Child Care Payments

U.S. Bank ReliaCard for Child Care Service Payments

NOTE: As of May 2011, all child care providers will receive their Child Care Assistance payments electronically.

Who may request the U.S. Bank ReliaCard?
The U.S. Bank ReliaCard is available to registered family child care providers and unregulated child care providers (i.e. a relative, in-home provider, family friend providing care for children of only one family and maintains a separate residence). Direct deposit is available for all providers, including group family and child care center providers.

What is the U.S. Bank ReliaCard?
The ReliaCard is a Visa® Prepaid Debit Card. The card can be used anywhere Visa Debit Cards are accepted.  No credit check or bank account is required.  Your payment will be electronically deposited using the same safe and dependable method as direct deposit. 

• Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of the U.S. Bank ReliaCard?

• The card works like other prepaid or debit cards.  Use it wherever Visa is accepted including grocery stores, retail stores, restaurants, medical offices, etc.  The card can even be used to pay bills and for online, phone, and mail orders.
• You can get cash from any Visa/Plus branded ATM, or over the counter at any bank or credit union that accepts Visa.  Many merchants, such as grocery stores, offer cash back with purchase at no additional charge.
• The ReliaCard is not a credit card, and you never have to pay interest charges.  It can be replaced if lost or stolen, and it allows you to keep child care payments separate from your other financial accounts. 

• You will receive free online monthly statements from U.S. Bank to easily track your account activity.
• U.S. Bank provides 24-hour customer service through their toll-free number.

When would my payments be deposited onto my card?Payments will normally be made within two to three business days after Child Care Services applies payment.  Your payment will be electronically deposited using the same safe and dependable method as direct deposit. 

How soon will I receive my Child Care payments through U.S. Bank ReliaCard Visa?

• As soon as we receive your Payment Authorization Form in our office, we will process your enrollment and U.S. Bank will issue you a ReliaCard.  Your card will arrive through the mail within 5-7 business days of your enrollment. 
• For security reasons, your card will arrive in a plain, white, windowed envelope with a Fargo, North Dakota return address.  You must activate your card to receive your payments. 
• Please note:   If you request a payment, and we have enrolled you to receive a ReliaCard, you may experience a delay in receiving your initial payment to ReliaCard if the card has not yet arrived to your address. 

How do I sign up for the U.S. Bank ReliaCard Visa?
Complete the Payment Authorization Form and return it to our office. Print and complete the payment authorization form.

• Print Form  

Mail the completed form to:

• South Dakota Department of Social Services
  Division of Child Care Services
  700 Governors Drive
  Pierre, SD 57501

If you have any questions regarding electronic payment options available, call the Division of Child Care Services at 1-800-227-3020.