Receiving Payments
Michigan law requires that, except in very limited circumstances, all child support must be distributed electronically. This provides parents and custodians with a safe, convenient, and secure method to receive payments, and the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU) with a more efficient way to send funds. There are some limited exceptions in which some individuals may continue to receive support payments by check. These include individuals with a mental disability, physical disability, or language or literacy barrier that results in a hardship for those individuals in accessing electronic payments; and individuals with both home and work addresses that are more than 30 miles from an automated teller machine (ATM) or their bank.
New child support recipients receive their first payment by paper check with a request to make a choice between direct deposit to their personal bank account or a prepaid debit card for future payments. A direct deposit request form is included and must be completed and returned if you choose direct deposit to your bank account. If you do not return the direct deposit form, you will automatically receive the Way2Go Prepaid Mastercard debit card.
Direct deposit and debit card forms can also be found online here. You may also call 1-877-543-2660 to speak with a MiSDU customer service representative with questions about completing the forms.
Tracking Payments
You may view your child support case online using the secure MiChildSupport website. This information is available 24-hours a day and provides case information, including support payments. You may also hear information about your child support case by calling the Michigan child support county interactive voice response (IVR) at 877-543-2660.