ODJFS Interim Director Jo Ann Davidson today announced that as a result of discussions with the Taft Administration, Bank One has agreed to waive a $3 fee charged to non-customers who cash Ohio child support checks.

"I am happy that our new management team, headed up by Interim Director Davidson, was able to quickly negotiate an agreement with Bank One to relieve families of the burden of a $3 check cashing fee," said Governor Bob Taft. "Our team is continuing to focus on all the issues affecting the processing of child support. We want to see that families and children are getting the money they are entitled to."

"The waiving of this fee is great news for parents who cash their child support checks at Bank One," said Davidson. "We know there are many parents who don't have bank accounts through which they can process these checks free of fees. I'm pleased that after our discussions this week, the bank has responded positively to the concerns that have been expressed over this issue."

All payments to child support cases in Ohio are made to an account which Bank One operates through a contract with the Treasurer of State. The bank then issues payments from the account via check or Electronic Funds Transfer.

"As a sign of our good faith and long-term relationship with the state of Ohio, Bank One has decided to waive the $3 convenience fee for non-customers to cash their child support checks in Bank One banking centers," said Bill Hartman, chairman of Bank One in Ohio.

The fee waiver takes effect this Monday, March 12, and will remain in effect through June 30, the end of the current contract period.

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For more information contact ODJFS Communications, (614) 466-6650.