The process of receiving child support starts with a payment from the parent who pays support.

Once we get a payment from them or their employer, we record it and send it out. The vast majority of the child support that we receive is delivered electronically to the parent who receives support.

Normally, people who have never received CalWORKs get 100 percent of the payment we receive, aside from an annual fee of $35. Federal law requires us to charge this fee once a year, after we have collected $550.

Right now the process differs somewhat for people who are currently receiving CalWORKs or who received it in the past.

Remember: if you have a case with us or another government child support program, the person who pays support should not pay you directly.

We can put child support payments right into your bank account using direct deposit.

We charge no fees for direct deposit. And receiving child support payment this way lets you keep track of them the same way you keep track of other income.

To sign up for direct deposit, go to CustomerConnect. Or call 1-866-901-3212.

We can also put child support payments on an electronic payment card (EPC).

An EPC looks and works a lot like a debit card. You can use it anywhere that accepts MasterCard.

You can withdraw cash from it at no cost at any MoneyPass ATM location. The card provider charges $1.50 fee for withdrawals at ATMs outside of the MoneyPass network.

You do not need a bank account to use an EPC. You also do not need a Social Security number.

Unlike some debit cards, our EPC does not charge you a monthly fee or a fee for every transaction. You can check your balance for free online or at an ATM. Read more about EPC fees.

To sign up for an EPC, go to CustomerConnect. Or call 1-866-901-3212.

The fastest way to get updates on payments is to check CustomerConnect online.

If you are expecting a payment that you have not yet received, we may still be processing it before sending it to you. It can take several business days to process a payment.

Some employers and individuals also send payments by mail. Delays in the mail do sometimes slow the process.

Out-of-date addresses can also keep you from receiving payments right away. This can be true even when you receive child support by direct deposit or EPCs.

To make sure we have your current address, call us at 1-866-901-3212.