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CHILD SUPPORT DIRECT DEPOSIT
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- 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 into a debit 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 Direct Deposit?
With direct deposit, the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)
sends an electronic message to your bank or credit union telling it to
credit your checking or savings account with the exact amount of the child
support payments we received from the non-custodial parent. You can then
access and use the money as usual. With direct deposit your money is
available sooner because you don't have to wait for the check to come in
the mail. Best of all, direct deposit is safe because your payments cannot
get lost or stolen.
- What fees will I have to pay if I choose Direct
Deposit?
The Connecticut Child Support Enforcement Program offers Direct Deposit
free of charge. Although most banks and credit unions provide direct
deposit services without charge, you should check with your financial
institution about any fees it may charge.
- What choice is best for me?
The best choice for you depends on your situation. Both direct deposit and
the smiONE™
Connecticut Child Support Visa® Prepaid 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 smiONE™ Connecticut Child Support Visa®
Prepaid Card. However, the smiONE™ Connecticut Child Support Visa®
Prepaid Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank
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 smiONE™ Connecticut Child Support Visa®
Prepaid 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" (available on this website) 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 can enroll for direct deposit at any time.
- When will my direct deposit start?
Allow approximately 30 days
from the time you mail your application for direct deposit to begin. You
will be notified when your application has been processed.
- 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.
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