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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 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 the Connecticut Child Support Card?
The
Connecticut Child Support Card is a debit 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 JPMorgan/Chase Bank. 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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Check Issuance Fee
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$10.00 each
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Account Inactivity Fee |
$1.50/mo. |
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Denied Transaction Fee |
One free/mo. - $0.50 each |
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Card Replacement Fee |
One free/yr. - $5.00 |
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Expedited Card Replacement Fee |
$12.50 |
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International Balance Inquiry Fee |
$1.00 each |
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ATM Balance Inquiry – Domestic not at a Chase location |
$0.50 each |
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ATM Balance Inquiry – Domestic at a Chase location |
Free |
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ATM Withdrawal Fee – International |
$3.00 each |
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ATM Withdrawal Fee – Domestic not at a Chase location |
$1.50 each |
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ATM Withdrawal Fee – Domestic at a Chase location |
Free |
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Point of Purchase – Cash Advance Fee |
$5.00 each |
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Point of Purchase – Signature Fee |
Free |
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Point of Purchase – PIN Fee |
Free |
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Online Bill Pay |
$0.75 each |
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Electronic Noticing of Deposits |
Free (Future Improvement from Current Schedule) |
* 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 over 900,000
ATM's throughout the world, with surcharge-free access at JPMorgan/Chase Bank
ATM's in the United States. Just look for ATM's that display the logos on the
back of your card.
 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 the word "Connecticut" 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 4 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, JPMorgan/Chase is required
to issue 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
JPMorgan Chase Bank and there could be ATM and other transaction fees
charged by JPMorgan Chase 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.
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