Changes Coming to Oregon's Child Support Program

Enrollment and participation information will be mailed to program customers beginning in January 2007.

Photo: Kevin Hays

(SALEM) - Attorney General Hardy Myers has announced that the state’s Child Support Program will require customers to receive payments through electronic means, eliminating the necessity of mailing paper checks.

By using the state’s Direct Deposit program or the U.S. Bank ReliaCard, the state is able to save significant printing and mailing costs while providing families safe, convenient access to their money.

Currently, participation in the Direct Deposit and ReliaCard programs is optional for child support customers.

The state began offering the choice of the ReliaCard in 2005, thanks to a public-private partnership between U.S. Bank, the Oregon State Treasury and the Oregon Child Support Program.

Many customers have voluntarily participated in the Direct Deposit and ReliaCard programs because of the ease in receiving money.

Mandatory enrollment in the Direct Deposit and ReliaCard programs will begin no later than February 28th, 2007 and will be completed by June 30th, 2007.

Some exceptions may be granted.

Once enrolled in the Direct Deposit or ReliaCard program, child support customers receive their child support payments as electronic deposits.

As soon as money has been applied to the Direct Deposit account or to the ReliaCard, it is immediately accessible to families.

Participants in the Direct Deposit program must have a checking or savings account with a financial institution.

Use of ReliaCard allows customers to participate, who do not have, or prefer not to use, a checking or savings account for the receipt of their child support payments.

Families in Oregon who receive child support payments were notified of changes through information mailed with their December payments.

In addition, a toll-free information line has been established to assist customers with enrollment and provide information regarding Direct Deposit and ReliaCard: (866)460-5666.