Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Prohibit ATM Fees on Child Support Payments

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to prohibit ATM fees on EPPICards, reloadable debit cards which are methods of receiving child support payments. The new law will ensure that children receive the support and care they deserve. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to protect consumers and support Illinois' families.

"Child support is intended to make sure that our state's youngest residents have access to the food, clothing and housing they need," Governor Quinn said. "Those funds should go towards care for the child, not bank fees. Protecting withdrawals on these cards means that parents can access the funds they are entitled to without burdensome fees."

Senate Bill 640 allows consumers to access these child support funds through an ATM without incurring additional fees. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) currently offers EPPICards to individuals receiving child support payments who do not use banking services, allowing individuals to access child support funds electronically. EPPICards help consumers avoid check cashing fees and provides protection from theft or fraud. The law is effective July 1, 2015.

"This measure protects families living paycheck to paycheck," State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge), sponsor of the legislation, said. "It keeps single parents who receive child support from paying unjust fees and enables them to get the money they rightfully deserve."

Governor Quinn has been a leader in protecting Illinois' consumers and making sure residents have access to their money without burdensome fees. This month Governor Quinn signed legislation protecting users of employee payroll cards by limiting the fees that can be imposed on the cards, including a prohibition on fees for overdrafts, transaction history requests and purchases.