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Posted: 07/07/2007
Attorney General Abbott Encourages Parents Who Receive Child Support to Join the Texas Debit Card Program
200,000 parents enrolled in card's first year; saved taxpayers $1.4 million
AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today encouraged parents who receive child support to enroll in the Texas Debit Card program, a year-old initiative that streamlines child support payments and saves taxpayer dollars. While many child support customers get a check in the mail, more than 200,000 Texas Debit Card participants benefit from an electronic funds transfer that deposits payments onto a VISA card. As a result, the parent can quickly access much needed funds for purchases at grocery stores and other merchant locations that accept VISA debit cards.
The Texas Debit Card is safer and more convenient than using cash or checks. Parents do not need a bank account to get the card. Equally important, Texas taxpayers save 51 cents with each electronic transfer to a debit card. To date, the card has saved taxpayers $1.4 million.
Texas Debit Card
Texas Debit Card Call Center
Child Support Payment Processing
"The Office of the Attorney General is committed to efficiently and effectively delivering much-needed child support to Texas parents," said Attorney General Abbott. "Thanks to the Texas Debit Card program, parents need not worry about lost or stolen checks or wonder if a deposit has cleared. We strongly encourage child support customers all across the state to enroll in this dynamic cost-saving program."
Parents who receive child support through the Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit in San Antonio are eligible for the Texas Debit Card. To enroll in the program, check account balances or obtain transaction histories, parents should call toll-free at (866) 729-6159. Customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to speak to child support customers.
Rachelle Herrick, a mother and Texas Debit Card holder, was very pleased with the help she received from customer service representatives and encourages other parents to sign up for the card.
"I had a great experience with the Texas Debit card enrollment officers," Taylor said. "They were very helpful, and I was excited that the enrollment was so easy to set up. I think the Texas Debit Card is a great idea."
After parents receive their Texas Debit Card in the mail, they can activate it immediately by following instructions that detail how to select a personal identification number (PIN).
Although participants may have to pay a withdrawal fee under certain circumstances, parents can avoid those expenses by requesting cash back on a purchase. Additionally, parents can make up to two free cash withdrawals per month at any Wells Fargo automated teller machine. They can make two additional cash withdrawals without a fee from a teller at any bank displaying the VISA or PLUS brand mark.
Greg Abbott
Attorney General of Texas
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