 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 collects the debts on behalf of CCU?
CCU utilizes the services of our collection vendor, Harris & Harris, to collect on CCU’s behalf. Harris & Harris sends out text messages, 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. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
  • 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday
• 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. 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 resolved prior to a vehicle being released from boot or impound.

7. Does CCU handle DMV tickets and insurance fines?
CCU does work with DMV-related fines and penalties that are more than 90 days old and have been referred to collections. 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.

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 and management.

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 documentation before considering payment arrangements?
When CCU is considering payment options, CCU staff may require financial documentation and analysis. This may consist of the completion of a Collection Information Sheet (CIS), bank statements, income statements, verification of necessary living expenses and secured debts. CCU may also require proof-of-residency, such as a lease/mortgage statement or utility bill.

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

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)
• 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 should be paid through our collection vendor, Harris & Harris. All payments will be withdrawn automatically using a debit or credit card.
• CCU cannot accept payment for any citation that has not been referred to collections, even if it is more than 90 days delinquent. Those payments must be made directly to the DMV.