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CONNECTICUT CHILD SUPPORT CARD
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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 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:
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Description
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Fee*
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Domestic Signature Transaction Declined
Non-NSF
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Free
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Domestic Signature Transaction Declined NSF
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$0.50 per transaction
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Domestic PIN Transaction Declined Non-NSF
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Free
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Domestic PIN Transaction Declined NSF
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$0.50 per transaction
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International Signature Transaction
Declined
Non-NSF
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Free
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International Signature Transaction
Declined NSF
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$0.50 per transaction
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International PIN Transaction Declined
Non-NSF
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Free
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International PIN Transaction Declined
NSF
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$0.50 per transaction
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Domestic ATM Withdrawal In-Network
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1 free per month, then $1.50 per
transaction
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Domestic ATM Withdrawal Out-of-Network
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1 free per month, then $1.50 per
transaction
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Domestic ATM Balance Inquiry In-Network
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Free
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Domestic ATM Balance Inquiry Out-of-Network
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$0.50 per transaction
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Domestic ATM Declined Non-NSF
In/ Out-of-Network
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Free
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Domestic ATM Declined NSF
In/ Out-of-Network
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$0.50 per transaction
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International ATM Withdrawal
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$3.00 per transaction
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International ATM Balance Inquiry
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$1.00 per transaction
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International ATM Declined Non-NSF
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Free
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International ATM Declined NSF
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$0.50 per transaction
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Over the Counter (Teller) Cash Withdrawal
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1 free per load, then $5.00 per transaction
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Currency Conversion
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3%
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Customer Service Call (includes IVR calls)
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Free
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Replacement Card Issuance
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1 free per calendar year; else $5.00 per
request
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Expedited Card Replacement
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$10.00 per request
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Close Account; Request Check
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$10.00 per request
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Account Maintenance
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Free
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Bill Payment – Electronic or Paper Check
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$0.75 per transaction
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* 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)
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1)
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Insert your card into the point-of-sale terminal.
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2)
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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.
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3)
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Enter your 4-digit personal identification
number (PIN).
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4)
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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.
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Automated Teller Machines (ATM)
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1)
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Insert or swipe your card.
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2)
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Enter your 4-digit personal identification
number (PIN).
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3)
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Press “Withdrawal” and then “Checking.”
Follow the instructions until the transaction is completed.
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4)
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Take your cash, your card, and your
receipt.
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- 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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