Direct Deposit

Direct Deposit is a secure and reliable way to receive your child support payments. Money is electronically transferred from the Support Collection Unit bank account into your checking or savings account. Direct Deposit is automatic and safe. All you have to do is complete, sign and return this form to enroll.

Translations of the form in several languages are available for REFERENCE ONLY. Complete and submit the form in English.

You can fill out and print this PDF form using the Adobe Reader. If you do not have Adobe Reader, download and install the Reader now.

You can also get a copy of the form by calling the Child Support Helpline (CSH) at 1-888-208-4485 (TTY: 1-866-875-9975).

Complete your Direct Deposit Enrollment form carefully

Be sure to fill in ALL the required information.

Section A: Personal information

Include your name, mailing address, date of birth, Social Security number, New York Case Identifier (account number), county name, phone number, and email address.

The New York Case Identifier is your child support account number or Case ID (e.g., AB12345C1). This number is printed on court documents or official notices from the child support agency. You must include your child support account number.

Your email address is optional. All other information is required.

Be sure to sign and date the form.

Section B: Financial institution

All information is required: the name and address of the financial institution; the type of account—checking or savings; account number and routing transit number; the representative's signature, printed name, and date.

Remember, all information must be completed!
If anything is omitted, your form will be rejected.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Direct Deposit

How can I receive my child support payments?

You may receive payments through the New York Child Support Debit Card or through Direct Deposit.

If you would like Direct Deposit instead of the New York Child Support Debit Card, complete, sign and return the enrollment form to the address shown on the form.

Translations of the form in several languages are available for REFERENCE ONLY. Complete and submit the form in English.

If maintaining an account for Direct Deposit or using the New York Child Support Debit Card presents a hardship to you, you can write a letter to request that your payments be sent by paper check. Send your letter to the following address:

NYS Child Support Processing Center
PO Box 15367
Albany, NY 12212-5367

If you do nothing, you will receive your support payments via the New York Child Support Debit Card.

Will I be notified if my request for Direct Deposit has been accepted or rejected?

It will take approximately 5 days for your Direct Deposit enrollment form to be processed. If your request has been accepted, Direct Deposit to your account may occur approximately 10 days from receipt of the enrollment form, or may not occur until your next child support payment is made, whichever occurs later.

You will receive a letter notifying you if your request for Direct Deposit has been rejected, and the reason will be explained so that you can resubmit your request for Direct Deposit.

Are all child support payments eligible for Direct Deposit?

No. Only child support payments collected by a Support Collection Unit for individuals who do not receive public assistance or safety net assistance are eligible for Direct Deposit.

Child support payments collected for individuals who receive public assistance or safety net assistance are not eligible for Direct Deposit.

Also, direct deposits cannot be made to foreign financial institutions or to a trust account to benefit another.

Is Direct Deposit safe?

Direct Deposit of payments is very safe because the process is strictly controlled by banking regulators.

How soon is the deposit made?

In most cases, Direct Deposit of your payments will occur within 2 business days of receipt by the Support Collection Unit.

How do I know that the Direct Deposit was completed?

First, contact your financial institution to confirm that a Direct Deposit was completed.

If your financial institution has no record of the deposit and more than 2 business days have passed, call the Child Support Helpline at 1-888-208-4485 (TTY: 1-866-875-9975).

Will I consistently receive payments?

Direct Deposit occurs only after the noncustodial parent makes a payment to the Support Collection Unit (SCU). As long as payments are received by the SCU, the payments will be deposited in a timely manner.

Can Direct Deposit of child support payments be made to any bank or financial institution?

No. Direct Deposits can be made only to checking or savings accounts at a bank or other financial institution that is a member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) and only to financial institutions within the United States.

Can I split my Direct Deposit and place some funds in checking and the balance in savings?

No. You must Direct Deposit the entire amount into either a checking or a savings account. Some financial institutions allow customers to transfer funds between accounts; check with your financial institution.

What if I change banks?

Before you change the financial institution that receives your Direct Deposit, you should verify that the new financial institution is a member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH). If it is not, Direct Deposit cannot be completed.

If the new financial institution is a member of the ACH, complete a Direct Deposit enrollment form. Note: The "Bank Information" section must be completed and signed by a representative of the new financial institution.

Translations of the form in several languages are available for REFERENCE ONLY. Complete and submit the form in English.

Sign and return the form with your new account information to the address provided on the form.

Can I cancel Direct Deposit?

Yes, Direct Deposit of your funds can be cancelled at any time. To cancel Direct Deposit, complete a Direct Deposit cancellation form. You can also call the Child Support Helpline at 1-888-208-4485 (TTY: 1-866-875-9975) and request a cancellation form.

When you fill out the cancellation form, be sure to include your bank Account Number and the Routing Transit Number. Sign the form and send it to the address provided on the form. When we receive your request for cancellation, your direct deposit will be cancelled within 7 days.

What if I close my bank account before my request for cancellation takes effect?

Contact your financial institution.

Some financial institutions will process Direct Deposits to closed accounts for a period of up to 30 days. Others may return your deposit to your Support Collection Unit. If a deposit is returned, you will receive your child support payment by check to your address on file until a new enrollment form is received and accepted for Direct Deposit.

What if I receive support from more than one noncustodial parent? How does Direct Deposit work then?

If you are receiving payments on more than one case, you will have to submit a separate enrollment form for each case. Be sure to include the New York case identifier and the county name for each case (at the top of the enrollment form).

How do I know if my payment has been received by the Support Collection Unit?

To check payment status, you can view your account online or call the Child Support Information Line at 1-800-846-0773, a toll-free, 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week service.

In order to access payment and disbursement information, you must provide a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and your Social Security number. If you need a PIN, or if you have forgotten or lost your PIN, you can request one by phone at 1-888-208-4485 (TTY: 1-866-875-9975), or send a signed request to the following address:

Attn: PIN
NYS Child Support Processing Center
PO Box 15365
Albany, NY 12212-5365

Please include your Social Security number, child support account number(s), and your address with your signed request.