Illinois bans child support payment fees

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has banned fees on debit cards used to collect child support payments.

State Sen. Dan Kotowski’s (D-Park Ridge) measure, signed into law recently, prohibits banks from charging ATM fees on debit cards issued by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to transfer child support payments.

“This measure protects families living paycheck to paycheck. It keeps single parents who receive child support from paying unjust fees and enables them to get the money they rightfully deserve.” Kotowski said.

Currently, people who qualify for child support – many of whom come from low-income families and are without bank accounts – may opt to receive payments on a debit card known as the EPPICard. The EPPICard’s minimum fee to withdraw money from out-of-network ATMs was $1.25; while an additional $.50 charge existed for all balance inquiries when using an ATM.

The law came about as a result of Kotowski’s weekly segment on WGN Radio’s Patty Vasquez Show, where the public is encouraged to call-in and suggests potential state laws.