Payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Are payment coupons available?
No, payment coupons are no longer available. Employers who send in checks are encouraged to provide information required for payment processing as shown in check examples. To save time and money, employers are encouraged to use electronic funds transfer or use the several options available. For more electronic payment information, go to Employer Payment Methods.
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Are there other acceptable payment methods for child support?
Yes. Third party payroll providers offer methods for paying support which include electronic payment or check issuance. Some companies offer website solutions as a payment method. If you have further questions, communicate using one of the following methods:
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When are payments sent?
An employer must send in the amount withheld on each pay date. For payments made by Electronic Funds Transfer or Electronic Data Interchange, an employer must send the amount withheld no later than the second business day after the pay date.
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What does ACH mean?
Automated Clearing House (ACH) is a funds transfer system governed by the rules of the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) to remit payments and payment information electronically.
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What does NACHA mean?
NACHA is the Electronic Payment Association that establishes the rule and guidelines governing the formats, specifications, and exchange of ACH entries. For additional information on NACHA, please visit their Web site at www.nacha.org.
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What are the security risks associated with using EFT?
As long as the solution you select has implemented security technologies that provide a minimum level of security that is equivalent to 128-bit RC4 encryption technology, your EFT payment should be secure. The NACHA rules require all entries through the ACH operators to be at the minimum of 128-bit RC4 encryption as commercially reasonable security.
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What ACH formats do state disbursement units (SDUs) accept?
As of September 30, 1997, all SDUs were required to be capable of accepting employer-originated child support withholding payments to be sent in the CCD+ format. Although an increasing number of states also accept the CTX 820 format, it is always best to first contact the state to which you will be remitting to be sure. Both the CCD+ and the CTX 820 include the addenda record which supports the posting information.
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Is EFT faster than mailing in the payment?
Yes, in most cases. EFT payments normally take approximately 2 business days to be received at the SDU.
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How can I verify the payment has been received at the SDU?
To verify a payment, contact the Employer Call Center at 1-800-850-6442.
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What are the benefits of remitting via EFT?
Employers who remit their child support payments through EFT can reduce their administrative burden, avoid postage costs, and increase the accuracy and security of the payments. Best of all, it ensures child support payments reach families more quickly.
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Where can I obtain the SDU banking information to start remitting my payments?
To obtain the SDU’s banking information, our state does require a case reconciliation to be complete before releasing the information. You may contact the Employer Call Center at 1-800-850-6442 to obtain additional information on the reconciliation process.
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What is the FIPS code to use for Texas?
The Federal Information Process Standard (FIPS) code for Texas is 48000.
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What can an employer do to stop payment on a submitted payment, if necessary?
If an employer needs to request a stop payment, please contact the Employer Call Center (800) 850-6442 as soon as you are aware of the issue so we can assist you with a resolution. A stop payment may not be available after the payment is processed and disbursed.
The following are examples of situations that may indicate a stop payment is necessary:
  • The employer receives a terminated order.
  • A check has not cleared the employer’s bank account.
  • A check is issued in error.
  • The employee is no longer working for the employer.
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What is a remittance identifier?
A remittance identifier consists of a total of 20 alpha-numeric characters. The first ten characters will be the OAG Case Number. Next will be the first ten characters of the court cause number truncated with no special characters. Employers must include a remittance identifier when sending payments for an IWO.
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Why is a remittance identifier needed?
A remittance identifier is needed as the case identifier on the Electronic Funds Transfer/Electronic Data Interchange (EFT/EDI) record.
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