I came across this list of frequently asked questions and informative responses from the official website of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Child Support Services, commonly referred to as the DOR. I wanted to make available the most commonly asked to all the Family Law Bits readers. For more information, a complete list of all questions and responses including a list of fees for each type of service, or for information regarding applying for or terminating services, modifying existing court orders, and to review the Handbook on child Support Enforcement, visit the website at www.mass.gov/dor. Remember, more knowledge means the ability to make more informed decisions that are best for you and your children.
- What choices do I have for receiving my child support payments? You can choose to have your child support payments deposited directly into a bank account of your choice or to have your payments loaded into a Child Support Card account. Checks are no longer issued unless you qualify for an exemption.
- What is direct deposit? With direct deposit, DOR sends an electronic message to your bank telling it to credit your checking or savings account with the exact amount of the child support payment we received from the other parent. You can then withdraw the money, keep it in savings, or pay bills. With direct deposit your money is available sooner, generally by 2-3 business days, because you don't have to wait for the check to come in the mail or clear at the bank. Best of all, direct deposit is safe because your payments cannot get lost or stolen.
- What is the Child Support Card? The Child Support Card is a debit card. Child support payments are transferred electronically into an 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 Child Support Card carries the Visa® logo, it is not a credit card. You are using your own money from child support payments deposited on your behalf.
- What choice is best for me? While DOR recommends direct deposit, the best choice for you depends on your situation; the choice is entirely up to you. Both direct deposit and the Child Support Card provide many of the same benefits. There are no checks to get lost or stolen, the money is available to you as soon as it is deposited, and your payments will not be interrupted if you move. One important consideration is cost. DOR does not charge any fees for using the direct deposit service or the Child Support Card. However, the Child Support Card is offered by DOR in partnership with JPMorgan Chase Bank and there will be ATM and other transaction fees charged by JPMorgan when using the Child Support Card. These fees will be disclosed in full to you if you select this option, and tips on how to minimize these fees appear below.
- How do I choose direct deposit or the Child Support Card? You must make a selection on the "Electronic Payment Application/Request for Change Form" that was sent to you and return it to the address on the form, or if you would like direct deposit, the fastest way to sign up is online via our Case Manager. If you do not make a selection within 21 days from the date indicated on the "Electronic Payment Application/Request for Change Form," DOR will automatically issue you the Child Support Card. Again, while either option is available to you, DOR recommends you consider the direct deposit option as your means of receiving child support.
- How do I know if a child support payment has been disbursed to me from DOR? Check your account through our Case Manager or contact our automated Voice Response System (VRS) at 800-332-2733 to find out if a payment was received by DOR. If you live in Chelsea, Charlestown, Everett, East Boston or Revere, you must contact us at 617-660-1234.
- When will my money be available on my Child Support Card? Money should be available for your use by the third business day from when we receive the payment. Please note, however, that DOR's customer service staff will not be able to help you with questions related to the availability of funds on your card.
- How do I know if money is available on my Child Support Card? To find out if a payment was deposited into your Child Support Card account or to find out your card account balance, you can access your account online at JPMorgan Chase "My Account," or call their Customer Service Bureau toll-free at 866-352-5851 any time, day or night."
By: Melissa R. Gillis, Esq.
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Posted by: Jeff Paul Internet Millions | March 04, 2009 at 06:03 AM