August is Child Support Awareness Month and the California Department of Child Support Services is taking the opportunity to launch a new payment option for cash paying customers called PayNearMe, which allows customers to make cash payments at any of the more than 1,500 participating 7-Eleven stores throughout California and others across the nation.
PayNearMe is the second cash pay option made available by the child support agency this year. The first was MoneyGram, which child support customers have used to pay more than $2.4 million in 9,000 cash payments since January. The department is exploring additional options.
“Supporting their children is the responsibility of every parent. Making it easier and more convenient for parents is our responsibility,” said DCSS Director Alisha Griffin. “Now, with the two cash pay services in retail stores throughout the state, we are helping even more customers where they live and work.”
During a two-month pilot of the PayNearMe service, the Fresno County Department of Child Support Services received more than $39,734 in 172 cash payments during June and July. Payments were received from 11 California cities and four other states: Florida, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
PayNearMe allows customers to pay in cash at participating 7-Eleven stores throughout the nation. Customers pay a $1.99 convenience fee and payments can take up to three business days to post.
DCSS continues to ensure that there are many ways people can pay their child support. Payments may be made online, by phone and by mail using a credit card, check or money order. In-person payments are available at select local child support offices that accept payments over the counter. Fees are not charged for using these payment options.
August is Child Support Awareness Month. This year’s theme, echoed on posters throughout the state, is that child support helps parents give children roots to reach for the sky. By providing for their many needs, parents help their children grow into thriving, self-sustaining adults.
DCSS and the 51 local child support agencies operate the second largest child support system in the nation. The department works collaboratively with local agencies, courts, county health and human services entities, employers and various state and federal agencies to help parents provide for their children.
For additional Child Support Awareness Month information follow this link to Lassen DCSS on Facebook.
For information about payment options or to make a payment online, visit www.childsup.ca.gov/PaymentOptions or call 866-901-3212.
