FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DOES NOT mean that the parent ordered to pay support is paying more. The law changed to let families have more money while the government keeps less for reimbursement benefits.

DOES NOT mean that you will receive less cash assistance through the CalWORKs program.

IS NOT a mistake, and you do not have to return any of the increased amount you may receive.

If the current child support collected is less than $100 for 1 child, or less than $200 for 2 or more children, you will only receive the amount collected, NOT the increased amount.

There is no action required and the increase will automatically start for child support collected on or after January 1, 2022. For more information, please view the infographic available in English, Spanish, and an accessible version below:

• 2022 Pass Through Increase Infographic (English)
• 2022 Pass Through Increase Infographic (Spanish)
• 2022 Pass Through Increase Infographic (English and Spanish Accessible)

To ensure our customers have access to their funds quickly and securely.

Yes, you should visit our State Disbursement Unit page and enroll in Direct Deposit or the Electronic Payment Card program. If no action is taken, you will automatically be mailed an Electronic Payment Card.

As soon as possible, but no later than 21 days from the date on the official notice that you received by mail.

Save money and time. These are the safest ways to receive payments.

• Keep more of your money, no check cashing fees, no lost or stolen checks.
• Easy access to your money through ATMs and point-of-sale retailers across the country.
• More secure than carrying cash and no waiting for checks to arrive by mail.
• Access to funds during emergencies or when you travel away from home.

Direct Deposit

• Payments deposited directly into your checking or savings account.

Electronic Payment Card

• Looks and works like a pre-paid debit card.
• Use the card anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
• Access your account online or by phone 24/7.
• No bank account needed.
• No Social Security Number required.
• No credit qualifications.
• Withdraw cash at no cost at any Moneypass location.
• Enter monthly sweepstakes drawing once you activate the card.

Visit our State Disbursement Unit page, create a profile or log in using your Participant ID and date of birth (DOB), then enroll in Direct Deposit.  

Visit the State Disbursement Unit page, create a profile or log in using your Participant ID and date of birth (DOB), then enroll in the Electronic Payment Card program

The GoProgram is the provider of the new Electronic Payment Card. The new Electronic Payment Card is also called the Way2Go Card.

If you enrolled in Direct Deposit or Electronic Payment Card you may disregard this notice.

It may be based on a system delay. If you already enrolled in Direct Deposit, and received a confirmation of enrollment, you may shred the Electronic Payment Card

View instructions on how to activate payment card online below:

• How to activate payment card online (English)
• How to activate payment card online (English Accessible)
• How to activate payment card online (Spanish)
• How to activate payment card online (Spanish Accessible)

View instructions on how to activate payment card via mobile app below:

• How to activate payment card via mobile app (English)
• How to activate payment card via mobile app (English Accessible)
• How to activate payment card via mobile app (Spanish)
• How to activate payment card via mobile app (Spanish Accessible)

Contact Way2Go at 844-318-0740 to issue a new/replacement card.

The card will be issued to you via mail in 7-10 business days.

Visit the State Disbursement Unit page, log in using your Participant ID and DOB, then enroll in direct deposit.

There are specific criteria for receiving an exemption. The Electronic Payment Exemption Request form will need to be completed and submitted. You can download the request form in English or Spanish below: 

• Electronic Payment Exemption Request (English)
• Electronic Payment Exemption Request (Spanish)

The Exemption Review should be completed within 7-10 business days from the date you submit the request and required documentation.

If you choose not to enroll in Direct Deposit, you will automatically be mailed an Electronic Payment Card.

You will need to enroll in the Electronic Payment Card program before you cancel your Direct Deposit.

You will need to enroll in Direct Deposit before canceling your Electronic Payment Card.

Yes. If you live outside the United States, you can still enroll in Direct Deposit or get an Electronic Payment Card. See below for more information.

Direct Deposit

• You may sign-up for Direct Deposit using a non-U.S. bank account. The program is currently available for residents in the following countries:

Alana Island, Austria, Australia, Azores, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadalupe, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Reunion, Romania, Saint Barthelemy, the French portion of Saint Martin, Saint Pierre et Miquelon, San Marino, SEPA, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

To enroll in direct deposit as an international resident, complete the international direct deposit form and follow the enclosed instructions. This form is available in English and Spanish below:

• International Direct Deposit Form (English) 
• International Direct Deposit Form (Spanish)

 Electronic Payment Card

The international Electronic Payment Card is administered by an independent bank and can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. To receive an international Electronic Payment Card, complete the EPC enrollment form and follow the enclosed instructions. This form is available in English and Spanish below:

• EPC Enrollment Form (English)
• EPC Enrollment Form (Spanish)

Your GoProgram User ID is NOT your Participant ID. During the registration process on the GoProgram website, you created a unique User ID. If you cannot remember your User ID, follow the prompts on the GoProgram website for “Forgot User ID”.

You must create a PIN to activate your card. If you did not create a PIN for your card during the registration process, please visit the GoProgram website or app to PIN your card.

The most common mistake is the Participant ID has been entered incorrectly. Some of the common participant ID entry errors include:

• Not enough digits: Your participant ID is a number made up of up to 15 digits.
• Not enough Zeros: Be sure that you entered the correct number of zeros in your participant ID number
• Leading Zeros: If your participant ID starts with zeros, be sure to enter the leading zeros as part of the participant ID.
• Incorrect DOB: Make sure that you entered your DOB correctly, in the format requested by the website/app.

If you are still having problems, please contact the child support office that is handling your case. Use our map tool to find your local office.

Your PIN resets at midnight, please try to log back in the following day. If it still does not work, please call the number on the back of your card to reset your PIN.

You can also use the website or mobile app to reset your PIN.

The mobile app is available for iOS and Android and can be downloaded from the app store on your mobile device. The app is called Go Program Way2Go Card.

The child support office in your county or region can provide the following services:

• Establishing parentage 
• Locating parents
• Requesting child support orders from the court
• Requesting medical support orders from the court
• Enforcing child and spousal support orders
• Modifying child support orders
• Collecting and sending child support

Learn more in our Quick Tip video below: 

Child support offices do not:

• Handle custody or visitation matters
• Handle divorces
• Obtain or enforce restraining orders
• Establish spousal support orders

Learn more in our Quick Tip video below:

Child support amounts are based on a review of both parent’s monthly income and the amount of time the child spends with each parent.

The Child Support Commissioner or Family Law Judge sets the amount of a child support order.

All income is taken into consideration and can be money, property or services, including:

• Wages from a job
• Tip Income
• Commissions
• Bonuses
• Independent contractor income
• Unemployment benefits
• Disability and worker’s compensation payments
• Department of Veteran Affairs disability payments
• Interest Income
• Dividend Income
• Rental Income
• Social Security or pensions
• Any payments that become due such as lottery winnings and insurance payouts

Watch our Instructional video below to learn more:

Yes, health insurance must be included in any child support order for all cases. If health insurance is not immediately available, the court will order both parents to provide insurance when it does become available.

Watch our Quick Tip video to learn more:

Under California law, you pay child support until the child turns 18, or 19 if the child is unmarried and still attending high school full time. Under special circumstances, the court may order child support to continue after the child is an adult.

If past-due support (called arrears) is still owed, the local child support agency may continue to enforce collection until the balance including interest is paid in full.

Child support case information is confidential and not open to the public. However, all documents in court files or county recorder files are public records and can be viewed by the general public.

Either parent can enroll in services or open a child support services case, as can a child’s legal guardian. If you already have a court order, Child Support Services offers neutral assistance with every part of the process, keeps records, and helps both parties stay on track. If you do not have an order, enrolling in services means your local child support agency will help you locate the other parent, establish legal paternity/parentage if required, get a court order and see that it is enforced in every state and many foreign countries.

Our new simplified enrollment form makes it quick and easy to enroll for child support services.

You are protected by law – California Child Support Services will never release your personal information to the other parent in your case without a court order.  However, some documents that contain your personal information may be filed with the court.  If you have domestic violence concerns, be sure to tell your caseworker.  Please email DCSSOCPA@dcss.ca.gov for a list of domestic violence shelters and resources in your area.

California Child Support Services is required by law to send child support case information to the federal government.  In an interstate case, that information will be released to child support agencies in other states.  However, if you are a victim of family violence a “non-disclosure order” can prevent the sharing of your personal information to the other parties involved.  To protect this information you must fill out the Family Violence Questionnaire and send it to the child support agency handling your case – but you must have been granted a restraining order or “good cause exception” from cooperation.

If you don’t have a restraining order or good cause exception and are still concerned for your safety and the safety of your children, you can get your own non-disclosure order through the courts.  Contact your attorney of the Family Law Facilitator in your county for help.

If you have a child support order that was set by a court but have not asked a local child support agency for help enforcing the order, that case is called “private”. Please note that private cases do not automatically go to Child Support Services once a court order is filed.

In private cases, the State still processes the payments made by withholding wages through the employer of the parent paying support.

If you have a private case and want help, either with enforcement or with keeping track of your payments to prove your compliance, you have the right to open a case with Child Support Services.

Watch our Quick Tip video below to learn more:

Yes. It is a good idea to open a case, whether you are the parent paying or receiving child support. Your caseworker will keep records, direct you to other resources that might benefit you, and be able to assist you if your situation changes. Child support can be complicated, and your local agency is there to help you navigate the system.

If you do not receive public cash assistance, there is an annual fee to cover costs. 

When you enter into a court order with payments for child and/or spousal support – you must complete a “Child Support Case Registry” form and an “Income Withholding for Support” form. Your attorney or a Family Law Facilitator can help you with this.

The Income Withholding Form must be given to your employer, and a copy needs to be mailed to the California State Disbursement Unit at:
California State Disbursement Unit (SDU)
P.O. Box 980218
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0218

Watch our Quick Tip video to learn more:

Child support orders can be enforced anywhere in the United States, and in many foreign countries. Contact your local child support agency if you or the other parent moves after a child support order is filed, or if you need to file an interstate case.

Two laws, called the Full Faith and Credit for Child Support Orders Act and the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, prevent a state from changing another state’s court order.

Watch our Quick Tip video below to learn more: 

For international participants in a child support case, the contact number is 1-408-273-0073.

Under federal law, the California Department of Child Support Services is required to charge a yearly service fee for certain, non-assisted cases. If the fee applies to you, you will receive an annual service fee assessment notice in October for each case to which the fee applies.  This annual fee changes from $25 to $35 on cases that received payments equal to or more than $550 when assessed on 10/1/2020, and annually thereafter.

The child support case will proceed, and the court will set the order at the amount proposed in the Summons and Complaint. After the order is set, you will have to ask the court for permission to change it. If you want your facts and financial situation taken into consideration before the amount is set, you must respond.

Yes. If you respond to the Summons and Complaint with an Answer and disagree that you are legally responsible for the child or children named, or disagree with the amount of child support requested, you will be given a court date.

Yes. If both parents agree on a child support amount, you can sign a legal agreement called a “Stipulation.” This document establishes legal responsibility for the children and becomes the official child support order.

Watch our Quick Tip video below to learn more:

Stipulations vary with circumstances, but basically say that the parent being asked to pay support agrees that he or she is the child’s parent, is willing to pay child support (and health insurance when available) and is willing to let the court file the order without appearing in court.

If you have multiple child support cases, there are limits to the amount of money that can be taken from your paycheck. In these cases, the money that can be taken is “allocated” among your cases based on a priority system. This allocated amount may not be the entire amount due, and in that case the balance due becomes “arrears” and interest will be charged until the total is paid off.

No. A child support order can only be changed by a new order or a stipulation approved by the court. Either parent has the right to ask for a review of the child support case if there is a change in circumstances of either person.

Changes that can result in a new support order include a substantial increase or decrease in either parent’s income, a change in custody, or a change in the amount of time the child or children spend with each parent.

Watch our Quick Tip video below to learn more:

The State of California takes refusal to pay child support very seriously. Enforcement actions on those not paying support can include:

• Suspension of driving license
• Suspension of passport
• Suspension of professional licenses
• Intercepting tax refunds
• Intercepting insurance payments

In extreme cases, the court may find the parent “in contempt of court” which can result in arrest and imprisonment, but this is used only when all other enforcement tools have failed.

Watch our Quick Tip video to learn more: 

Yes. By law, you can EITHER receive the court ordered child support OR the cash assistance, but not both. Starting January 1, 2022, if you receive cash assistance for your child or children through the CalWORKs program, the amount of the current month’s child support payment that is “passed through” to you may change from $50 up to $100 if you have one child, and up to $200 if you have two or more children living in the home. This is because the law that covers this “passthrough” has permanently changed.

Under Title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), section 302.31(a)(2), states must enforce spousal support for a spouse or former spouse who is living with the children provided two conditions are met.  First, enforcement shall occur only if a support obligation has been established for that spouse and second, only if the child support obligation is being enforced under the state plan (as opposed to a “private” case). Under this rule, California Child Support Services can only collect spousal support while collecting current support for a minor child.  Once all the children have legally emancipated, California Child Support Services can no longer collect or enforce a spousal support order.  

This applies to current support only.  Spousal support has nothing to do with the collection of past due child support, or “arrears”.

The title company will request a “demand” from the creditor (Child Support Services will be the creditor that recorded the judgment lien or abstract lien). The child support agency will prepare a statement of how much is owed on the judgment. This is known as the “demand”. In the case of an on-going child support order if the debtor is behind in his or her payments the demand will be for the amount of the overdue support. 

If there is a delay in settling the demand it is important to understand that the amount owed may change, and an updated demand may be needed. Failing to make additional payments toward child support obligations will cause the amount owed to increase.

The title company should submit a “demand request” and a copy of the abstract or lien to the attention of the Demand Desk of the local child support agency. The written demand request must be submitted using company letterhead with telephone and fax numbers. The title company must include the following information: 

• The client’s full name 
• Social Security Number 
• Date of Birth 
• Driver’s License Number 
• Property Address 
• A copy of the Abstract of Support Judgment or Lien
• A copy of the borrower’s Authorization to Release Information form  

The agency will perform research using the information you provide to verify the facts of any abstract or lien and then report back to the title company. Incomplete information may result in the request being delayed.

Abstracts and support liens do not attach to a particular piece of property, so it is important to perform name searches on the parties involved in the transaction. If the Title Company waits until the end of a transaction to do this, they may experience a delay. The following best practices may help avoid delays at the close of escrow:

• Start the research early
• Tell the title company that you have a child support case, if you do there is a chance a demand will be needed
• Check your credit report. California Child Support Services is required to report parents with arrears to the major credit reporting agencies.

We will need to verify the abstract or support lien and then determine how much support is owed before we can issue a “demand”. We understand the urgency and will work diligently to provide a response to your demand request.

When Selling or Refinancing Property

If you are selling or refinancing property and there is money coming to you, that money must be applied toward the child support demand until the arrears have been paid in full. Child Support Services will send a “matured installment” if current child support continues to be owed, or a “release of lien” if the arrears have been paid and current child support is no longer being charged. These documents will be recorded by the escrow company after payment on the demand is made.

When Buying Property

If you are buying a piece of property and owe past due support, one of the following could happen:

• If you are currently paying support through a wage assignment and your pay history is good, the child support agency may subordinate its lien in favor of the first deed of trust on the new purchase.
• If you have a poor pay history and are not currently on a wage assignment, then the agency will demand that the debt be paid in full.

Please make all checks payable to the California Department of Child Support Services. For proper identification the title company should include your full name, child support case file number, and Social Security number on the face of the check.

Payment Address:
State Disbursement Unit
P.O. Box 989067
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9067

If you have a property lien but are current with your child support payments and have no past due obligations, a matured installment is sent to the escrow company in response to the demand request. This document indicates that all support obligations are paid up to date.

This is determined on a case by case basis. If you are paying regularly by wage assignment or show a steady pay history and the arrears are not excessive, we will consider subordination of the lien to the new first trust deed (mortgage). Otherwise, we will demand payment of the arrears before subordination or matured installment will be issued. 

If there are insufficient funds to pay the entire debt owed, a partial payment may be accepted and the remainder of the debt subordinated to the first trust deed (mortgage). California Child Support Services legal staff will make this decision after a thorough review of the parent’s payment record and consultation with the person ordered to receive the support.

Yes! California law provides that when a grantor quitclaims their interest to another party, they transfers their entire interest including all the defects and equities which could then have been asserted against them. 

This means that when the debtor quit claimed the property interest the person who took title obtained took it subject to the recorded lien and Child Support Services can still assert a support lien on that property. This frequently happens in divorce cases, where the child support payer quitclaims the property in dissolution of marriage to the former spouse, who takes the property subject to the support liens. If the escrow involves a property where quitclaim deeds have been filed, a name search will need to be performed for the grantor of the quitclaim to avoid problems and future litigation.

No, as long as the child support debt is owed the lien or abstract remains active. The California Civil Code exempts support judgments from renewal requirements and the support order or judgment is enforceable until paid in full. Title companies should not limit the number of years they research since there is a possibility that the client could have a child support obligation on adult children.

Both state and federal law require all child support payments be sent to a single location within each state. Also, it is in your best interests to have third-party records of every payment in case of a disagreement with the other parent.

No, but you are encouraged to do so. There are many tools to help you pay on time and to track your payments for proof of cooperation.

As a registered participant you can:

• Safely store credit and debit card information

Please note, you can still make payments on the SDU website without registering.

You need your Social Security number, your 13 or 15-digit Participant ID number, and contact information. If you do not have a Participant ID, call 1-866-901-3212 to get one.

When you are ready with this information, register at the State Disbursement Unit page and follow the below steps:

• Select the “Parent Paying Support” button.
• Select “Register Now”
• Enter the required information, including a valid email address.
  • A temporary password will be emailed to you.
• Log in with your temporary password and follow the instructions to update your password to something of your own choosing.
  • You will only need to register once.

See our Payments page for detailed instructions.

No, your employer should have information on when, how and where to send your payments. After your child support order is decided by the court, a document is mailed to your employer with instructions on how much to deduct and where to send payments.

Please see our Payments page for detailed instructions.

Contact an SDU representative at 1-866-901-3212, and select Option 1. They will give you more information on how to replace the payment.

• Business hours for the number above are 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Pacific time), Monday through Friday.

All participants in a child support case can view their case information, including payment history, on Customer Connect, the self-service child support platform. Your Participant ID number and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) are required to access the system. If you do not have a PIN you can get one online from Customer Connect or call 1-866-901-3212 and speak with a representative to ask for a PIN.

Call 1-866-901-3212 and select Option 1 for any questions about the SDU website or their phone system.

Call Value Payment Systems at 1-888-877-0450:

• Select Option 1 for English or Option 2 for Spanish
• Then, select Option 2 for Child Support

Yes. You may want to check to see what kind of fees you might get charged.

Yes. When there is a change in custody or visitation, you can either go to court to ask for a change in the child support order, or contact your local child support agency. 

Watch our Quick Tip video to learn more:

Call 1-866-901-3212 to speak to your caseworker at your local child support agency. You can also email your caseworker through Customer Connect.

Watch our Quick Tip video to learn more:

If you owe past-due child support, a portion of your unemployment benefits or state disability benefits may be subject to withholding for child support.  Please contact your local child support agency for more information.

You must contact the child support agency handling your case. They can assist you in getting a license hold released

Federal law requires that a parent who owes past-due child support over $2,500 shall not be issued a passport. In California, you must bring your past-due balance to zero ($0.00) by paying it all off or having the case closed before your passport will be released.  Contact the child support agency handling your case for questions about passport holds.

Watch our Quick Tip video to learn more: 

If you go to jail, child support is still due, and interest will be charged on the amounts not paid. If you go to jail you should immediately contact your local child support agency to ask for a “modification,” or change, of the child support order. If you do not get a modification, when you get out all the unpaid child support from while you were in jail will still be due, plus interest.

Watch our Quick Tip video to learn more:

This is a notice sent annually to all parents ordered to pay child support that have a balance of overdue child support (called “Arrears”). In the notice, you will find information about how much you owe and some of the options available for paying this debt. Your local child support agency can help you with questions about this notice.

If you need to place a stop payment request, please contact the State Disbursement Unit prior to contacting your bank, and follow the instructions below:

• Complete the Stop Payment Request Form
  • Request accessible version
• Submit the form using one of the two options: 
  • Call the State Disbursement Unit at (866) 901-3212, Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.
  • Submit the form electronically by selecting the “Submit” button on your completed form. 

Please Note: If clicking on the submit button does not create an email, or if you do not receive confirmation that your request was received, then your completed form has not been sent. You will need to either call the State Disbursement Unit at (866) 901-3212, or attach and email the form to CASDU.Stop.Request@Conduent.com.

ExpertPay only accepts U.S. bank accounts, but can accept payments from international debit/credit cards. Visit ExpertPay to call or chat with a customer service representative directly to find out more.

Persons living outside the U.S. can also make a payment by:

• PayPal can accept some international debit/credit cards and bank accounts. If the card/account is successfully added as a payment method, your payment will be accepted. Visit our Payments page to make your payment.
• Mail a check or money order to:
  • P.O. Box 989067
    West Sacramento, CA 95798-9067

Remember to pay before the 17^th of each month to ensure that payment is applied to the intended month.

The three most common reasons that you did not receive the full amount are:

• There may have been a change in the income of the parent paying support.
• You may have been charged the Annual Service Fee.
• The parent paying support may now have more than one child support case and there was a change in distribution.

Watch our below Quick Tip video to learn more: 

You can check your payment status online on Customer Connect. If that does not help, please call the automated service line at 1-866-901-3212 with any questions you have regarding your child support payments.

Visit our Payments page for detailed instructions. 

You may now be able to sign up for Direct Deposit into a non-US bank account.  The program is currently available for residents of the following countries:

Alana Island, Austria, Australia, Azores, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadalupe, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Reunion, Romania, Saint Barthelemy, the French portion of Saint Martin, Saint Pierre et Miquelon, San Marino, SEPA, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Once you are signed up for Direct Deposit, your child support payments will be automatically deposited into your bank account.  It may take a few days for the payments to appear – visit Customer Connect to see status updates.

Service in additional countries is in testing at this time – please check back periodically for updates.

EPC stands for Electronic Payment card. It works like a pre-paid debit card – your child support payment is loaded onto the card, and you can spend it anywhere that Mastercard is accepted.

• It’s faster than waiting for a check – the payment shows up in your balance right away.
• You can use it anywhere they take Mastercard, including online or at ATMs to get cash.
• It’s safer than getting a check mailed.
• If you don’t have a bank account it is cheaper since you don’t pay check cashing fees.
• You can get account information and help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

There are no monthly fees for having an Electronic Payment Card but fees may apply to some services.  Be sure to read the information in the paperwork sent with your card.

The Electronic Payment Fee Disclosure document is available in English or Spanish below:

• Electronic Payment Fee Disclosure Document (English)
• Electronic Payment Fee Disclosure Document (Spanish)

Please note, ATM owners may charge an additional “convenience fee” for certain ATM transactions – a sign should be posted at the ATM to inform you of any additional fees.

A. On the State Disbursement Unit website at www.casdu.com:

• Select the “Person Receiving Support” button.
• Then, you will need to register and create an account  (You will need your Participant ID number, Social Security number. and your Date of Birth on hand).
• If you do not have a Social Security number you can sign up using your Name and Date of Birth.

B. By phone on our automated service line: 1-866-901-3212

• Option 1 and then select Option 3 to enroll for an Electronic Payment Card
• However, you will need to register on the website to use this feature or talk to a live agent who can help you with the registration process.
• Once you are registered, you can then enroll for an Electronic Payment Card.

Or, you can download an application and mail it to the address on the form. View and download the Electronic Payment Card Enrollment form on our Forms page.

Yes.  The card is administered by Comerica Bank and can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. 

No. All California case payments will automatically be deposited into your Electronic Payment Card account.

No.  You have full access to your available balance at any time and there is a $500 daily cash withdrawal limit.  Also, withdrawals from ATMs may be subject to the ATM owner’s limitations.  Taking out large sums may need coordination with your local bank beforehand to make sure enough cash is available for your requested withdrawal.  If your bank cannot fulfill your request for a large withdrawal, please call 1-866-901-3212 option 1 for assistance.

You can check your balance for free:

• Check your balance at the GoProgram website
• Or, call Way2Go Customer Service at 1-844-318-0740 any time, night or day. Your first three calls a month are free, after that you will be charged 50 cents per call until the next month.
• At any MoneyPass ATM network location. Find a location close to you at a MoneyPass ATM locator.
• You may check your balance at an In Network ATM.  If you use an ATM that is not a Comerica Bank ATM, you may be charged additional fees by that bank.

Check your balance for a fee:

• At any out of Network ATM and you may be charged additional fees by that bank.

You can sign up for low balance alerts by calling the Way2Go Customer Service Center at 1-844-318-0740 or signing in to your account at the GoProgram website This allows notifications to be sent to you by email, phone, or text message. Standard text message fees will apply.

You should contact the Way2Go Customer Service Center at 1-844-318-0740, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call the Way2Go Customer Service Center at 1-844-318-0740.

Yes! Just follow the below steps:

1. Dial 1-844-318-0740
2. Press 1 for English
3. Press 3 to for enrollment information
4. Press 1 to talk to an agent

You can use Customer Connect or call the automated service line at 1-866-901-3212 to hear details of the payments in your case.

Watch our Quick Tip video to learn more:

Only the court can make a change in any child support order.  You should be aware that it is possible that your child support may be decreased if the other parent is also responsible for other children.

From the Way2Go Website & Mobile App

Step 1: First, register your account at the GoProgram website.

Step 2: Then, go to Pin Management (under Services) to pin the card.

Please note, both steps will need to be completed for the card to be activated and ready for use. Also, the User ID is created upon registration. Some cardholders have incorrectly entered their Participant ID Number as their “User ID.” Please see the Steps Guide that provides information on the initial process and screenshots to assist with registering and creating a PIN for your new Electronic Payment Card.

From the Way2Go Generic Toll-Free Number

Step 1: Enter your language selection and card number.

Step 2: Then, enter Date of Birth, ZIP code, Participant ID, and CVC2 (the security number on the back of the card) to verify your identity.

Step 3: Then, go to the PIN menu and select your PIN (it must be entered twice for confirmation).

If successful, you will hear a message saying “your card is now ready for use”. Also, please remember to press the correct * (star) response when prompted by the generic toll-free number.

If your card is expired and you haven’t received a replacement, contact the Way2Go call center:

Way2Go Call Center
1-844-318-0740 (Domestic)
01-800-668-0210 (Mexico)
001-301-287-2003 (outside the USA)

If you’ve had a change in address, update your profile now at the GoProgram website.

Call Way2Go Customer Service at 1-844-318-0740.

A. On the Customer Connect page of this website.

B. Or by phone through our automated service line at 1-866-901-3212.

• You will need your Participant ID and a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
• If you don’t have a PIN, when asked if you are parent or guardian say “Yes”.
• Enter your Participant ID number.
• When asked for your PIN say “I don’t know it”
• When asked if you want to reset your PIN, say “Yes”.
• The system will send your new PIN to your email or mailing address.
• For assistance, say “Agent” at any time during the call.

Watch our Quick Tip video to learn more:

An employer cannot stop wage withholding until a Terminated Income Withholding Order (FL-195) is received. With a private  case, it is up to either case participant to obtain a Terminated Income Withholding Order (FL-195) from the family court that has been signed and stamped by a judge and provide the Terminated Income Withholding Order (FL-195) to the employer.  Prior to obtaining the Terminated Income Withholding Order (FL-195) from the family court, the child must have reached the age of 18 and either has graduated from high school or has reached the age of 19, whichever comes first. Regardless, the courts may require proof to verify, such as the child’s birth certificate and/or diploma.

No, a Terminated Income Withholding Order (FL-195) must be completed in person. Forms can be obtained from the family court and must be signed and stamped by a judge. Find your nearest Family Law Facilitator at the California Courts website.

You must file a motion for modification of your current child support order with the Superior Court. Once a modified amount is ordered, you must obtain an Amended Income Withholding Order (FL-195) from the family court that has been signed and stamped by a judge and provide to your employer.  If you are not represented by an attorney and you would like assistance with amending your current order, you may contact your local child support agency or your county’s Family Law Facilitator.

You must file a motion for modification of your current child support order with the Superior Court. Once a modified amount is ordered, you must obtain an Amended Income Withholding Order (FL-195), from the family court that has been signed and stamped by a judge and provide it to your employer.  If you are not represented by an attorney and you would like assistance with amending your current order, you may contact your local child support agency or your county Family Law Facilitator.

Once the Amended/Terminated Income Withholding Order (FL-195) has been signed and stamped by the judge, the participant or their attorney may mail, fax, email or hand deliver a copy to the employer. If the employer has any questions or requires verification of the order, they may contact the family court. Find your nearest family court at the California Courts website.

There are three different ways to notify the State Disbursement Unit of your Terminated Income Withholding Order (FL-195).

Forms can be faxed to (888) 587-5471, emailed to casdu-electronichelpdesk@dcss.ca.gov, or mailed to:

California State Disbursement Unit
P.O. Box 980218
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0218

Military Retired Pay

• Paid to the servicemember if they have certain eligibility requirements such as years of service (usually 20 with 10 “active” years). A servicemember can also be medically retired if they have a disability rating of at least 30% and they do not need to meet the “time served” requirements.
• Payments come from the military branch and not the VA, are generally taxable, and subject to enforcement via wage withholding.

VA Disability Compensation (service-connected) 

• Paid to a servicemember when their disability was incurred or aggravated during service
• Generally exempt from taxation and not subject to wage withholding before payment to veteran
• Payments may be enforceable after they have been paid out to the servicemember
• Servicemembers may apply for apportionment of those benefits for their spouse or dependents

VA Disability Pension (non-service connected)

• Paid to a servicemember who has served during a period of war and is either

1. 1. Permanently and totally disabled from a non-service-connected disability and meets certain income requirements OR
   2. Age 65 or older

• Exempt from taxes and not considered as income as is a needs-based benefit
• Not enforceable before or after payment

As a general practice, if a veteran is eligible to receive both military retired pay and service-connected disability, a veteran may elect to waive all or a portion of taxable military retired pay in exchange for an equal amount of non-taxable, service-connected disability compensation. The waived amount is subject to wage withholding but if there is additional disability compensation, it is not enforceable via levy, seizure, or wage withholding before or after payment.

All or part of a veteran’s disability award may be apportioned (paid) to the veteran’s spouse, child, or dependent parent.  A surviving spouse’s award may also be apportioned for the veteran’s child or children.  Apportionment happens via application by the veteran, spouse, or dependent parent. The apportioned benefits that are paid to the custodian on behalf of the child may be credited against child support obligations or arrears.  Similarly, a servicemember’s child may also be eligible to receive derivative benefits from their parent’s benefit.  Servicemembers should contact their local VA for further information.

Should a servicemember have additional questions about their VA benefits or eligibility to receive VA benefits, they should contact their local VA office. However, if a servicemember has any questions about their benefit and enforcement of their child support case especially if they are experiencing hardships as a result of a child support obligation, that individual should contact their local child support agency and speak to a caseworker immediately.

In certain scenarios the local child support agency can review the child support order for modification, the servicemember may be eligible for compromise of arrears owed to the state, or the case may be reviewed for closure depending on the disability and income status of the servicemember.

Tribal sovereignty allows tribes to decide what can and cannot occur on tribal lands. Speak with your caseworker to determine if other options may be available.

Some tribes work together with California Child Support Services and allow wage withholding when the employer is tribal. Other tribes do not.  However, tribes are within their legal and sovereign rights to choose to withhold against a tribal member.  If the tribal member is not employed by the tribe, their employer is legally obligated to withhold based on the existing court order.