The Pennsylvania State Collection and Disbursement Unit (PA SCDU) receives and sends out PA child support payments. Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare operates PA SCDU.
There are two ways to receive child support payments, the EPPICard Debit MasterCard Card or direct deposit into a personal bank account. You must contact PA SCDU to set up direct deposit into your checking or savings account. If you do not choose direct deposit, an EPPICard will be issued to you.
What is an EPPICard Debit MasterCard® Card?
The EPPICard is the new way to receive your child support payments. The EPPICard is safer and more convenient than cash or checks. The EPPICard is a type of debit card.
How does the EPPICard Work?
Your support payments are sent electronically to an account that has been set up only for your child support payments. When payments are sent electronically you get them more quickly and safely. You cannot make your own deposits into your EPPICard account. You will need to select a Personal Identification Number, also known as a PIN, to activate your EPPICard.
Where can I use the EPPICard?
The EPPICard can be used at any location that accepts MasterCard® or displays its logo such as banks, retail stores, and automatic teller machines (ATMs). You can get cash back with purchases at many businesses that accept Maestro®, like grocery stores. You can use your EPPICard for all of your purchases as long as you have money in your account.
How do I use the EPPICard?
1. To Make Purchases: Present your card when paying. The amount of your purchase is automatically deducted from your account.
2. To Get Cash:
- From a Teller at a Bank. Give your card to a teller in any bank displaying the MasterCard® logo. There is no charge to you to get cash from a bank teller where the MasterCard® logo is displayed. When making your cash withdrawal, do not ask the teller for a cash advance.
- Cash Back With a Purchase. Many retail stores that accept Maestro®, in addition to grocery stores, will give cash back with no fee when you make a purchase
- At ATMs. You can use any ATM that has the MasterCard® or Maestro® logo. There is a communication line fee to get a cash withdrawal and a fee for each balance inquiry made at an ATM. Some ATMs also charge an additional surcharge fee for cash withdrawals.
Must I do anything else?
The law requires each parent to tell the Domestic Relations Section (DRS) within seven days of a change happening, such as moving, change in a job, or getting married.
Please be sure the DRS has your current address. The DRS lists your address in the Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement System, the state’s child support computer.
If you are an EPPICardTM holder and have a question about your support payment, call EPPICardTM at 1-800-304-1669. For information about your direct deposit support payments or check payments, contact PA SCDU at 1-877-727-7238. Individuals with hearing impairment should use 1-877-676-9582.
These numbers are toll-free nationwide. You can review your payment information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To speak with a Customer Service person, call between 8 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
For specific information go to PA Child Support Program.
For more information click: Child Support
For more information click: Paying PA Child Support
For more information click: Child Support and Taxes