CONNECTICUT CHILD SUPPORT CARD

Frequently Asked Questions
** For other Frequently Asked Questions, see the
Connecticut Child
Support Electronic Payment Application Form
.

  • What choices do I have for receiving my child support payments?
    You can choose to have your child support deposited directly into a bank account of your choice (Direct Deposit) or choose to have your payments loaded onto a prepaid card which we call the Connecticut Child Support Card. Under new Connecticut law, DSS will be sending all child support payments by electronic means, either by Direct Deposit or the “Connecticut Child Support Card.” Child support checks are no longer issued except in very limited circumstances if you qualify for an exemption.
  • What is the Connecticut Child Support Card?
    The Connecticut Child Support Card is a prepaid card. Child support payments are transferred electronically into your card account from which you can access your money at any Automated Teller Machine (ATM). In addition, the card will carry the VISA® logo, allowing you to make purchases wherever VISA is accepted. Although the Connecticut Child Support Card carries the VISA logo, it is not a credit card. You're using your own money from child support payments deposited on your behalf.
  • What fees will I have to pay if I choose the Connecticut Child Support Card?
    The Connecticut Child Support Card is offered by DSS in partnership with smiONE. While we have worked together to keep the costs associated with this service as low as possible, certain ATM and other transaction fees may apply. The Connecticut Child Support Card fee schedule is as follows:

Description

Fee*

Domestic Signature Transaction Declined
Non-NSF

Free

Domestic Signature Transaction Declined NSF

$0.50 per transaction

Domestic PIN Transaction Declined Non-NSF

Free

Domestic PIN Transaction Declined NSF

$0.50 per transaction

International Signature Transaction Declined
Non-NSF

Free

International Signature Transaction Declined NSF

$0.50 per transaction

International PIN Transaction Declined
Non-NSF

Free

International PIN Transaction Declined
NSF

$0.50 per transaction

Domestic ATM Withdrawal In-Network

1 free per month, then $1.50 per transaction

Domestic ATM Withdrawal Out-of-Network

1 free per month, then $1.50 per transaction

Domestic ATM Balance Inquiry In-Network

Free

Domestic ATM Balance Inquiry Out-of-Network

$0.50 per transaction

Domestic ATM Declined Non-NSF
In/ Out-of-Network

Free

Domestic ATM Declined NSF
In/ Out-of-Network

$0.50 per transaction

International ATM Withdrawal

$3.00 per transaction

International ATM Balance Inquiry

$1.00 per transaction

International ATM Declined Non-NSF

Free

International ATM Declined NSF

$0.50 per transaction

Over the Counter (Teller) Cash Withdrawal

1 free per load, then $5.00 per transaction

Currency Conversion

3%

Customer Service Call (includes IVR calls)

Free

Replacement Card Issuance

1 free per calendar year; else $5.00 per request

Expedited Card Replacement

$10.00 per request

Close Account; Request Check

$10.00 per request

Account Maintenance

Free

Bill Payment – Electronic or Paper Check

$0.75 per transaction

* Additional cardholder and cash transfer cardholder fees may apply if the primary cardholder selects to have additional cardholders.

  • Where can I use the Connecticut Child Support Card?
    Retail Locations
    You can use your card anywhere that accepts VISA® debit cards, including grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and more!

    Automated Teller Machines (ATM)
    You can use your card to withdraw cash in local currency at ATMs throughout the world. Just look for ATMs that display the logos on the back of your card.
    You will also enjoy surcharge-free access and one (1) no-cost ATM withdrawal per deposit at Allpoint ATMs nationwide.
  • Will the card say that it is child support money?
    No. There is nothing on the card itself to indicate that the funds associated with the card are child support payments. The card has smiONE across the front along with the VISA® logo and will look like a credit card.
  • When will I be able to start using my Connecticut Child Support Card?
    After we receive your Electronic Payment Application form, it will take approximately four weeks before payments are sent to your Connecticut Child Support Card account. Until that time, you will receive your child support checks by mail.
  • Can I sign up for direct deposit after I have received the Connecticut Child Support Card?
    Yes. You can enroll for direct deposit at any time.
  • How do I use the Connecticut Child Support Card?

    Retail Locations (Point-of-Sale)

1)

Insert your card into the point-of-sale terminal.

2)

Choose “debit” or “credit.” If you choose “debit” you can receive cash back with your purchase. If you choose “credit,” you cannot get cash back and will be asked to sign a receipt. You will receive a receipt with your card and your purchase.

3)

Enter your 4-digit personal identification number (PIN).

4)

Tell the clerk if you would like cash back with your purchase. Some stores do not allow this option; please ask the cashier about the store's policy. The clerk will enter the purchase amount and the amount of cash you requested. You will receive a receipt along with your cash, your card, and your purchases. All purchases and cash back amounts will be deducted from your account.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM)

1)

Insert or swipe your card.

2)

Enter your 4-digit personal identification number (PIN).

3)

Press “Withdrawal” and then “Checking.” Follow the instructions until the transaction is completed.

4)

Take your cash, your card, and your receipt.

  • My credit is bad. Can I still sign up for the Connecticut Child Support Card?
    Yes. While the Connecticut Child Support Card looks like a credit card, it is not a credit card, and your credit rating has no effect on your signing up for the card. As part of its agreement with DSS, smiONE is required to send the Connecticut Child Support Card to any child support recipient that applies.
  • What choice is best for me?
    The best choice for you depends on your situation. Both direct deposit and the Connecticut Child Support Card provide many of the same benefits. One important consideration is cost. The child support program does not charge any fees for using the direct deposit service or the Connecticut Child Support Card. However, the Connecticut Child Support Card is offered by smiONE and there could be ATM and other transaction fees charged by smiONE when using the card. These fees will be disclosed in full to you when you receive a Connecticut Child Support Card, and you will be given instructions on how to minimize these fees as much as possible.
  • How do I choose direct deposit or the Connecticut Child Support Card?
    You must make a selection on the “Electronic Payment Application Form” and return it to the address on the form.
  • Can I sign up for direct deposit after I have received the Connecticut Child Support Card?
    Yes. You may enroll in direct deposit at any time.
  • What qualifies as an exemption so that I can still receive checks?
    You can have child support checks mailed to you in certain limited circumstances. If you have a physical or other disability, or a language or literacy barrier, you may qualify to have checks mailed to you.
  • How do I apply for an exemption?
    If there is a reason that prevents you from using direct deposit or the Connecticut Child support Card, you must submit a detailed written request for review. Please include your name, address, daytime telephone number, and social security number or child support case number with your request. Mail your request to: CT-CCSPC, P.O. BOX 990036 HARTFORD, CT 06199-0036.

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