Making child support payments doesn’t have to be a chore. In today’s digital age, paying child support online offers a convenient and efficient way to fulfill your obligations. Whether you are new to the process or looking for easier methods, understanding your online payment options is key. To get started with online payments, you’ll generally need some essential information to ensure your payment is correctly processed and credited. This typically includes:
- The noncustodial parent’s full name (first and last)
- Social Security Number of the noncustodial parent
- For first-time users, your current address might be required
- Your 10-digit Office of the Attorney General (OAG) case number – easily found on your monthly billing statement or your online account.
- A valid email address for transaction confirmations and updates
Let’s explore the primary online platforms available for making child support payments, ensuring you can choose the method that best suits your needs.
Smart e-Pay: Your Direct Online Payment Portal
Texas offers a dedicated and secure online payment website called Smart e-Pay, managed by the Texas State Disbursement Unit. This platform is designed specifically for child support payments and offers a variety of digital payment methods.
With Smart e-Pay, you can utilize the following payment options:
- Credit Cards: Major credit cards are accepted, including American Express®, MasterCard®, Visa®, Discover®, JCB®, and Maestro®.
- E-Wallets: For quick and modern transactions, you can use popular e-wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or Venmo.
- Bank Account Autodraft: Set up automatic payments directly from your bank account for hassle-free, timely payments.
Click here to set up your Smart e-Pay account or log in to make an online payment now. You can also manage payments or report any issues by phone at (855) 853-8286.
It’s important to note that a convenience fee is applied to transactions made through Smart e-Pay, both online and via phone. For payments ranging from $1.00 to $9,999.99, a fee of 2.55% of the total payment amount is charged. Remember that these fees are subject to change, so it’s always wise to confirm the current fee structure when making a payment. Payments made via Smart e-Pay typically take up to seven business days to be reflected in your child support case records.
MoneyGram: A Versatile Payment Solution
MoneyGram Bill Pay provides another secure online avenue for paying child support using a credit or debit card. To use MoneyGram for child support payments, you’ll need to create an account and have your Child Support Division OAG 10-digit case number and cause number ready. When prompted, use Receive Code 14681 to ensure your payment is correctly directed.
Your cause number, assigned by the Clerk of Courts, is specific to your case and can usually be found in your child support documents or the court order that established your support obligations.
To pay online, simply visit MoneyGram’s website. Alternatively, for those who prefer in-person transactions, MoneyGram also offers physical locations where you can make payments using the same information.
Keep in mind that MoneyGram may also apply convenience fees to payments. Payments made through MoneyGram generally take around three business days to be posted to your child support case.
TouchPay Kiosks: Electronic Payments On-the-Go
For those who prefer to pay in person but still desire electronic convenience, TouchPay kiosks offer a solution. These kiosks allow you to make child support payments electronically at various local locations.
To locate a TouchPay kiosk near you, click here for a kiosk locator. Be aware that fees may apply when using TouchPay kiosks.
Explore More Child Support Payment Options
Paying child support online is just one of several methods available. For a comprehensive overview of all payment options, including mail, cash, wage withholding, and auto-draft, refer to the How to Pay Child Support resource.
Additionally, if you need to estimate your child support obligations, the Child Support Calculator can provide a helpful estimate. And if you are facing difficulties in meeting your current child support payments, it’s important to know that you may be eligible to Modify Child Support.
Paying child support doesn’t have to be stressful. Utilizing online payment methods can simplify the process, save time, and ensure timely payments. Explore these options to find the most convenient way for you to manage your child support obligations effectively.
