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 ReliaCardImage group family and child care center providers.

What is the U.S. Bank ReliaCard?
It is a reloadable, Visa®-branded prepaid debit card issued by U.S. Bank that provides an electronic option for receiving your child care payments. It is not a credit card, but works similarly to other debit cards. Once funds are added to the card account, it may be used to make purchases everywhere debit cards are accepted. The card can be used to pay bills, and for online, phone and mail order purchases. You can also withdraw cash at ATMs (1), banks or credit unions or by getting cash back with purchases at participating merchants. The amounts of purchases, bill payments or cash withdrawals are automatically deducted from the available balance on the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Easy to get – there is no cost to enroll, no credit checks2 and no bank accounts required
Widely accepted – make purchases anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted (in stores, restaurants, online, over the phone, etc)
Save time and money – no expensive check cashing fees or trips to the bank
Safe – you don’t need to carry cash with you. If you lose your card, it can be replaced and your card balance restored. Your funds are protected by Visa Zero Liability (3) and are FDIC insured
Reliable – receive your child care payments on time

24/7 access – call Cardmember Services or go online to get real time account information

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?

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?
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
910 East Sioux Ave.
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.

1. Fees may apply to non-U.S. Bank, non-MoneyPass or non-SUM ATMs. The owner of the ATM may also assess a surcharge fee.

2. Successful identity verification required. To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal Law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. If necessary, we may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents.

3. Visa Zero Liability protects you against unauthorized purchases. U.S.-issued cards only. This does not apply to ATM transactions or to PIN transactions not processed by Visa. You must immediately report any unauthorized use.