7 CFR §3.22
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)CCC may temporarily withhold issuance of payment of some or all amounts to a debtor under one or more contracts or programs. Withholding of a payment prior to the completion of an applicable offset procedure may be made from amounts payable to a debtor by CCC to ensure that the interests of CCC and the United States will be protected as provided in this section.
- (b)A payment may be withheld to protect the interests of CCC or the United States if CCC determines that:
- (1)There has been a serious breach of contract or violation of program requirements and the withholding action is considered necessary to protect the financial interests of CCC;
- (2)There is substantial evidence of violations of criminal or civil fraud laws and criminal prosecution or civil fraud action is of primary importance to program operations of CCC;
- (3)Prior experience with the debtor indicates that collection will be difficult if amounts payable to the debtor are not withheld;
- (4)There is doubt that the debtor will be financially able to pay a judgment on the claim of CCC;
- (5)The facts available to CCC are insufficient to determine the amount to be offset or the proper payee;
- (6)A judgement on a claim of CCC has been obtained; or
- (7)Such action has been requested by Justice.