Receiving Support

Today, child support payments are collected and processed by a single entity, the State Disbursement Unit (SDU). Required by federal law, the SDU processes 100% of child support payments in California. There are three ways the SDU send child support payments:

 

Direct Deposit:

  • Your child support payments can be deposited directly in your checking or savings account.
  • This is safer and faster than waiting for a check to be mailed.
  • To sign up for Direct Deposit, access the California State Disbursement Unit (SDU) website here (you will then be taken to the SDU website).
  • Then, select “Person Receiving Support” and you will be taken to the Direct Deposit sign up option.

 

Electronic Payment Card:

  • You can choose to receive an EPC that looks and works like a pre-paid debit card.
  • Every month, your child support payment will be applied to the card balance and you can use the card anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
  • To apply for an EPC, access the California State Disbursement Unit (SDU) website here and select “Person Receiving Support.”
  • Then follow all prompts to receive your card.
  • Electronic Payment Card Enrollment Flyer
  • For problems with your Electronic Payment Card, please contact Way2Go Customer Service at 1-844-318-0740.

By check:

  • You can still receive your child support payment as a paper check, but this option is slow and insecure, as your payment can be delayed or stolen out of your mail. 
  • California Child Support Services strongly encourages you to use one of the safer electronic payment options.