Set up Automatic Electronic Payment Withdrawals - Oregon Department of Justice : Child Support

Set Up Automatic Child Support Payments by Electronic Withdrawal

Parents and those authorized to use the parent’s account may opt to set up automatic monthly payments through Electronic Payment Withdrawal, or EPW. With EPW, regular payments are automatically withdrawn from the payor’s bank account every month. There is no fee for this service.

To set up an automatic EPW plan, contact your case manager or the Customer Service at 800-850-0228 to ensure you qualify.

Once completed, please fax to 503-986-2416 or return to the following address:

Oregon Child Support Program
PO Box 14320
Salem, OR 97309-5048

Certain rules apply. Learn more and find answers to frequently asked questions below.

Two Types: EPW 1 and EPW 2

There are two types of automatic EPW arrangements. Both require an active child support case and approval from all users of the payor’s bank account. The bank must be a member of the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) », and the applicant cannot have any dishonored checks in the past 12 months.

EPW 1 is an exception to income withholding. Automatic monthly payments may be set up instead of regular income withholding when the parent receiving support (or the child attending school, if applicable) agrees, and there is no past-due support owed. The payor may request one or two withdrawal dates per month, as long as the full monthly amount is paid on or before the court-ordered due date.

EPW 2 is in addition to income withholding or an alternative if income withholding is not possible. Automatic monthly payments may be set up to supplement regular income withholding, or when income withholding is not available because the parent paying support is self-employed, underemployed, or unemployed. EPW 2 may be set up for active cases or those with a judgment only. The case may have arrears, and does not need to be currently accruing monthly support. The payer may elect any withdrawal amount, and may request one or two withdrawal dates in the month the payment is due.

Electronic Payment Withdrawal FAQs

Can I fax a copy of my EPW enrollment form?: Yes, our fax number is 503-986-2416. Be sure to include a preprinted voided check or other documentation that includes (1) the name of the financial institution, (2) your name, (3) shows you are the account holder or signer on the account, (4) routing number, and (5) complete account number. A letter from your financial institution with the required information is also acceptable.
What happens if my request for EPW is not approved?: You will receive a notice in the mail explaining why your EPW request was not approved.
How will I know when my EPW is activated?: You will receive a notice in the mail prior to the first withdrawal. We must run a “test” cycle through your financial institution. This test will be run during the first month after your EPW request is approved. You should continue making your support payments as ordered until your first electronic withdrawal.
Can my EPW be revoked after it is approved?: Yes. EPW can be revoked for several reasons, including if two or more dishonored payments were received within the past 12 months, or if the required consent authorization is revoked.

Dishonored Payments

What happens if I don’t have sufficient funds in my financial institution account?: If you do not have sufficient funds in your financial institution account at the time your support payment is due, we may make two additional attempts to secure the funds. We will contact you to discuss when the next estimated date an attempted withdrawal will occur. If the third attempt is unsuccessful, your EPW will be suspended and may be canceled as provided in OAR 137-055-4080.
What if I have more than one dishonored payment?: If you have two dishonored payments within 12 months, your EPW will be revoked. You will not be able to use the EPW service for 12 months from the date it is revoked.
What does "dishonored payment" mean?: A dishonored payment is a payment that was returned unpaid to the Oregon Child Support Program from your financial institution. Payments can be returned dishonored due to a lack of funds in your account, a closed or frozen account, an inaccurate account number, or similar reasons.
Are there any fees charged to me if I send in a payment that is not honored by my financial institution?: Yes. A $35 fee will be charged for dishonored payments, as allowed by (ORS 25.125 and OAR 137-055-6240). This fee applies to checks and electronic payments. Only one fee will be charged per payment, even if we try to deposit it more than once.

EPW Help

Open All

What if I have more questions?

Contact your case manager or the EPW Specialist at 503-986-6220.

The Oregon Child Support Program can provide you with information from forms and other notices in your own language, free of charge. This also includes Braille, large print, and the use of interpreters. To find out more, contact your child support office.