Receiving Child Support

There are two ways to received child support payments, EPPICard^TM Debit Mastercard^R Card or direct deposit into a personal bank account. If you choose to receive support payments directly into a checking or savings account, you will be given a direct deposit enrollment form during your Intake Interview. The form must be completed and forwarded to the PA Collection and Disbursement Unit (PA SCDU).  Or, you may contact PA SCDU directly at 1-877-727-7238 to set up direct deposit. If you do not choose direct deposit, an EPPICard^TM will be issued to you. 

PA SCDU receives and sends out child support payments. Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services operates PA SCDU. 

What is an EPPICard^TM Debit Mastercard^R Card?

The EPPICard^TM is a fast, convenient way to receive your child support payments. The EPPICard^TM is safer than using cash or checks. The EPPICard^TM is a type of debit card.

How does the EPPICard^TM 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^TM account. You will need to select a Personal Identification Number, also known as a PIN to activate your EPPICard^TM.

Where can I use the EPPICard^TM?

The EPPICard^TM can be used at any location that accepts Mastercard^R or displays its logo such as banks, retail stores, and automatic teller machines (ATM). You can get cash back with purchases at many businesses like grocery stores. You can use your EPPICard^TM for all of your purchases as long as you have money in your account. 

How do I use the EPPICard^TM?

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 at any bank displaying the Mastercard^R logo and ask for the amount of cash you want that is available to you. There is no charge to you to get cash from a bank teller where the Mastercard^R 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 accept Mastercard^R, in addition to grocery stores, and will give you cash back with no fee when you make a purchase.
   • At ATMs: You can use any ATM that has the Mastercard^R logo. There may be associated ATM fees.

If you are an EPPICard^TM cardholder and you have a question about your support payment, you may call EPPICard^TM customer service at 1-800-304-1669 or access the website at www.eppicard.com.

The phone number is toll-free nationwide. You can review your payment information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Must I do anything else?

The law requires each parent to tell the DRS within 7 days of a change happening, such as moving, changing employment or getting married. 

Please be sure the DRS has your current address. The DRS lists your address in PACSES, the state's child support computer. You can update this information online at www.childsupport.state.pa.us. 

If you have questions about your case that are not related to your support payment, please call our office at 724-430-1260.