SMART™ ePay - District of Columbia
SMART™ ePay - District of Columbia

Help / FAQs

Welcome to the CSSD Online Child Support Payment Web Site. This site allows child support payors to initiate bank draft authorizations to satisfy child support court orders via the web. Although a user may be registered to access DC child support case information, a separate registration is required to submit child support payments through the CSS Online Child Support Payment Web Site.

Questions About Registering

Can I have child support payments automatically withdrawn from my bank account if I am under an Income Withholding Order?
Yes, but income withholding will remain in effect and not be terminated.
If I elect to have child support payments automatically withdrawn from my bank account, can I pay what I want?
Yes, however, we encourage you to schedule your payments in an amount equal to your current child support obligation(s) to avoid delinquency. In addition, if a withdrawal falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or bank holiday your payment will occur on the following business day.
What do I need to do to have child support payments automatically withdrawn from my bank account?
Click Non-Custodial Parent at this web site, register an account, and schedule a payment. You must have a valid e-mail address.
What if I want to use the web site but I don't have an e-mail address?
A valid e-mail address is required in order for us to communicate with you electronically. If you do not have an e-mail address we cannot send you information such as a confirmation of your transactions. Free e-mail accounts are available on the Internet. To locate one, use any search engine and search for "free e-mail."
What information is required to register an account on the web site?

If you want to register an account for yourself, the following information is required:

  • Name and address
  • Social security number
  • Case number
  • Telephone number
  • Valid e-mail address
  • Bank information: bank name, routing number, account number, type of account; checking or savings

If you want to register an account and make a payment for someone else, you will need to provide the following information for yourself:

  • Name and address
  • Social security number
  • Telephone number
  • Your relation to the parent who owes support
  • Valid e-mail address
  • Bank information: bank name, routing number, account number, type of account; checking or savings
  • Name, address, social security number, telephone number, and case number of the person for whom you wish to make a payment
Can I have more than one bank account authorized for a payment?
No, you can only authorize one bank account for a payment.

Questions About Setting Up a Payment

What are my payment options?
You may schedule a one-time only (non-recurring) payment or you may schedule recurring payments using one of the following options
  • Weekly: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday
  • Every two weeks: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday
  • Semi-Monthly: two payments per month based on the following schedule:
1st & 16th 6th & 21st 11th & 26th
2nd & 17th 7th & 22nd 12th & 27th
3rd &18th 8th & 23rd 13th & 28th
4th & 19th 9th & 24th 14th & 29th
5th & 20th 10th & 25th 15th & 30th

  • Monthly: 1st-31st

    Note: Semi-monthly and monthly payments will occur on the last day of the month in months with fewer days than the date scheduled. For example, if the 15th and 30th are selected, February's payments would occur on the 15th and 28th (the last day of the month).
Can I schedule more than one payment, for example, a payment on the 20th of the month, as well as a payment every two weeks on Friday?
Yes, however, you will need to schedule each payment separately.
What day will money be withdrawn from my bank account?
Money will be withdrawn on the scheduled payment date. If that date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or bank holiday the funds will be withdrawn the next business day.
How long will it take for the CSSD to receive a child support payment once it is withdrawn from my bank account?
You will receive credit for the payment the date that it is scheduled to be withdrawn from your bank account.
What happens if my payment is scheduled for a weekend or a holiday?
If a payment is scheduled on a Saturday, Sunday, or bank holiday, the funds will be withdrawn the next business day. Your child support account will be credited the day the funds are withdrawn from your bank account
When may I schedule a payment?
A payment must be scheduled at least three (3) business days prior to the date you selected for payment, assuming that your bank account information has been previously verified by your bank.
What is the earliest date that I can select for my first payment date?

Your first payment date must be at least five business days from the date you register your account. This will allow sufficient time for your bank account information to be verified (prenote). If your account has been previously verified then the payment must be scheduled at least three business days prior to its payment date.

Example: If you register your account and establish a payment schedule on Monday the 1st, you must set your first payment date no earlier than Tuesday the 9th.

I entered a start date and the web site calculated a different date for my first payment. What am I doing wrong?

If you entered an activation date that is less than 5 business days from today's date, your activation date will be automatically adjusted to include the 5-business day verification (prenote) process.

Example: Today is January 26 (Monday) and a payment frequency of semi-monthly (15th and 30th) is selected. Friday the 30th is entered as the first payment date. The first payment date is set to February 16.

The 16th is determined by calculating five business days (January 27 – February 2), and then determining if the 15th is a business day. Since the 15th is on a Sunday your first payment date is set to the 16th.

Questions About the Verification (Prenote) Period

What happens after I register an account and establish a payment schedule?
If your bank account information has not been previously verified, it will be submitted to your bank for verification (prenote). If the prenote is successful, your payments will be withdrawn as scheduled. If the prenote is unsuccessful, you will be notified by e-mail and no payment will be processed.
Why would a prenote be returned as unsuccessful?
Most prenotes are returned as unsuccessful when the bank account information was entered incorrectly.
I received an e-mail that the prenote was unsuccessful. What do I do now?
Edit your bank account information through this web site and reschedule your payment. The prenote will be resubmitted. You may want to contact your bank if you need assistance identifying the routing and account numbers.

Questions About Editing or Changing an Account

How do I make a change to my account?
Make your changes through this web site.
I changed my bank account, what should I do?

Edit your bank account information through this web site. A prenote will be sent to verify the new bank account information. In addition, you will need to establish a new payment schedule since any existing payment schedule(s) will be cancelled when you edit your bank account information.

If a child support payment is due before the end of the five-business day verification (prenote) you will need to mail your payment in order to avoid delinquency.

How do I reactivate a bank draft that I previously cancelled?
Establish another payment schedule through this web site.
I authorized a bank draft and now I want to change it. What do I need to do?
Change or cancel your payment through this web site. You must allow three business days prior to the payment's scheduled date to make your changes.

Questions About Unavailable Funds

What if my bank account does not have sufficient funds to cover a payment?
You must cancel your payment at least three business days prior to its scheduled date. You can cancel your payment at this web site.
What if I fail to cancel the payment two business days prior to its scheduled date and there are insufficient funds in my account?
Your account will be placed on hold and your automatic withdrawal will be cancelled. You will then be required to remit all future payments by a guaranteed payment instrument such as a money order, cashier's check, or certified check.
Why is my account on hold?
We attempted to withdraw the funds from your bank account and they were not available. You will be required to remit all future payments by a guaranteed instrument such as a money order, cashier's check, or certified check.

Credit Card FAQs

What credit cards do you accept?

You may use your American Express®, Mastercard®, Visa®, Discover®, JCB®, or Maestro® to make a child support payment.

If you have your credit/ debit card linked to an e-wallet account such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or Venmo you can make your payment using these alternate payment options.

What browsers do you support for e-wallet payments?
Apple Pay payments must be made with an Apple device. Google Pay and PayPal payments may be made with any browser. You must use Safari (iOS) or Chrome (Android) when making a payment through Venmo.
What information is required to make a credit/ debit card payment?

The following information is required to make a credit/ debit card payment:

  • Non-custodial parent's first and last name.
  • Non-custodial parent's social security number.
  • Non-custodial parent’s case number.
  • Credit card holder's name.
  • Credit card holder's billing address.
  • Credit card holder’s phone number.
  • Valid e-mail address.
  • American Express®, Mastercard®, Visa®, Discover®, JCB®, or Maestro® credit card number and expiration date and CVV2/ CVC2 3 or 4-digit security code.
What should I do if I don't have an e-mail address?
A valid e-mail address is required in order for us to communicate with you electronically. If you do not have an e-mail address we cannot send you information such as a confirmation of your transactions. Free e-mail accounts are available on the Internet. To locate one, use any search engine and search for "free e-mail."
Can I make a credit card payment by phone?
Yes, you can make a non-recurring payment by calling 1-855-702-2270.
How can I obtain my case numbers?
Your case number is located on your child support court order, and other documents related to your child support order. You may also contact Customer Service at 1-888-470-1470.
Can I make a credit/ debit card payment if I also have an Income Withholding Order with my employer?
Yes, but income withholding will remain in effect and will not be terminated.
Is there a minimum payment requirement?
Yes, there is a minimum payment requirement of $1.00.
What is the maximum payment that I can make?
The maximum payment that you can make in one transaction is $9,999.99; assuming that your card has that amount of credit available. Multiple transactions can be made in one day as long as each transaction does not exceed $9,999.99, and the appropriate amount of credit is available.
What is the purpose of the service fee?
The credit card service fee is a fee to offset the cost of providing credit card service. The service fee for using this service is 2.5% of the amount of the primary child support payment. This fee is separate from and in addition to the primary child support payment.
Will the service fee be applied to my child support obligation?
The service fee is separate from your child support obligation and is not applied to it.
When will my credit card be charged for my child support payment?
Your credit card is charged at the time you submit the transaction, and when your credit card company authorizes it.
When will my payment be applied to my child support case?
Your payment will be applied within two to three business days from the day it was made on the web site.
Can I make a payment for a non-custodial parent with my credit card?
Yes, you can use your credit card to make a payment for a non-custodial parent; however, you will need their first and last name, social security number, and case number.
What is the CVV2/ CVC2 3 or 4-digit security code and where do I find it?
The CVV2/ CVC2 3 or 4-digit security code is an added security measure. It is used to establish that you are in possession of the credit card. Discover, Mastercard, Visa, and JCB print a 3-digit code on the back of the card. Maestro uses the last 3 digits of the card number as the security code. American Express prints a 4-digit code on the front of the card.
My credit card transaction was declined, what should I do?

You will need to contact your credit card company to determine why the payment was not authorized. It could have been declined for one of the following reasons:

  • The credit card number and/ or CVV2/ CVC2 security code was incorrectly entered.
  • There is a discrepancy between the address you entered and the billing address that is on file with the card-issuing bank. You must enter the billing address that appears on your credit card statement.
  • A foreign address (a country other than the US) was entered. The web site is unable to process credit card payments with a foreign address.
  • There is insufficient credit available for the payment amount.

Questions About Security

I am having trouble creating a User ID or password.
Your User ID and password must each consist of at least two numbers, six letters, and not exceed 12 characters in length. In addition, they cannot contain any special characters. For example, question marks, number signs, periods.
Can my password be the same as my User ID?
No, it must be different from your User ID.
Does my password ever expire?
No, your password does not expire.
I forgot my password. What do I need to do?
On the login page, click "Forgot your password?", enter the required information, and create a new password
If I forget my password and change it but remember it later and want to change it back to the original password can I?
Yes, you can.
I tried to register an account on the web site and received the message "user not found." What should I do now?
Contact Customer Service at 1-888-470-1470 and verify that your name, address, and social security number are correct in the child support system

Questions About Technical Issues

If it appears there is a problem with the web site. What should I do?
Contact DC Child Support Clearinghouse Customer Service at 1-888-470-1470 and report the problem.

Unauthorized Access of an Account

I believe someone has access to my web site User ID and password. What do I need to do?
Change your user ID and password through this website.
Money has been withdrawn from my account without my permission. What should I do?
Contact DC Child Support Clearinghouse Customer Service at 1-888-470-1470 immediately. You will be asked to submit your claim in writing.

Contact Information

Address
DC Child Support Clearinghouse (DC CSC)
PO Box 37715
Washington, DC 20013-7715

Phone: 1-888-470-1470
Fax: 1-202-370-1472

Note: All questions related to a child support case should be directed to CSSD.