Direct Deposit

What is it?

Direct Deposit is the electronic transfer of child support payments into your checking or savings account. It is a fast, reliable, and secure way to receive your child support payment.

How does it work?

With Direct Deposit, you will no longer receive a paper check in the mail; instead, your child support payment will now be electronically deposited directly into your checking or savings account. In most instances, Direct Deposit will result in having access to your child support payment more quickly than the old method of mailing paper checks.

Why is Direct Deposit more beneficial?

• Saves time and is more convenient - you no longer will have to search for a parking spot, wait in line at the bank, produce identification, fill out deposit slips, or remember account numbers
• Provides child support payments more quickly (in most instances, payments are automatically deposited into your account three business days after the child support payment is received)
• Ends any concerns about lost or stolen checks
• Costs you nothing (i.e., it's free)
• Eliminates check cashing fees

What steps do I have to take?

1. Download the "Authorization for Direct Deposit" form, which can be found in the FORMS section of this web site.
2. If you do not already have a checking or savings account, you must open one. (Many financial institutions offer low cost or free checking accounts.)
3. Complete the authorization form. Be sure to include either a copy of a voided check from your checking account, or a letter from your financial institution that lists your name, address, bank routing number, and your account number (note: a letter is required if you want your payment to be sent to your savings account). If you decide to send a letter, please ensure that it is written on bank letterhead and signed by a bank representative. Do not send a deposit slip. Your name must appear on the account.
4. Mail the authorization form and either the voided check or the bank letter to:
   Office of Child Support Services Attention: Accounting Office 77 Dorrance Street Providence, RI 02903

When will Direct Deposit start?

Once we receive your completed authorization form, along with either your voided check or your bank letter, your financial institution will be contacted to confirm the account information you sent us. Your checking or savings account will then be programmed for Direct Deposit.

You should allow approximately 20 days from the time this agency processes your authorization form for your Direct Deposit to begin. You will be sent notification when your authorization form has been processed. Please be aware that if you currently receive child support payments on a bi-weekly or monthly basis, this process will take longer.

Until all of the Direct Deposit processing is completed, you will continue to receive child support payments by paper check.

How can I verify Direct Deposit Payments?

You can verify whether Direct Deposit payments have been made by using any one of the following three methods:

1. Call the Child Support Voice Response System at (401) 222-2847 and then enter your case number and your PIN number.
2. Use your financial institution's automated teller service, either by telephone or on-line access.
3. Review your monthly bank statement.

Please do not call the Office of Child Support Services agency because our agents do not have any information about the status of direct deposit payments.

How do I change or cancel Direct Deposit?

Any time you wish to make any changes to your Direct Deposit service, a new authorization form will have to be completed and mailed to the address listed above.

If you decide to cancel Direct Deposit, you must send written notification to the address listed above.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Yes. If the same payment is accidentally deposited more than once into your account, the Office of Child Support Services agency will immediately correct the mistake and notify you of the removal of the duplicate funds from your account.